feat(materials-and-outreach): tile blank variants, supplier outreach, spec sheets, Shopify setup

PROJECT-PLAN.md

@@ -1,9 +1,10 @@
 # Project Maharajong Development Plan
 
-## Current Status (Updated 2026-06-08)
-- **Active branch**: `design-playing-mat` (PR #20 open)
+## Current Status (Updated 2026-07-12)
+- **Active branch**: `feat/materials-and-outreach`
 - **Blocked on**: Shopify domain propagation (maharajong.com purchased, awaiting DNS)
-- **Next up**: Order prototype tile blanks from Amazon; contact Jayi/Promlogo for custom samples; fix tile aspect ratio
+- **Decided**: Acrylic tiles confirmed; two build variants specified (see `design/variant-01/` and `design/variant-02/`); Indian artisan sourcing for racks/brass/mat
+- **Next up**: Order GUSTARIA prototype blanks; send Jayi/Promlogo inquiries (add Variant 02 clear-back note); contact Moradabad/Jodhpur artisans
 - **Deferred**: #3, #5, #8 (business/research tasks — on hold until game design is finished)
 
 ## Phases & Milestones
@@ -26,9 +27,26 @@
 - [ ] #17 Adapt tile designs for UV printer — audit done, action items: fix aspect ratio (3:4→32:23), CMYK test strips, transparent backgrounds
 - [ ] #18 Adapt tile designs for laser engraver — audit done, action items: create SVG engraving overlays, test print-then-engrave workflow
 - [ ] #21 Social media teaser image — 3 variants generated (square, story, landscape) in PR #20
-- [ ] Tile blank material selection — sourcing spec done (`design/tile-blanks-spec.md`), 3 suppliers evaluated
+- [x] Tile blank material selection — **decided (2026-07-11)**: four-layer acrylic from Jayi/Promlogo; wood/stone alternatives evaluated and ruled out (see `design/variant-01/materials-spec.md`)
+- [x] Tile blank design variants — **two variants specified (2026-07-12)**:
+  - Variant 01 (MJ-TILE-BLK-001): Ivory / Gold / Navy / Ivory — `design/variant-01/`
+  - Variant 02 (MJ-TILE-BLK-002): Ivory / Gold / Navy / Clear — `design/variant-02/`
+  - Sample decision: request both variants from Jayi/Promlogo, choose after physical comparison
+- [x] Manufacturer spec sheet assets — **generated (2026-07-12)** for both variants:
+  - Engineering drawing (SVG + Chromium PNG, exact proportions) — `design/<variant>/manufacturer-docs/tile-blank-technical-drawing.*`
+  - Photorealistic renders (Grok 3-view composite) — `design/<variant>/manufacturer-docs/tile-blank-spec-sheet-rendered.png`
+  - 3D Blender render (Cycles, HDRI, exact geometry) — `design/<variant>/manufacturer-docs/tile-blank-3d-render.png`
+  - Generator scripts: `design/generate_tile_spec_sheet.py`, `design/generate_tile_blender_render.py`
+  - Layout reference: `design/TILE-SPEC-SHEET-LAYOUT.md`
+- [ ] Source sheesham racks + pushers from Indian artisans — contact Jodhpur/Saharanpur via IndiaMART (`business/outreach/sheesham-racks-inquiry.md`)
+- [ ] Source brass dice + scoring trinkets from Moradabad — contact via IndiaMART (`business/outreach/moradabad-brass-inquiry.md`)
+- [ ] Source playing mat from Surat sublimation printer with gold satin-stitch embroidery
+- [ ] Contact Itz3d Solutions (Chennai) — resin tile marketing batch inquiry (`business/outreach/itz3d-resin-brief.md`)
+- [ ] Send Jayi + Promlogo inquiry emails (attach engineering drawings; request both Variant 01 and 02 samples)
+- [ ] Order GUSTARIA blanks from Amazon (64 tiles) for immediate UV print/engrave workflow testing
 - [ ] Tile mockups, playtesting simulations
 - [ ] Digital prototype (medium TBD)
+- [ ] **Post-launch**: Makrana marble collector's edition — limited ultra-premium SKU, hand-cut by Jaipur artisans, priced $2,000–$5,000+ (display/heirloom, not active gameplay)
 
