Commission inquiries
One of the best aspects of buying from small businesses and artists is the opportunity to become involved in the creation process and to own something made bespoke. This collaboration between the client (you) and the artist (me) can enable some very interesting creations and is very rewarding to both. You have an idea in mind and I make it happen for you in my artistic style.
Want a custom piece? A larger set of something you see in the shop? Or simply want a similar out of stock item? You’ve come to the right place. One-of-a-kind ceramics make ideal gifts for birthdays, weddings, engagements, anniversaries, new homes, to say thank you, or ‘just because’.
You can find commissions made in the past few years HERE!
Some things to keep in mind:
- Come with an idea in mind. Include photographs and examples. The more you tell me about your vision and how you feel about the piece, the more I can infuse it into the work. The clearer your vision, the better. And feedback is highly encouraged throughout the process to ensure alignment with your vision.
- Commissions are accepted on a case by case basis, depending on my skills, waitlist and availability. I’m open to discuss designs and ideas you have in mind to create a unique piece just for you - or as a gift for someone you love.
- Most orders take around 2 to 3 months for completion depending on quantity, time of year and your position on our commission waiting list.
- For an idea of what an item will cost, look for similar items on “ceramics” page. But I’ll provide you with a quote before starting the work. If it’s a complex design, expect the price to be higher than a regular item, as it takes me more time to make. Custom glazes and materials are also subject to an extra cost as well.
- Some glazes and clays may not be available atm but I’ll do my best to get you what you want.
- Any piece can include personalized engraved or stamped wording/dates/quotes/initials, etc.
- For ceramics, each piece is unique. They are not molded, but made by hand. I can redo a piece I made in the past in some cases, but it will never be exactly the same.
- Pick-up at my home studio in Downtown Vancouver is preferred. However, shipping is available for all custom orders. Hand delivery outside of the Greater Vancouver Area is subject to a handling fee.
- Return & Exchange Policy: Please note that we do not offer refunds or exchanges on purchases. Items damaged during shipping must be reported to Mariana Ceramics within 48 hours of the delivery date for a refund to be issued. A photo of the damaged piece, along with the box and packaging with all labels visible is required to be sent to email (marianaceramics.co@gmail.com) or direct message. Refunds or exchanges of damaged items will be discussed on a case by case basis. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us.
- Mishaps: Although I'll do my best to make sure our creation make it out alive and beautiful to your hands, we know fatalities and mishaps can happen through the process, and for that reason, I'll ask for a 50% non-refundable deposit (if applicable) to cover my hours worked and materials used until then. Sometimes, depending on what happens, I can fix it and keep moving forward or we may even have to start over. This is just a part of the pottery process and the learning curve of creating custom work especially when working on new designs. Mishaps typically happen when the pottery undergoes a firing in the kiln. As you can imagine, this puts lots of stress on the materials used, as pottery undergoes at least 2 rounds of firing. Some mishaps affect functionality and safety and some are simply cosmetic. If any of these do happen I will message you with all the options we many have, what I recommended and I will give you the choice on how to move forward. Although most cosmetic blemishes are minor and will be acknowledged, they are not considered substantial enough to warrant starting over.
- Have fun and be open to surprises. The beauty of pottery is that pieces change after each firing. Sometimes things go as planned, sometimes properties change unexpectedly. Find beauty in the unpredicted outcomes. It’s what makes your piece unique to you!
Fill out the form below to get started and I’ll be in touch providing more info. Secure your spot on my commission list as slots are usually limited. Let's discuss how we can create a piece truly special together, tailored just for you. We appreciate your understanding and thank you for supporting small business!
