Jeff Schenck
Building “Jack Ready”
Jack Ready began as a concept rooted in niche marketing strategy: a calm, capable voice for preparedness content. I used OpenArt.ai to generate his visual identity, exploring different modeling modes to strike the right balance between realism and relatability. Hailou was used to define his tonal voice and personality structure, which would later guide caption writing and affiliate content framing. Every element, from the lighting in his portraits to the weathering of his tactical gear, was chosen to build trust and convey readiness. The goal was to make Jack feel like someone you’d follow, not just for entertainment, but for actual, actionable advice. The tools were powerful, but it was the intentional direction that gave Jack credibility.
What emerged from this process was more than just a character; I created a content-ready identity. Jack exists across dozens of photorealistic visuals that span deserts, forests, snowy peaks, and stormwatch environments.
Visual Output
Each image was built to serve a specific platform need, especially short-form visual storytelling for TikTok and Instagram. The character development included not only his look and gear, but also his affiliate structure. I wrote custom captions, hashtags, and calls to action that align with Jack’s tone and his audience’s buying behavior. His world is immersive and practical, and every asset I built supports both aesthetic and monetizable goals.
Generating AI Reels
AI isn't always that reliable, and you have to be a bit of a prompt expert, design guru, and AI whisperer to truly get the best results.
Desert Survival Tips Reel
Steps:
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Generate Character OpenArt.ai
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Prompt to create desert image
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InPaint to change apparel
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Use HeyGen.ai to create talking/voice
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In Final Cut Pro, Give Desert look. Sound Design Ambient background and blend voice to ambience
Forest Survival Tips Reel
Steps:
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Generate Character OpenArt.ai
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Prompt to create Forest image
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InPaint to change apparel
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Use HeyGen.ai to create talking/voice
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In Final Cut Pro, Give Forest look. Sound Design Ambient background and blend voice to ambience
Snow Survival Tips Reel
Steps:
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Generate Character OpenArt.ai
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InPaint to change apparel
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Prompt to create Snow image
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Use HeyGen.ai to create talking/voice
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In Final Cut Pro, Use Snowfall overlay. Sound Design Ambient background and blend voice to ambience
Workflow Process
This wasn’t a one-and-done process. It was iterative, and the workflow mattered. I started by defining Jack’s backstory and audience, then moved into prompt refinement for his visual identity. OpenArt.ai modeling settings were tweaked across multiple sessions to maintain continuity and realism. Once the base images felt right, I expanded his narrative with gear-specific image prompts, wrote platform-native captions, and shaped each asset for real-world brand partnerships. I treated Jack as both a character and a product: built for function, but designed to perform.
Strengths and Flaws
The level of detail in Jack’s environment shots, clothing textures, and post-apocalyptic color palette worked incredibly well. These visuals offered strong engagement potential and affiliate realism.
However, some flaws in the image generation process became apparent. Certain hands rendered in unnatural positions. Facial structure sometimes shifted slightly between model generations. These inconsistencies reminded me that while the tools are powerful, precision still requires refinement. Working through these imperfections helped evolve my approach; especially when preparing images for close-up use or composite storytelling.
Visual First
The most effective creative shift came when I flipped the order of operations. Instead of planning scripts or full scenes first, I started with the visual, a striking, believable image that could anchor the entire piece of content.
Once the right image was secured, I built story and strategy around it. This approach shortened iteration cycles and led to more platform-appropriate output. A good image isn’t just a result, it’s a starting point. Jack’s entire ecosystem now follows this image-first methodology, with each post designed for flow, realism, and scroll-stopping potential.
Strategic Impact
This project is more than a character case study, it’s proof of concept for how AI workflows, creative direction, and niche branding can converge into monetizable social media strategy. Jack Ready shows what’s possible when visual development and marketing intent are aligned from day one. Whether for brands building content libraries, agencies testing new verticals, or marketers exploring influencer-based campaigns, this work demonstrates how to move fast without losing fidelity, and how AI can support both story and scale.
Jack Ready
The Preparedness Enthusiast
British Columbia, Canada | Age: 45
Niche: Off-grid living, survival gear, emergency preparedness
Vibe: Calm, serious, dependable. Not a doomsday guy, he’s just always ready.
Personality Traits: Practical, methodical, resourceful, Protective and loyal: a guide, not a guru. Comfortable being the calm in chaos
Affiliate Product Strategy:
Gear: LifeStraw, solar chargers, MOLLE backpacks, multitools
Food/Water: Augason Farms, ReadyWise, Berkey filters
Courses: Wilderness first aid, land nav, grid-down prepping
Digital: Bug-out bag checklists, emergency plan templates
Content Hooks:
“What’s in my car if everything goes dark”
“3 things every family needs BEFORE the panic”
“What I pack for a 48-hour emergency drill in the Rockies”
“Why urban preppers don’t survive – real talk”