Custom projects: from pen & paper to glass kiln to your doorstep
The world always seems brighter when you’ve just made something that wasn’t there before. (Neil Gaiman, author)
Perhaps you’ve been wanting a custom arts craft object for a long time now, but you’re not sure how the whole thing works. You wonder about prices, visualize obstacles… There’s a widespread belief that custom art is a complicated and uncertain process, a sort of a lucky dip.
Actually, the truth lays elsewhere: this is a totally creative and fun process for both sides, commissioner and ourselves. No secrets, no complications – just lots of communication! This means that you’re going to participate in practically every step on the path to your sweet object of desire.
WHO BUYS CUSTOM ART, ANYWAY?
Is it true that custom art is commissioned only by people with a surplus of money? Not in our experience. So far we have done custom art for (carefree) musicians, (stressed) wedding party members, international corporations and small businesses, for people who want to personalize there home, however small or humble it may be, for students wishing to express their gratitude to their teachers, for sportsmen and volunteers of all kinds, for tourist and MICE agencies, for architects and electricians, car mechanics and chefs, travellers and citizens of Dubrovnik alike…
SIZE DOESN’T MATTER
There’s a saying that art speaks to you, but custom art speaks to you.
It is no secret that custom commissions have been our favorite challenge from day one. We have never ever made two identical custom projects. And we’re have been in business for over 15 years. And though size doesn’t matter, personality does. Whether tiny or huge – custom glass art speaks the language that expresses your wishes, tells your story and leaves the impression that doesn’t fade with time.
DO I HAVE TO COME TO DUBROVNIK TO COMMISSION MY CUSTOM ART PIECE?
No! It will be quite enough if you contact us by phone or email. From there on, we’ll arrange everything. Call us, no strings attached. Yes – that simple! If you find yourself in Dubrovnik or nearby, visit us.
ART BEGINS WITH A SINGLE DOT
Perhaps you already have a sketch, an idea or a photo? You think of a memory, a scene, a sentence… and you wish to transform that into a spectacular, handmade Murano glass object, tailored according to your specifications? It’s quite enough for a start. Send us your proposal by email or bring it personally into our studio. Don’t be shy: even the greatest works of art start with a single idea (however fuzzy it may seem) or a single dot (however small it may appear on paper or wall).
TELL YOUR STORY
This step is about trust. Naturally, one that goes both ways!
It could be that your idea cannot be rendered in glass, or at least not exactly as you envisaged. It’s also important that you communicate your budget for the project – and we will do everything possible to deliver a top-notch art within the price you find acceptable. And this is also where the process goes two ways. Sometimes the price you envisaged can cover a lot more than you thought in the first place.
We are here to listen to you and occasionally drop a question. Don’t worry – we’re good listeners 🙂 We will ask you things like – do you want the object to fit into some particular surrounding or the spectrum of colors? We will ask about your preferences, tastes, favorite things, colors… Perhaps your desired e art object has to have a utility function as well? More details, better! We will use everything you communicate in this phase to create a preliminary sketch. We will take into account the complexity and immediately inform you about the exact price and delivery date.
If you happen to be in Dubrovnik, come and visit us. If you’re anywhere else on the planet, simply send us an email or call us.
BE CRAFT MANUFACTORY’S IS NOW ON THE GO
Your story is now transformed into a professional design. Once we send you the sketch, it is very important that you provide us with precise feedback, so we can adjust the sketch if needed. Remember, this is a project where we reach the goal together. And we want you to be totally pleased with the final product.
Once you approve the sketch, we’re onto our special tools and Murano glass. And then your custom art piece finally enters the glass fusion kiln.
THAT SWEET OBJECT OF DESIRE ON YOUR DOORSTEP
Out of the kiln, your piece is now packed and shipped to any address in the world you want. From pen & paper to glass fusion to kiln to your doorstep… your unique story has finally acquired a material, tangible form. Moreover, you’re now a proud owner of an absolutely unique, handmade glass art object.
LET’S WRAP IT UP: THREE GOLDEN RULES FOR ALL CUSTOM ART
Actually, everything we said can be summarized down to three simple rules.
1) If this is your first custom art commission – don’t be intimidated. Art is created by the people for the people!
2) Making custom art is a process of communication and trust between commissioners and artists. Talk to us!
3) This is a creative enterprise, which means: don’t forget to have fun along the path 🙂