Bringing a Vision to Life with AI: How Mark Horton Turned a Creative Brief into Striking Visuals and Video for Martyn Lenthall
Introduction
When it comes to personal branding, most people settle for “good enough.” A half-decent photo, a few stock visuals, and maybe a logo that sort of fits the vibe. But I’ve always believed that if you’re going to do something that represents you – your story, your brand, your personality – it should stop people in their tracks.
That’s exactly why I reached out to Mark Horton.
Now, I’ve got a decent handle on AI imagery myself. I use it in my work. I play with it in my spare time. But I also knew that for what I had in mind – two very specific, high-impact visuals for my website and social media – I needed more than just the tools. I needed someone who truly gets it.
Someone who understands how to blend creativity, branding, and AI to create something that not only looks good… but feels right.
This case study walks you through what I asked Mark to do, how he did it, and why the end result wasn’t just what I wanted – it was better than I imagined.
If you’re considering using AI to level up your brand, or if you want to see what’s possible when you pair a clear vision with real expertise, you’ll want to keep reading.
The Brief
Let’s be honest – most people dabbling in AI imagery are using it for quick wins or novelty content. But that wasn’t the goal here.
I had two very clear, very ambitious ideas in my head. Not just visuals, but statements – something that would tell a story, grab attention, and instantly spark curiosity about who I am and what I stand for.
The first was a movie-style poster, titled “Who is Martyn Lenthall?” – a dramatic, cinematic image that felt like the front cover of a thriller or a high-stakes documentary. The kind of image you stop scrolling for.
The second was a portrait of me seated in an old-fashioned gentleman’s club in London – dark wood panels, leather armchair, soft lighting, a timeless, elegant feel. It needed to feel classic but not stuffy, confident but not arrogant. In short: personal brand meets visual storytelling.
I had a base image of my face, and I knew how I wanted it to feel – but I also knew AI can be unpredictable. To pull it off, I needed someone who could interpret a loose creative direction and turn it into something intentional, accurate, and powerful.
So, I handed the project to Mark Horton.
My expectations were high. I wasn’t just asking for “cool AI art.” I wanted something that looked like me, felt like my brand, and told a story at first glance – and I needed it in both image and video format.
This is how Mark took that brief and delivered something truly standout.
The Process
This wasn’t a drag-and-drop AI job. It started with one simple image – my face – and an idea that needed far more than a prompt typed into a tool.
Mark approached this project with the kind of detail, curiosity, and care you rarely see. He didn’t just ask what I wanted; he asked why. What was the story behind the visuals? What feeling did I want to create? Who was I trying to engage?
That’s where the real magic started.
For the movie poster, Mark extracted my face from the original image and used it to train the AI – making sure it actually looked like me (not a weird AI cousin). Then, using a mix of advanced prompting, model refinement, and image tuning, he created multiple iterations, honing in on a style that looked like a proper Hollywood poster. Dramatic lighting, sharp composition, and – crucially – my actual face, in the right mood and context.
For the gentleman’s club image, Mark used a completely different approach. The styling had to feel authentic – rich tones, wood panelling, classic furniture – and it had to strike the balance between modern confidence and traditional elegance. Again, the likeness mattered, but so did the mood. It had to feel like I was actually in the room.
Once both visuals were finalised, Mark pushed things even further by producing a short AI-generated video based on one of the images. This wasn’t just a gimmick. It added depth and movement – something that stood out on socials and made the image come alive in a way static content never could.
The whole process was collaborative but seamless. Mark took on the heavy lifting, but made space for feedback, quick tweaks, and fine-tuning until everything felt just right.
What impressed me most? He never cut corners. He didn’t rush. And yet he delivered quickly. Every step felt considered, intentional, and aligned with what I had in mind from the start.
The Outcome
The results? Honestly, better than I imagined.
