diff --git a/skills/baoyu-article-illustrator/SKILL.md b/skills/baoyu-article-illustrator/SKILL.md
index df70661..d981326 100644
--- a/skills/baoyu-article-illustrator/SKILL.md
+++ b/skills/baoyu-article-illustrator/SKILL.md
@@ -100,11 +100,16 @@ Full template: [references/workflow.md](references/workflow.md#step-4-generate-o
 
 ### Step 5: Generate Images
 
-1. Create prompts per [references/prompt-construction.md](references/prompt-construction.md)
-2. Select generation skill from available skills
-3. Process references (`direct`/`style`/`palette`)
-4. Apply watermark if EXTEND.md enabled
-5. Generate sequentially, retry once on failure
+⛔ **BLOCKING: Prompt files MUST be saved before ANY image generation.**
+
+1. For each illustration, create a prompt file per [references/prompt-construction.md](references/prompt-construction.md)
+2. Save to `prompts/NN-{type}-{slug}.md` with YAML frontmatter
+3. Prompts **MUST** use type-specific templates with structured sections (ZONES / LABELS / COLORS / STYLE / ASPECT)
+4. LABELS **MUST** include article-specific data: actual numbers, terms, metrics, quotes
+5. **DO NOT** pass ad-hoc inline prompts to `--prompt` without saving prompt files first
+6. Select generation skill, process references (`direct`/`style`/`palette`)
+7. Apply watermark if EXTEND.md enabled
+8. Generate from saved prompt files; retry once on failure
 
 Full procedures: [references/workflow.md](references/workflow.md#step-5-generate-images)
 
diff --git a/skills/baoyu-article-illustrator/references/workflow.md b/skills/baoyu-article-illustrator/references/workflow.md
index 052ea0f..ae7b1d2 100644
--- a/skills/baoyu-article-illustrator/references/workflow.md
+++ b/skills/baoyu-article-illustrator/references/workflow.md
@@ -261,10 +261,41 @@ references:                    # Only if references provided
 
 ## Step 5: Generate Images
 
-### 5.1 Create Prompts
+### 5.1 Create Prompts ⛔ BLOCKING
 
-Follow [prompt-construction.md](prompt-construction.md). Save to `prompts/illustration-{slug}.md`.
-- **Backup rule**: If prompt file exists, rename to `prompts/illustration-{slug}-backup-YYYYMMDD-HHMMSS.md`
+**Every illustration MUST have a saved prompt file before generation begins. DO NOT skip this step.**
+
+For each illustration in the outline:
+
+1. **Create prompt file**: `prompts/NN-{type}-{slug}.md`
+2. **Include YAML frontmatter**:
+   ```yaml
+   ---
+   illustration_id: 01
+   type: infographic
+   style: custom-flat-vector
+   ---
+   ```
+3. **Follow type-specific template** from [prompt-construction.md](prompt-construction.md)
+4. **Prompt quality requirements** (all REQUIRED):
+   - `Layout`: Describe overall composition (grid / radial / hierarchical / left-right / top-down)
+   - `ZONES`: Describe each visual area with specific content, not vague descriptions
+   - `LABELS`: Use **actual numbers, terms, metrics, quotes from the article** — NOT generic placeholders
+   - `COLORS`: Specify hex codes with semantic meaning (e.g., `Coral (#E07A5F) for emphasis`)
+   - `STYLE`: Describe line treatment, texture, mood, character rendering
+   - `ASPECT`: Specify ratio (e.g., `16:9`)
+5. **Apply defaults**: composition requirements, character rendering, text guidelines, watermark
+6. **Backup rule**: If prompt file exists, rename to `prompts/NN-{type}-{slug}-backup-YYYYMMDD-HHMMSS.md`
+
+**Verification** ⛔: Before proceeding to 5.2, confirm ALL prompt files exist:
+```
+Prompt Files:
+- prompts/01-infographic-overview.md ✓
+- prompts/02-infographic-distillation.md ✓
+...
+```
+
+**DO NOT** pass ad-hoc inline text to `--prompt` without first saving prompt files. The generation command should either use `--promptfiles prompts/NN-{type}-{slug}.md` or read the saved file content for `--prompt`.
 
 **CRITICAL - References in Frontmatter**:
 - Only add `references` field if files ACTUALLY EXIST in `references/` directory