Creative Portfolio by Hallie Gornall
Rhode Skin
Food-sensory visuals reimagined in video, blended with animation, live action, and Rhode’s signature clean-girl identity.
To develop my Rhode Skin spec ad, I leveraged the creative network I built through a Facebook group I founded for Chicago-based (and eventually remote) content creators, production crew, strategists, and talent. Growing the group to more than 120 creative professionals enabled me to source a team, coordinate roles, and manage the full production workflow.
For the Rhode concept, I conducted in-depth competitive, industry, and brand research—immersing myself in Rhode’s aesthetic, current digital trends, and the broader skincare landscape—before building a pitch deck, shot list, and creative brief to guide execution. The resulting concept translates the food-sensory trend from still photography into video, blending animation with live action to create a dynamic, visually rich expression of the brand.
Grounded in Rhode’s signature “cool girl / clean girl” aesthetic and set against a distinctly Chicago backdrop, the work reinforces its minimal, elevated identity while introducing a subtle tonal shift—incorporating moments of humor and relatability that reflect the brand’s evolution toward a warmer, more approachable form of “girly” storytelling.
Ad Elements
Translating the food-sensory trend into video
The concept leverages the food-sensory trend as both a marketing and psychological device, connecting product experience to emotion and nostalgia. By pairing the lip gloss with a gooey cinnamon bun, the visuals evoke familiar, comforting associations—cozy coffee shops, a crisp fall breeze—while drawing a parallel between textures, such as glossy frosting and the product’s finish. This translation into motion amplifies both the sensory appeal and the emotional resonance, creating a more immersive and memorable brand experience.
Blending animation and live action
Inspired by Rhode’s use of animated GIFs—such as references to the original Cinderella—the concept incorporates subtle storybook and princess-coded elements into the brand world. Blending animation with live action creates a refreshingly creative visual approach that feels both nostalgic and elevated, while offering a distinctive way to capture attention and reinforce brand identity.
Aligning with the “clean girl” aesthetic
The concept draws from Rhode’s most recognizable brand asset: the “clean girl” aesthetic, widely popularized in pop culture by Hailey Bieber. This identity centers on an effortlessly polished, put-together woman—glowing skin, slicked-back hair, and understated yet elevated styling—often situated in an urban environment, moving seamlessly between work and leisure. By capturing this balance of discipline, confidence, and ease, the creative reinforces Rhode’s aspirational tone while keeping it grounded in a lifestyle that feels both modern and attainable.
Featuring a Chicago backdrop
Set against a distinctly Chicago backdrop, the concept grounds the brand in a real-world environment that reinforces audience targeting by placing the consumer within a lifestyle they already identify with—a working, city-based woman navigating an urban environment in effortless, elevated style. At the same time, location-driven storytelling acts as a strategic branding tool, allowing the energy, reputation, and cultural associations of Chicago to transfer onto the brand and deepen audience connection.