# 09 Iteration Workflow

Every character, enemy, boss, background, prop, UI element, and FX concept follows this exact flow:

```text
Reference
  ↓
Silhouette
  ↓
Shapes
  ↓
Values
  ↓
Colors
  ↓
Materials
  ↓
Pose
  ↓
Animation
  ↓
Production
  ↓
QA
  ↓
Approval
```

## Stage Rules

| Stage | Exit Requirement |
| --- | --- |
| Reference | principles captured, copy risks noted |
| Silhouette | variants scored, one direction selected |
| Shapes | dominant and secondary shapes approved |
| Values | grayscale readability passed |
| Colors | palette tokens selected and contrast tested |
| Materials | material recognition tested |
| Pose | core action poses approved |
| Animation | timing and event plan accepted |
| Production | final asset made from approved plan |
| QA | validator and checklist pass |
| Approval | owner signs off |

## Iteration Limit

If a concept receives `Rejected` twice for the same reason, return to the previous stage instead of polishing the rejected direction.