You send a reference image with a note: “We like this, but we want it to look a little more natural.” That is a useful starting point. Before sampling begins, it is worth discussing what caught your eye.
When developing custom artificial Christmas trees, different people can notice different things in the same image. A buyer may like the open branch layers, a designer may focus on the foliage colour, and the sample maker may first consider the width of the silhouette.
If everyone proceeds with their own interpretation, the result may be a tree with individually reasonable details that does not quite match the buyer’s expectations.
A useful product brief does not need to be full of technical terminology. It needs to help both sides understand the same goal. A request for a realistic artificial Christmas tree still leaves an important question: does realism mean finer foliage detail, variation in color or a silhouette that suggests natural growth?
What Do You Want to Keep from the Reference?
When sharing an image, identify the two or three features that appeal to you most. Perhaps it is the reach of the lower branches, the space between layers or a slightly grey-green foliage color.
It is equally useful to explain what does not need to be reproduced. You may like the silhouette but want no flocking, appreciate the foliage texture but need a narrower tree, or enjoy the atmosphere of the photograph without wanting its decorations.
This gives the reference image a clear purpose. The artificial Christmas tree manufacturer can then distinguish the development priorities from the other elements in the photograph.
Give Each Reference Image a Role
Using several images during development is perfectly reasonable. One may illustrate shape, another color and a third the lighting effect.
Those features may need some adjustment before they work together. A dense silhouette in one image and generous gaps between branch layers in another may require a compromise. Branch-tip proportions that suit a small tree may also need reconsidering on a taller design.
Label what each image represents and explain the priorities. If some requests cannot be fully combined, both sides then have a basis for discussing what matters most.
Explain Where You Have Flexibility
Developing custom artificial Christmas trees often involves requirements for appearance, dimensions, functions, price and packaging. Some are essential; others are open to discussion.
A buyer may already have a fixed target price and maximum tree width but be willing to consider different foliage combinations. Another may prioritize detailed branch tips while remaining flexible about overall fullness.
Knowing those priorities helps the supplier make relevant suggestions. Otherwise, an apparently sensible adjustment may change the feature the buyer cares about most.
| Type of Requirement | What You Might Specify |
|---|---|
| Essential | Target height, maximum width, required functions or a key visual feature |
| Desired | Natural appearance, fullness, colour direction or decorating effect |
| Open to discussion | Foliage mix, some branch configurations, base appearance or packaging |
| Supplier advice needed | Possible approaches, available configurations and their implications |
| To avoid | An overly regular silhouette, a continuously exposed trunk or conspicuous colour differences |
These are examples of how to organize a brief. The priorities should be confirmed for each project.
Where Will the Product Be Sold and Used?
A tree sold primarily online may have different presentation and user-experience requirements from one displayed in a shop for customers to inspect closely.
Similarly, a tree intended to hold many ornaments needs suitable branch spacing. A product whose appeal rests on its undecorated appearance may call for a different approach.
Buyers do not need to disclose their entire business plan. Relevant information about the product’s use can help the manufacturer understand the reasons behind the requirements.
A Clear Brief Leaves Room for Ideas
Defining the requirements does not mean the buyer must solve every technical question in advance. Clear goals make it easier for the supplier to identify where advice would be useful.
At Northern Forest, we want to understand what you hope customers will notice first, what you want their experience to be and which conditions must be met.
“More natural” can open the conversation. Making that idea more specific helps it develop into a tree that can be sampled, compared and refined.
Contact us to discuss more!