4 Tips for Designing Jewelry on Demand

re: 4 Tips for Designing Jewelry on Demand

Teresa Sullivan — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 22:51:45 GMT

Great guidelines, Jean!

When I was asked to make a pin as an anniversary gift, I was told that I could just do anything I wanted (I know how trusting that sounds). But I wanted to make sure the piece had some personal relevance, so I asked if there was anything they shared between them that was special.

Turns out they collect kissing couples, so I used that idea as a launching pad. I was aware that they had a ton of milagros and Mexican folk art decorations in their home, so I added a couple of touches in that style as well. Made a piece that gets compliments and attention every time it's worn.

All I need is a little background information! But the trust they showed in me was crucial.

re: 4 Tips for Designing Jewelry on Demand

DebWAZ — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 22:22:59 GMT

Thank you for this one, Jean. The timing is perfect!

I have a couple of "design on demand" projects that are in the works. One is a possible contest entry, if I can get everything to cooperate. I've changed it around a few times and I'm still not sure that it's where I (or the beads) want it to be. I know what I want the piece to say, but we're still not completely communicating.

The other is a custom/makeover piece for a good customer. She brought in a bracelet and wants it turned into a necklace! EEK! (Silly me has made the mistake of pulling off some pretty good makeovers in the past and now, it's about to bite me on the behind!)

Getting the right components to compliment the existing bracelet is a big challenge. It's not easy - even when you own a bead store and have the whole place to choose from. <grin> Then putting everything together so that it doesn't LOOK like a makeover is an even bigger challenge. Though I have the customer's blessing to "do whatever it takes, I trust you", those instructions are sometimes more difficult to work with than if I had been given specific parameters.

I printed out your blog so that I can read your tips the next time I sit down to work on these projects. Maybe it will help me get past the designer's block.

Thanks again!

Deb

re: 4 Tips for Designing Jewelry on Demand

ozbianca — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 20:39:04 GMT

Jean, this was a great post; in addition to desiging on demand tips, you hinted on a few side dishes that I believe are important whether you are DOY or not. The internal critic comparing yourself and your work to others and the sense of competition. The first time I got asked to teach a piece or two at a show in Australia, I totally psyched myself out. Not good enough, I need to come up with something close to the second coming, it was mayhem. Realising that it was my style, creativity and the way I apply those to my work was very important. And realising what we see from designers and artists is their best work, not the box with rejects. You need to work it don't you.

One thing I have learnt from Marcia is to leapfrog from one lily leaf to another - use components from one piece as a starting point for another. That way you work with a foundation you know and are comfortable with - for the person that creates one of your projects this has advantages as it is well engineered and it keeps the work as recognisable yours.

I think you are spot on - I have experienced that people want a bit of "your magic". See what you see, and learn a little bit about the process you go through to let the creativity in. I do a lot of componentry work; by that I mean create small components from different stitches that can be used as foundations for bigger ones. The box is opened when I need to design on demand for a class or an article. That way the pressure is off, even though some pressure can be quite a spark, and you can let the quietness in, not the ruckus of stress.

I also try to do something different, out of the box. A few years ago I was asked for an seed bead project for a magazine and decided to leave the thread and micro mosaic a belt buckle - applying the KISS principle. It was a great success as it grabbed those people who may be intimidated by stitching and it was fun and messy. I still receive emails from beaders about it. Let the passion for what you do and love shine through in the work.

Great entry, Jean.

re: 4 Tips for Designing Jewelry on Demand

CyndiLavin — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 18:33:55 GMT

Jean, I would add "set the mood" to your list of tips! So often when you are designing on demand, the piece is for a season very different from the one you're in. For example, I took a cold shower and sat in front of the air conditioner on a steaming hot July day to design some pieces for the winter holiday issue of a magazine. I think that setting the mood would work when designing for different occasions too: formal party vs casual, baby shower vs golden anniversary, etc.