The “Who is Martyn Lenthall?” movie poster didn’t just look the part – it felt like a real piece of high-end promotional content. It had depth, drama, and presence. It was the kind of image people stop and stare at, not because of the tech behind it, but because it told a story at a glance. That’s what great branding should do.
The gentleman’s club image was just as impactful, but in a completely different way. It captured the tone I wanted perfectly – calm, confident, classic. It looked like something from a tailored editorial shoot, not a generated image. But that’s what happens when you pair creative vision with technical mastery.
Then came the video.
Based on one of the AI-generated images, Mark created a short animated piece that gave the visual an entirely new dimension. Subtle movement, cinematic pacing, and a format that worked brilliantly across social platforms. It wasn’t just content – it was scroll-stopping content.
What made these pieces really stand out was how true they were to the brief. They weren’t “cool AI stuff” slapped together for the sake of it. They were crafted with purpose, aligned to my personal brand, and executed to a professional standard that raised the bar for how AI can – and should – be used in business.
These assets are now featured across my website, social channels, and other brand touchpoints. They’ve started conversations. They’ve turned heads. And they’ve set a new benchmark for the kind of visual storytelling I want to lead with.
Impact & Results
The real value of any creative project lies in what it does, not just how it looks – and this one delivered on both fronts.
From the moment I shared the poster and gentleman’s club image online, the response was immediate. People stopped scrolling. They commented. They shared. But more than that – they asked questions.
“Who created this?”
“Can I get one done for myself?”
That’s when you know a piece of content is doing its job. It isn’t just being seen – it’s sparking conversation and curiosity.
The movie poster in particular gave me a way to introduce my story and services in a fresh, compelling way. It broke the pattern of typical business content and let me show a different side of myself – bold, creative, and ready to do things differently.
The gentleman’s club portrait added depth to my brand. It made people stop and think, “There’s a story behind this.” That’s powerful positioning. You don’t always need to explain your brand when your imagery communicates it for you.
And the video? That added a whole new dimension to my digital toolkit. I’ve used it on landing pages, email footers, and in presentations – and it always gets a reaction.
But perhaps the biggest impact was internal. These assets gave me new confidence in how I present myself and my work. They helped me take control of the narrative, raise the visual standard, and show my audience I don’t just talk about being creative and strategic – I live it.
In short, this wasn’t just a design job. It was a catalyst for better branding, clearer messaging, and stronger engagement.
Why It Worked
This project worked because it wasn’t just about using AI for the sake of it. It was about using the right tools in the right hands to bring a very human vision to life.
Here’s what made the difference:
1. Mark’s Expertise in AI and Branding
There are plenty of people playing with AI tools right now. But Mark isn’t just playing. He understands the why behind the visuals—how to make them serve a brand, not just impress for a moment. He has the technical skill to get under the skin of the tools and the creative judgement to make everything feel cohesive, intentional, and visually powerful.
2. Collaboration, Not Assumption
Mark didn’t take the brief and run off with it. He listened, asked the right questions, and treated my ideas with care and curiosity. That collaborative approach meant the end results weren’t just “on-brand”—they were better than what I had pictured in my head.
3. Respect for Story and Style
Plenty of AI-generated content ends up looking like, well… AI-generated content. What Mark created felt like the opposite. The style, tone, and storytelling in each piece aligned beautifully with the way I want my brand to be perceived—professional, creative, and just a little unexpected.
4. Speed Without Sacrificing Quality
Mark moved quickly, but nothing felt rushed. There were no corners cut, no “that’ll do” moments. Every detail was considered. The speed came from his experience, not shortcuts—and that made all the difference.
At the heart of it all, this project worked because I trusted Mark to turn my ideas into something real. And he did exactly that—without compromise.
My Testimonial
“Although I’ve got a decent grasp of AI imagery myself, I knew this wasn’t the kind of project to DIY. I had a very specific creative vision and needed someone who could bring it to life—properly. Mark absolutely nailed it.
