I ran the same Claude design request 4 times. Only the reference hand-off changed.

Description and use

When using Claude to design a unique menu image, simply providing references is insufficient. Explicitly specifying which elements to take from each reference and which to ignore yields brand‑specific results, avoiding generic templates.

Problem

Designing a unique Instagram feed image for a new menu item using Claude often results in generic template-like outputs when only the prompt is changed.

Outcome

Providing clear reference roles and explicit take/don’t take instructions significantly improves Claude’s ability to generate brand‑specific designs, reducing template-like outputs.

Workflow

• 1. Submit identical prompt to Claude.
• 2. Observe generic template output (LV1).
• 3. Attach two reference images without instructions (LV2).
• 4. Note mixed or copied elements from references.
• 5. Add explicit "take" and "don’t take" lists with reference roles (LV3).
• 6. Refine with a real photo and minor fixes (LV3+).
• 7. Repeat each level multiple times to confirm consistency.
• 8. Document that reference role specification reduces unwanted mixing.
• 9. Compile best practices for reference hand‑off.

Evidence

In LV2, Claude read both images as equally important instructions. It didn't know what to take from which image, so it combined everything that stood out — or, on another run, copied the menu's dark card almost as is.

Source

Showing a reference matters less than saying "take only this from it."

Source