FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Pricing with art is difficult and jewelry is even more so. The materials can be very expensive and the creative process time consuming. I like to ask the client how much they want to spend up front. That way I can take that number into account when I'm choosing materials and designing the piece. Pieces tend to average out to $50 hr for my time plus the cost of materials.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I love to have my clients into the studio to see how and where I work. This gives me an opportunity to get to know the client and connect with them in a way that gives me a foundation for beginning the intuitive creative process of designing a beloved piece for that particular client. It helps if the client can bring in images of previous pieces they've seen and loved. If the client lives too far away to come in person to the studio, then a phone call and some email chats is usually enough to get started.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I began my jewelry studies in 1995 during high school. We were very lucky to have a comprehensive jewelry program. I then went on to earn my BA in Fine Art from OSU and added some skills from the metalsmithing and sculpture departments. For the next few years I worked with small jewelry companies as a production assistant and designer. During this time I developed many of my own techniques for accomplishing my design ideas in new and creative ways. Currently I'm apprenticing with a master fine jeweler to take my jewelry knowledge to the next level.