He didn’t just follow the brief; he improved it. The likeness, the styling, the emotion—it was all spot on. And when it came to the video, I genuinely couldn’t believe how polished and professional it looked.
Mark’s one of those rare people who really understands how to use AI strategically—not just to impress, but to deliver meaningfully. If you’re thinking about using AI in your branding, design or content, don’t waste time trialling it alone. Talk to Mark. He’ll make you better, faster, and more confident in what you’re putting out into the world.”
— Martyn Lenthall
Conclusion
At a glance, this might look like a case study about AI-generated visuals.
But really, it’s a story about clarity, creativity, and choosing the right expert for the job.
This project worked because Mark Horton didn’t treat it like a tech experiment—he treated it like a branding opportunity. And that’s what made the difference.
The final assets elevated my personal brand, sparked real engagement, and helped me communicate who I am with more confidence and clarity than ever before. And they were delivered on time, with skill, precision, and a deep respect for the story I wanted to tell.
If you’ve ever thought about using AI for branding, design, or content—but worried about whether it would reflect you properly—Mark’s your guy.
He doesn’t just use the tools. He makes them work for you.
FAQ: Working with Mark Horton & AI-Powered Design
Q: Do I need to know anything about AI before working with Mark?
Not at all. Mark guides you through everything in plain English. Whether you’re a business owner, marketer, or complete beginner, his process is simple, supportive, and tailored to you.
Q: How is working with Mark different from hiring a traditional graphic design agency?
Mark combines the strengths of an independent design agency with innovative technologies like AI. That means you get the creative design and strategic thinking you’d expect from a top-tier studio—plus speed, flexibility, and results you simply can’t get from off-the-shelf design services.
Q: What kind of projects does Mark take on?
Mark works on a wide range of visual branding projects—from personal brand development and social media graphics for clients, to advertising design and video content for larger campaigns. His focus is always on creating impactful design that aligns with your story and gets real results.
Q: Is this just about making things look good?
Far from it. Mark’s work sits at the intersection of bold creativity and creative marketing strategy. He brings brands to life with a clear purpose—helping you connect with your audience in meaningful ways that create a positive impact.
Q: Has Mark received any recognition for his work?
Yes. His approach has been described as award-winning design for the modern business world—combining deep expertise with a sharp eye for what works visually and commercially.
About Brand Builder Mark
Mark Horton—also known as Brand Builder Mark—isn’t just a designer or AI enthusiast. He’s a creative force who helps businesses, entrepreneurs, and personal brands communicate with clarity, purpose, and confidence.
With roots in traditional graphic design and a future-focused approach to digital content, Mark runs an independent design agency that leverages both bold creativity and innovative technologies to help clients stand out.
His mission is simple: to bring brands to life through creative design that doesn’t just look beautiful, but makes a measurable difference.
Whether he’s building a cinematic image, designing a full visual identity, or consulting on advertising design strategies, Mark’s work is built on trust, collaboration, and genuine care for the outcome.
Clients come to Mark for his deep expertise, and they stay because he delivers impactful design that’s as practical as it is powerful.
To learn more about his process or see more of his work, CTA
About Martyn Lenthall / Bamsh Digital Marketing
Martyn Lenthall is the founder of Bamsh Digital Marketing, an experience agency and trusted advertising agency based in Bristol. Known for working closely with B2B service providers, Martyn helps businesses improve online brand exposure through effective marketing campaigns and a practical, no-nonsense approach.
Bamsh operates across a wide range of sectors and specialises in building digital experiences that truly connect with customers. The team delivers clear, measurable strategies that focus on what matters—growth, clarity, and results.
Their services include SEO, AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation), Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and TikTok advertising. Bamsh brings together marketing digital knowledge and campaign creativity to deliver marketing campaigns that actually work.
Whether you’re looking to generate more leads, grow your brand, or launch a high-performing campaign, Bamsh Digital Marketing is the partner that helps make digital work for you.