FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I tend to sell small items for between $10-30; medium items for $40-$80, and large or time-consiming projects for up to $150. I also sometimes base pricing for specific projects on an hourly work rate, which is formulated through a time-cost expenditure model. Sometimes I may add in additional charges for things such as original design & process, supply sourcing, paying employees, etc. However, my products are backed with my personal price-match guarantee: my custom-made items will always be sold within reasonable pricing expectations of similar products available from factories and stores. Local is better!!
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
When taking commissioned works, I like to first listen to my customers needs, then discuss my own take of what they are looking for. It is important to me to hear a clear description of what customers would like me to produce. Once that agreement is met, I like to see if any of my current inventory meets their needs. If not, I begin by shopping supplies and creating a design sketch. After the customer agrees to the design, I construct my first model, then a finished product. I like to check in with new customers through various steps of the work, to ensure satisfaction before presenting a finished product. I believe what a customer wants is extremely important to understand, especially as art is a very unpredictable and immeasurable service to pay for. In my experience, genuine, upfront communication and collaboration increases customer satisfaction.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
My skills come from many instructive courses in the arts field, including formal courses, paid tutors and private instructors, free groups and workshops, and college instruction towards a fine arts degree. I am completing my secondary college degree, in fine arts & design. I am also currently taking separate business courses on the side to learn how my artistic talents can become my career. I have experience and instruction in these specific art categories: bead, metal & wire working; jewelry making, repairing & cleaning; craft making & home deco hobbies; drawing, painting, photography, calligraphy, computer design, sewing, crocheting, knitting, quilting, etc; kids crafting & instuction; massage, yoga, aromatherapy, crystal, palm, tarot & energy reading or healing, etc; I also feel comfortable offering lessons and instructions in any of these individual art forms.