The Making of a Custom Commission
One of the things that brings us great joy at Piece by Piece is making custom commissions that bring to life the ideas of our customers. It’s a simple and straightforward process that anyone can request. Whether it’s a custom piece to honor or celebrate a person or event or a special collection of china that has been damaged and you want to create something new with it, the Piece by Piece team is eager to help make your vision come to life.
How Do I Start the Process? Fill out the online inquiry form to let us know you have an idea. Sometimes people are not sure exactly what they want and that’s okay. We have plenty of ideas and experience. From small pieces to large-scale work, we can help guide you through the process. You may also reach out by phone, email or talk to us at one of our events.
What Information Do I Need to Share? We know the right questions to ask, such as do you have materials you’d like to incorporate? Do you have a particular object you’d like to have created–wall art, a vase or something for the garden? Are there particular colors you’d like to include? Size and budget are also helpful. We can work within most anyone’s parameters. Timelines are also helpful so that we can be sure to work toward any special dates.
What Happens Next? Once we have all this information, the Piece by Piece team will review the details and gather any additional information needed. From there, we present you with a timeline, budget and proposal of concepts. If the proposal meets your needs, we create a final contract and begin to create! Rest assured, Piece by Piece’s artistic director works closely with both you and the fabrication team, strategizing best creative and technical aspects to ensure we are creating exactly what you envision. Additionally, during the design process, there are up to three revisions, if needed, included in the base cost. If a customer wants further revisions they can purchase those as well.
How Does the Fabrication Process Work? Once the design is approved, a team of participant artists are assigned to work on the project. Artists are chosen based on their skills and expertise that are relevant to the project. All of our artists go through training to develop the skills to create high-quality mosaic art, and they do it with a passion and dedication that is inspiring. Each custom commission is an opportunity for them to further their skills. Participant artists are supported by the Piece by Piece artistic team, who are professional mosaic artists themselves, to ensure every detail is on track.
Some customers like to come for a tour while their mosaic is being created. If they are not local, or otherwise are not able to make it to the Piece by Piece studio, the team will regularly upload progress photos to our photo site where customers can follow the process and watch their commission come to life.
How Do I Get My Artwork When It’s Finished? Once the artwork is completed, the team either prepares the mosaic for pick-up or shipping. It is always nice when the customer can come in and meet the artists who created their heirloom mosaic, which is a wonderful experience for both the customer and the artists. When that’s not possible, the artwork can be packed with love and sent off to its final destination.
If you have ever considered ordering a custom mosaic artwork, now is a great time to explore what is possible. The process is simple; our team is friendly and supportive; and the artists are thrilled to be creating something meaningful for you. As a social enterprise supporting individuals facing serious life challenges, we understand the value of connection and the power of art. Creating art helps Piece by Piece artists find purpose, earn income, and contribute something special to the community at large. Not only do you take home a unique piece that carries its own special story, but you’ll give the Piece by Piece artists a sense of pride and personal esteem that they can take home as well.
