As an independent creative jewelry artist and designer for the last 16+ years, I have had the opportunity to co-create some truly stunning works with and for my amazing clients. Now with smartphone technology constantly evolving, decision making and collaborating in real-time has become even easier.
Typically the process with a customer who wants to have something special made just for them, with the personal symbolism, gemstone preferences, coloration and shape-fit that most activates and resonates with their true essence starts with a design session in person on over the phone, Skype or Facetime.
We discuss what the client has in mind so far, and, if he or she is a new client establish the they love my artistic style in general, so that I know we are a good fit to work together. I would discuss what qualities they might be wanting to attract or perhaps its an archetype or energy they are wanting more of in their lives…
Then because I’m a very hands-on style artist, I start drawing. We lay out the stones and whatever the materials we might be featuring, such as a claw or tooth or carving. I arrange them on the paper and begin creating a sketch of what the jewelry design might be. we keep adjusting and refining the design, either in person side-by-side or by teleconference. Some designers even use cad programs to do this part. I like pencil (with an eraser).
Once we decide on a design and the production begins, decision points can arise. The beauty of having a smart phone is I can call or text with a photo or video of what I’m working on and what options there are to move forward. I can literally just move things a little this way or that and ask which they prefer, or do they like this additional element that i had an inspiration for, etc.
As far as creating commissions for people, I love how easy technology has made it to communicate from inside my process, in the moment. (yaaaaaaaaay)