 ### Phase 3: Ecommerce Setup
 - [ ] #22 Shopify store setup & domain — account created, domain purchased, awaiting DNS propagation
@@ -50,13 +68,20 @@
 - `/design/moodboard/` — 37 moodboard images (rangoli, temples, peacock, spice)
 - `/design/tiles/` — 51 tile images, `generate_tiles.py`, `tile-design-spec.md`
 - `/design/mat/` — Mat design final + spec + `generate_mat.py`
-- `/design/racks/` — Tile rack design spec
+- `/design/racks/` — Tile rack design spec (Indian artisan sourcing notes)
 - `/design/dice/` — Dice design spec
 - `/design/trinkets/` — Trinkets & accessories design spec
 - `/design/marketing/` — Social media teaser images (square, story, landscape)
-- `/design/tile-blanks-spec.md` — Tile blank sourcing: 3 suppliers, material comparison, next steps
+- `/design/variant-01/` — Tile blank Variant 01: Ivory/Gold/Navy/Ivory (confirmed spec)
+  - `materials-spec.md`, `tile-blanks-spec.md`, `manufacturer-docs/`
+- `/design/variant-02/` — Tile blank Variant 02: Ivory/Gold/Navy/Clear (design proposal)
+  - `materials-spec.md`, `tile-blanks-spec.md`, `manufacturer-docs/`
+- `/design/generate_tile_spec_sheet.py` — Generates SVG engineering drawing + Grok render for any variant
+- `/design/generate_tile_blender_render.py` — Generates photorealistic 3D render via Blender Cycles
+- `/design/TILE-SPEC-SHEET-LAYOUT.md` — SVG layout reference + variant creation guide
+- `/design/lib/` — Three.js r152 + Poly Haven studio HDRI (required by generators)
 - `/production/engraving/` — xTool F2 Ultra UV laser engraver spec
 - `/production/printing/` — eufyMake E1 UV printer spec
 - `/production/tile-production-audit.md` — Compatibility audit: tiles vs. both machines
+- `/business/outreach/` — Supplier inquiry email drafts (Jayi, Promlogo, Itz3d, Moradabad, Jodhpur)
 - `/research/` — Competitor analysis and user research (placeholder)
-- `/business/` — Business model and plans (placeholder)

