Frame the market first
Share the destination, sales channel, intended use, customer position, target quantity and timing. A premium hospitality object and a price-sensitive retail item may begin from the same image but require different material, construction and packing decisions.
Translate instead of copying blindly
Identify what the reference is communicating: silhouette, weave, color, proportion, function or mood. Mark which parts must remain, which should change and which can be interpreted by the maker.
Useful reference annotations
- Target dimensions and scale.
- Material or performance priorities.
- Color and acceptable natural variation.
- Components, logo and packaging needs.
- Target position if it should guide construction.
Review the sample as a complete decision
Do not approve only the overall look. Review dimensions, function, balance, weave, finish, joins, components, logo, packing direction and any market-specific requirements. Photograph and record requested changes.
Lock the non-negotiable details
The approved sample should be supported by a written specification. Record critical measurements, material, finish, components, label positions, carton marks and the quality points that determine acceptance.
Handmade variation should be discussed separately: natural color range and small irregularity may be acceptable, while instability, wrong dimensions or missing components are not.
Create a production handover
- Approved reference sample or agreed visual reference.
- Final written specification and revision number.
- Confirmed quotation and order structure.
- Quality and packing checklist.
- Inspection and shipment requirements.
If any point is still open, keep it visible. Silence should not be interpreted as approval.