On Commissions and compromises

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I had been asked by someone to make 8 "badges/patches' for 8 different jackets.

I have made several "commissions" before, but mostly to people that I know. I met the commissioner here, after he saw one of my brooches on someone who had purchased one that same day. He briefly explained what he wanted for the 8 jackets, and a few days later we met to discuss all the details.

Basically, all the patches needed to be different, and the cost not so high. He also gave me these fabrics, and I was to incorporate pieces of them on the patches, other than that... free reign. So how do you give someone 8 ideas and not charge too much?? How do you make something for someone you don't really know, especially their taste?? Hmmm, questions, questions…..

I simply started by not thinking too much. I made the one above, and then 2 more. All different ideas. After I finished those, I thought it was too much… eight different ideas, all full of details and stitches, and a lot of my time. Scratch that and start over...

I needed a simplified version of this one, something that I could actually make 8 times without raking my brain. I needed to make a compromise with myself. I needed to know where to draw the line. Not an easy thing when you want to give the very best of yourself. It is after all, your work!

This was my compromise which ended up being the commission. They are supposed to be the label of the jackets- men's jackets, and they have one thing in common, the shape of a fingerprint.

I'm very happy with the result, and so was the "commissioner." I'm glad they are all different but that they have a common ground, so it was much easier for me to work around a central theme, and not wear myself down.

I also forgot to mention it was fun and exciting. The what to do, and how to do it, to repeat without actually being repetitive, and the stitches, the million stitches that make me so very happy to be able to do what I LOVE to do, is the best thing EVER.

Even if these are so different to what I usually work on, departures from what I'm used to doing, are wonderful distractions, and very, very inspiring.

I have a trip coming, an unplanned trip - business, not pleasure. I'm not sure I'll be able to write, but maybe I will, I never really know.

I wish you wonderful days, filled with blue skies and warm winds,
and thank you so much for tuning in, and leaving comments here and elsewhere,
Giova