business/outreach/itz3d-resin-brief.md

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+# Itz3d Solutions — Custom Resin Tile Brief (draft)
+
+**To**: Pravin Ganesh Kumar Duraisamy, Itz3d Solutions
+**Contact via**: `indiamart.com/itz-3d-solutions` inquiry form
+**From**: ccwells@gmail.com
+**Attachments when sending**:
+  - 1 sample tile face render (from `design/tiles/print-ready/`) for visual reference
+  - `design/variant-01/manufacturer-docs/tile-blank-technical-drawing.svg` (engineering drawing)
+  - `design/variant-01/manufacturer-docs/tile-blank-spec-sheet-rendered.png` (rendered product image)
+
+---
+
+**Subject**: Custom cast epoxy resin tiles — silicone mold + small batch quote, 32 × 23 × 13 mm
+
+---
+
+Hello,
+
+I'm developing **Maharajong** (maharajong.com), a premium Indian-fusion mahjong game
+launching direct-to-consumer in the US. Before committing to a large-scale production
+run, I need a small hand-cast batch of resin tiles for marketing photography, press
+kits, and demo sets — and I'm specifically looking for an Indian manufacturer so the
+marketing sets can be described as "hand-crafted in India."
+
+I found your IndiaMART listing for silicone mold-making and resin casting services and
+would like to request a quote.
+
+---
+
+## Tile Specification
+
+**Dimensions**: 32 mm (width) × 23 mm (height) × 13 mm (depth)
+
+**Construction**: Four-layer cast epoxy, poured in sequence:
+
+```
+TOP FACE (shown to player during gameplay)
+┌─────────────────────────────┐
+│  Layer 1: Ivory/cream        │  ~3 mm  — warm ivory, opaque
+│─────────────────────────────│
+│  Layer 2: Gold hairline      │  ~1 mm  — metallic gold (mica/foil or pigment)
+│─────────────────────────────│
+│  Layer 3: Navy core          │  ~6 mm  — deep lapis navy, opaque
+│─────────────────────────────│
+│  Layer 4: Ivory back         │  ~3 mm  — matching ivory to Layer 1
+└─────────────────────────────┘
+BACK FACE
+```
+
+**Color references** (approximate — we will supply Pantone references if needed):
+- Ivory/cream: warm off-white (similar to Pantone 9183 C or equivalent)
+- Gold hairline: metallic gold, mica pigment or gold leaf insert
+- Navy core: deep lapis blue (similar to Pantone 289 C or equivalent)
+
+**Surface finish**:
+- All six faces must be sanded and polished to a smooth, glossy finish after demolding
+- The face (32 × 23 mm) surface will receive UV printing in-house after delivery —
+  it must be flat, even, and suitable for UV inkjet adhesion (similar to acrylic or
+  polished resin surfaces)
+- No pre-applied artwork or printing required from you — blank tiles only
+
+**Weight target**: Approximately 11–15 g per tile (standard clear epoxy density is
+acceptable; weighted filler optional if you offer it)
+
+---
+
+## Batch Quantities
+
+This is a **marketing batch only** — not production volume. We need:
+
+| Phase | Quantity | Purpose |
+|-------|----------|---------|
+| **Phase 1 — Proof of concept** | 20 tiles (1 mold × 20 pours) | Test mold accuracy, layer appearance, surface polish quality |
+| **Phase 2 — Marketing sets** | 456 tiles (3 complete sets × 152 tiles/set) | Photography, press kits, investor demo sets |
+
+If Phase 1 is satisfactory, we proceed to Phase 2. Please quote both phases separately.
+
+---
+
+## Questions
+
+1. **Mold design**: Can you produce a silicone (or aluminium-backed silicone) mold for
+   the 32 × 23 × 13 mm tile? How many cavities per mold, and what is the mold cost?
+
+2. **Multi-layer pour**: Can you execute the four-layer color sequence described above?
+   What is your recommended approach for the gold hairline layer — liquid pigment pour,
+   mica powder insert, or metallic foil sheet between layers?
+
+3. **Surface finish**: Can you deliver tiles sanded and polished to a glossy surface
+   suitable for UV inkjet printing? What grit sequence do you use?
+
+4. **Pricing**: Please quote separately:
+   - Mold fabrication cost (one-time)
+   - Per-tile cost for Phase 1 (20 tiles)
+   - Per-tile cost for Phase 2 (456 tiles)
+
+5. **Lead time**: Estimated turnaround for Phase 1 after order confirmation?
+
+6. **Resin type**: What casting resin do you use? (We are open to EPOKE, MR. JO, or
+   equivalent premium Indian art resins — please advise what gives the best ivory
+   opacity and polish.)
+
+7. **Shipping**: Can you ship finished tiles to a US address (DHL/FedEx)? Approximate
+   shipping cost for 456 tiles?
+
+---
+
+## Context for Your Reference
+
+The full Maharajong tile set contains 152 unique tiles (across 8 design categories).
+The marketing batch tiles will receive custom UV-printed artwork on the face after we
+receive them. The four-layer construction is important because the navy core and gold
+hairline are visible on the tile edges during gameplay — this is the key visual
+differentiator we want to show in marketing photos.
+
+We are also in parallel requesting quotes from Chinese OEM suppliers (Jayi Acrylic,
+Promlogo) for the production run of 100+ sets. The Indian resin batch serves a different
+purpose: provenance, artisan story, and marketing materials.
+
+Happy to share a full design brief, moodboard, and sample tile renders after an initial
+exchange. I can also provide a physical 3D-printed reference tile if that helps with
+mold design.
+
+Best regards,
+Charlie Wells
+Maharajong — maharajong.com
+ccwells@gmail.com
+
+---
+
+## Pre-send checklist
+
+- [ ] Attach 1–2 sample tile face renders from `design/tiles/print-ready/`
+- [ ] Prepare a simple layer diagram (can be hand-sketched and photographed)
+- [ ] Consider ordering a 3D-printed reference tile at 32×23×13mm before sending —
+      gives Itz3d a physical object to mold from (use any online 3D print service,
+      ~$5–10 for a single rectangular block)
+- [ ] Confirm Pantone color references for ivory and navy before sending
+      (check `design/materials-spec.md` for any finalized references)

