Custom figures

How to Write Notes for a Custom Figure

Good design notes tell the maker which details matter and which photograph supports each one.

VoxelPals Editorial · September 24, 2026 · 3 min read

Anniversary figure design with 2 characters on a simple base — VoxelPals AI design illustration, not a customer photograph. Scene accessories are quoted separately.

On this page

Use a simple reference map
Rank the details
Describe changes concretely
End with a scope check

Good design notes tell the maker which details matter and which photograph supports each one. A short organized brief is more useful than a long stream of impressions spread across messages.

Copyable example for a couple

People: A and B, standing on one shared base. Style: the selected 3D product's proportions. References: A1 and B1 for faces; A2 and B2 for outfits; C for the inward-facing pose only. Must keep: A's round glasses and B's short curls. Omit: the bags visible in C. Text: no inscription. Extras: none; people and standard base only. Display: please confirm overall width and depth before approval. Timing: intended for an anniversary; please confirm the schedule before we rely on the date.

Replace each field with your own information. This example is a brief format, not confirmation that a particular pose, accessory or deadline is included in an order.

Use a simple reference map

Write one line per image: “A: face and current hairstyle,” “B: blue jacket and white shoes,” “C: pose only.” Add a person label if the order contains several characters.

This prevents an attractive but outdated photo from supplying the wrong clothing or hair. Keep the original image files alongside the note so the labels remain easy to follow.

Rank the details

Separate essential features from optional preferences. Essentials might include round glasses, a specific dress color or a pet's facial marking. Optional details could include a small prop or decorative text if the product supports them.

Avoid describing everything as essential. A clear hierarchy helps the maker simplify appropriately at miniature scale and explain what would require a different size or separate quote.

Describe changes concretely

Useful instructions identify a visible result: “Use the short hairstyle in A, without the hat,” or “Keep both hands close to the body.” Words such as perfect, premium or realistic are too broad to resolve a specific design choice.

If you refer to an example product, say what you like about it—proportions, finish or pose—rather than implying that every accessory in the scene belongs in your order.

Blonde and brown-haired brick couple using broad hair sections — AI product design illustration. Actual parts and the approved build determine the finished construction. Tap or click the image to view it larger.

End with a scope check

Confirm the number of people and pets, chosen style, size, base, packaging and any separately discussed extras. Include an event date as a scheduling question, not as an assumed delivery guarantee.

For VoxelPals, standard figures can be ordered through the product options; backgrounds and additional scene elements should be discussed for a separate quote.

Save the final notes with the approved proof. Our proof-review guide uses the same categories, making it easier to compare the design with what you actually requested.