The Challenge
SYNE needed to look like an established brand from day one, but their product was still in development. The goal was to prove that an early-stage skincare brand can launch marketing, attract retail partners, and build a social presence with visuals that rival any established competitor. All before manufacturing is complete.
The Process
Everything started with the brand identity. I built a type system using clean, Swiss-style typography to give SYNE a clinical, high-performance feel that stands apart from the soft aesthetic most natural skincare brands lean into. From there I designed the packaging, a translucent pink glass bottle that immediately communicates the cherry blossom active ingredient, paired with secondary box packaging using custom die-lines.
The real magic came in the visualization phase. I created custom liquid simulations that show the serum in motion, demonstrating its lightweight texture and flow. Light caustics capture how light passes through the pink glass and the serum itself, creating natural light patterns that make the whole thing feel alive.
The Result
SYNE launched with a full suite of photorealistic visuals and not a single physical product was produced to make it happen. Instead of waiting for manufacturing to catch up, they started building awareness, running ads, and attracting retail partners with imagery that looked every bit as polished as established competitors.