business/outreach/jayi-inquiry-email.md

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+# Jayi Acrylic — OEM quote inquiry (draft)
+
+**To**: via https://www.jayiacrylic.com/custom-mahjong-set/ contact form or sales email
+**From**: ccwells@gmail.com
+**Attachments when sending**: tile face renders (a few samples from `design/tiles/print-ready/`), `design/variant-01/manufacturer-docs/tile-blank-technical-drawing.svg` (engineering drawing). Note: Jayi will sign an NDA before receiving full artwork — request that first.
+
+---
+
+**Subject**: Custom 4-layer mahjong tile quote — 152-tile premium set, 100-set initial run
+
+Hello,
+
+I'm developing Maharajong, a premium Indian-fusion mahjong set sold direct-to-consumer in the US (maharajong.com), and I'm looking for an OEM partner for our tiles and potentially the full set. Your custom mahjong work and multi-layer capabilities look like a strong fit.
+
+**What I'd like quoted:**
+
+1. **Tiles — the core of the inquiry**
+   - Quantity: 152 tiles per set × 100 sets (15,200 tiles) for the initial production run — plus a prototype sample set first
+   - Size: 32 × 23 × 13 mm
+   - Construction: four-layer cast acrylic —
+     - Face layer: warm ivory (Pantone TBD — we'll supply a target chip)
+     - Thin gold hairline layer (~0.5–1 mm)
+     - Core layer: deep lapis navy (~5–6 mm)
+     - Back layer: matching ivory
+   - Surface: polished, ready to accept our own UV printing and UV laser engraving (we produce tile faces in-house; blanks only — no artwork application needed from you for the main run)
+   - Target weight: 16–19 g per tile — please advise whether your standard 4-layer acrylic reaches this, and if not, what options exist (higher-density material, thicker build) to get there
+2. **Prototype sample**: 1 sample set (or partial, e.g. 20 tiles) of the exact 4-layer build above, before mass production — please quote sample cost and lead time separately
+3. **Optional full-set OEM quote** (separate line items, for comparison against sourcing components individually):
+   - 4 tile racks (19") + 4 pushers with magnets — solid sheesham/rosewood with a thin brass inlay line, or your closest equivalent
+   - Presentation case sized for 152 tiles + racks + accessories
+
+**Questions:**
+- MOQ confirmation for the tile spec above, and price breaks at 100 / 250 / 500 sets
+- Lead time for prototype and for the 100-set run
+- Landed-cost guidance: do you ship DDP to the US, or FOB (we arrange freight)? Any recent experience with US tariff classification for acrylic game tiles?
+- Pantone matching process for the ivory/gold/navy layers
+- Can you sign an NDA before we send full artwork and dielines?
+
+We're in active prototyping with a public waitlist, targeting a Founding Edition pre-order later this year. Happy to get on a call.
+
+Best regards,
+Charlie Wells
+Maharajong — maharajong.com
+ccwells@gmail.com

