Ontario Crafts Council (OCC)- Portfolio

The commissioning process is easy. Here are some steps to guide you:

1.	Decide the medium you are interested in (wood, fibre, metal, ceramic, glass, mixed media) and the type of object you want to commission (a ring, stained glass window, ceramic bowl, wall hanging, etc.). Consider how much you wish to spend. Keep in mind the craftsperson can guide you in the budgeting process.
2.	Browse the portfolios of designer/makers who work in the medium you have chosen. Look for a craftsperson whose style holds a particular interest for you.
3.	Contact the craftsperson by clicking the 'Contact This Artist' button on his/her page, or, if you need additional guidance, contact the Ontario Crafts Council by… clicking ‘Contact Us’ or emailing directly to portfolioofmakers@craft.on.ca. telephoning Maxine Bell, Graphics Coordinator at 416-925-4222 ext. 226 making an appointment with a staff member to discuss your project needs or for guidance through the commissioning process. Expanded hard copy portfolios of the artists on this site can also be reviewed at this time.
4.	Discuss your needs with one or more craftspeople and make appointments to see examples of his/her work. The craftsperson can give you a preliminary estimate and the expected timeline for completing the work.
5.	Once you have made a decision, and depending on the scope of the project, you may be asked for a deposit, or partial payment for work in advance of the completion date to cover the costs of the design process.
6.	Usually you are asked to approve the final design before work proceeds. Craftspeople respect the wishes of their clients, but keep in mind they also have their own vision and aesthetic values, and these will be present in the work. Keep in mind what attracted you to their work in the beginning.
7.	When you approve a design and agree to proceed, and depending on the scope of the project, the craftsperson may ask you to make a second payment to cover materials.
8.	When the commission is complete, the craftsperson will want to be sure that the finished work is acceptable to you. You should be prepared to pay the artist the balance promptly upon completion of the work, or completion of its installation, if applicable.
9.	If you and the craftsperson are unable to agree on a budget or final designs, you may both decide that it would be best for you to seek out another maker. New portfolios are added to the site regularly, and we invite you to visit us again!

The creative process is exciting! Through Portfolio of Makers, you can be part of it!