Custom designing all starts with determining a need of the client. We need to probe their needs or their wants and suggest the best option for them. Custom designing is not always the solution for one very dominant reason, cost. There's a lot of existing designs from our suppliers that we can order for you.
Custom designing a piece is more than just a purchase, it is an experience. The feeling of having full control to create your piece is so much fun. The joy of looking at various concept sketches, exotic gems and the fun of putting it all together. I love doing it because it is such a unique artistic process, I get to collaborate with different people in the industry. I use the best goldsmiths, casting houses and gem suppliers for all of my projects. I have access to different experts in the industry to provide me with the products that I can put my signature on. I would never compromise a project just to "save a couple of bucks", I would never be at ease knowing that I just produced something that is not to the best it can be.
Once we determine that the client is considering the process of custom designing, we set then set up an appointment. Appointments generally are booked for 1hr but in most cases they go for more than that. I look after these appointments personally to be able to directly interact with the client. Making sure that I am completely hands on on every custom designing projects. The whole process begins by the client expressing their needs/wants. A few times that clients come in and know exactly what they want but in most cases we have to start "doodling" just to see what they might want. It can also start by looking through my portfolio if they like anything that I've previously created. None of my pieces are identical and I encourage each client to have a twist to an existing design to make it truly their own. A basic idea is achieved on our first meeting and from there I would then prepare up to 4 variations of a basic concept, it would be presented in a hand drawn artwork, with multiple perspectives(much like a architectural blueprint). If the client loves one of the concept they would then choose one of the concepts and we proceed to the second phase of the designing process.
The second phase would be either a full computer rendering(CAD model), similar to a photograph to present it to the client or in most cases it would be a wax model we prepare. I also carve wax models myself so that I can present my concepts directly on wax models, this way I have absolute control or sometimes my concepts are just a bit too confusing for my goldsmiths. Once the client signs off to the model then it would be sent for casting, the casting and finishing process generally takes 1 1/2 weeks, then the I get to inspect the finish product making sure that it is made as specified and the fit and finish is first rate. I photograph each piece to be part of the client's package in having this amazing piece made, I provide it to the client in digital format I email to them.
Generally the whole process from start to finish is about 3weeks but I've created pieces for out of town clients for as quickly as 4-7days but these are extreme circumstances and I don't promote it too much. I do get new clients referred to me by my existing clients that would just be visiting Winnipeg and wants one of my pieces made. We cater to these clients in priority to be able to showcase our products in different parts of Canada or overseas when they get to show it off to their friends back home. Hope this gives you a good feel of how the whole experience might be like... I guarantee it that it would be so much fun, the thrill of owning a one of a kind wearable fine art.
Looking forward to be working with you soon. Come by McGrath Diamonds to view my design portfolio and lets plan your very own Dodgie Dator design.