business/outreach/moradabad-brass-inquiry.md

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+# Moradabad Brass Manufacturer — dice and scoring trinkets inquiry (draft)
+
+**To**: [identified via IndiaMART — search "custom brass dice manufacturer moradabad"
+or "brass enamel game pieces manufacturer india"]
+**From**: ccwells@gmail.com
+**Attachments when sending**: dice pip layout diagram, trinket design reference images,
+Pantone color references for enamel fills
+
+---
+
+**Subject**: Custom solid brass dice + scoring tokens — premium board game set, OEM quote
+
+Hello,
+
+I'm developing Maharajong, a premium Indian-fusion mahjong set sold direct-to-consumer
+in the US (maharajong.com), and I'm looking for a Moradabad brass manufacturer for two
+custom components: dice and scoring tokens. The entire set's metal language is antique
+brass — dice and trinkets are the showcase pieces.
+
+**Component 1: Solid brass dice**
+- Type: 6-sided (d6), standard 16 mm
+- Material: Solid brass, no hollow core — weight is a premium cue
+- Corners: Rounded for comfortable rolling and premium hand-feel
+- Finish: Antique brass patina — warm, slightly aged gold-bronze tone (not bright
+  polished); light brushed or tumbled texture to reduce fingerprint visibility
+- Pip design:
+  - Faces 2–6: recessed pips filled with deep navy enamel
+    (Pantone 2767 C or closest match — to be confirmed with physical chip)
+  - Face 1: single decorative motif — a lotus bud or peacock-feather eye (~3 mm
+    diameter), recessed and navy-filled, instead of a plain dot
+  - Each face has a subtle recessed border line framing the pips
+- Optional branding: tiny engraved Maharajong logo mark in one corner of the 6-pip face
+
+**Component 2: Scoring tokens (trinkets)**
+- Per our design spec (full brief shared after intro): small solid brass tokens
+  with jewel enamel fills in two motif types —
+  - Teal peacock-eye motif (enamel: Pantone 326 C or similar)
+  - Magenta lotus motif (enamel: Pantone 233 C or similar)
+- Finish: Matching antique brass patina
+- Quantity per set: TBD (finalized in design spec — we will share full brief)
+
+**Quantities:**
+- Prototype: 1 pair of dice (2 pieces) + sample tokens — please quote sample cost
+  and lead time separately before committing to production
+- Initial production run: 100 sets
+
+**Questions:**
+- Sample / prototype cost and lead time
+- MOQ and pricing tiers at 100 / 250 / 500 sets
+- Enamel fill: can you Pantone-match navy, teal, and magenta hard enamel fills?
+  Do you use cold enamel or vitreous enamel?
+- Antique patina process: chemical patina or electroplating?
+- Do you CNC machine the dice, or investment cast?
+- Shipping: DDP to the US, or FOB?
+- Do you sign NDAs before receiving full artwork and specifications?
+
+We're targeting a Founding Edition pre-order launch later this year. The brass dice
+are a signature component — we want them to feel unmistakably Indian-made and
+unmistakably premium. Happy to get on a call.
+
+Best regards,
+Charlie Wells
+Maharajong — maharajong.com
+ccwells@gmail.com
+
+---
+
+**Source contacts to send this to:**
+- Moradabad brass exporters: search IndiaMART "custom brass dice manufacturer moradabad"
+  or "brass enamel token game piece manufacturer"
+- Jaipur meenakari artisans (for enamel fills if Moradabad supplier doesn't offer):
+  search IndiaMART "meenakari brass enamel manufacturer jaipur export"

business/outreach/promlogo-inquiry-email.md

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+# Promlogo — blank tile sample pack inquiry (draft)
+
+**To**: via https://promlogo.com/blank-mahjong-tiles/ contact form or sales email
+**From**: ccwells@gmail.com
+
+---
+
+**Attachments when sending**: `design/variant-01/manufacturer-docs/tile-blank-technical-drawing.svg` (engineering drawing)
+
+---
+
+**Subject**: Sample pack request — blank mahjong tiles, 3 materials, 32 × 23 × 13 mm
+
+Hello,
+
+I'm developing a premium custom mahjong set (Maharajong, maharajong.com) and evaluating blank tile materials before committing to a production run. We apply our own artwork in-house via UV printing and UV laser engraving, so we need polished blanks only.
+
+**Sample pack request — 3 material variants, ~20 tiles each if possible:**
+
+1. **Four-layer acrylic** — ivory face / thin gold layer / deep navy core / ivory back (or your closest stock equivalent to an ivory face with colored edge layers)
+2. **Melamine** — classic ivory/cream, single layer
+3. **Acrylic face + wood back** — your premium wood-back option, ivory face
+
+**Specs for all samples:**
+- Size: 32 × 23 × 13 mm (within your stated 30–40 mm custom range)
+- Surface: finely polished, suitable for UV print and laser engraving
+- Please include per-tile weight for each material in your response — hand-feel weight is a key selection criterion for us (target 16–19 g)
+
+**Questions:**
+- Sample pack cost and shipping to the US (we'll pay — please invoice)
+- If we proceed: MOQ and pricing tiers for the chosen material at 15,000–80,000 tiles (100–500 sets of 152)
+- For the 4-layer acrylic: can layer colors be custom-matched to Pantone references at production volume?
+- Lead times for samples and production
+
+We're targeting a decision within a few weeks of receiving samples.
+
+Best regards,
+Charlie Wells
+Maharajong — maharajong.com
+ccwells@gmail.com