Commissions

Every commission is different.

Depending on the project, artwork can incorporate:

• Reverse-painted glass

• Verre églomisé

• 23-carat gold leaf, silver leaf or copper leaf

• Mother-of-pearl or abalone shell

• Water gilding

• Oil gilding

• Traditional reverse glass signwriting

• Hand-painted lettering

• Nautical and maritime imagery

• Personal symbols and objects

• Boats and ships

• Portraits and silhouettes

• Dates and names

• Decorative borders

• Glitter and reflective finishes

• Custom colour palettes

• Bespoke illustrations

The possibilities depend on the design and the scale of the piece, but the starting point is always your idea.

Yes.

Photographs are often an important starting point for a commission.

You can provide photographs of a person, boat, building, pet, location, object or anything else you would like incorporated into the artwork.

I use photographs as reference material rather than simply reproducing them. The aim is to translate the subject into a composition that works specifically as a reverse glass artwork.

You can send several photographs if you are unsure which will work best.

I'll help select the most useful reference material during the design process.

Absolutely.

Maritime subjects are a particular source of inspiration for Creates by Gem.

A commission could feature:

• A family yacht

• A sailing boat

• A motorboat

• A classic boat

• A naval vessel

• A fishing boat

• A historic ship

• A favourite harbour

• A sailing adventure

• A significant maritime location

• A ships crests

You can provide photographs and information about the vessel, and I'll develop these into a bespoke composition.

Yes.

Gold leaf is an important part of my practice and can be incorporated into suitable commissions.

I work with genuine 23-carat gold leaf or above, including traditional water gilding techniques that can produce a highly reflective, mirror-like finish.

Gold can be used selectively to highlight lettering, borders, objects or important details, or it can become a more prominent part of the composition.

The use of gold is discussed during the design stage so that the finish complements the artwork rather than being added simply for decoration.

Yes.

Traditional reverse glass sign writing is closely connected to the techniques I use in my artwork.

Custom lettering can be incorporated into a commission, including:

• Names

• Dates

• Quotes

• Boat names

• Business names

• Locations

• Personal messages

• Commemorative text

Lettering can be painted by hand and combined with gilding or other decorative elements where appropriate.

Potentially, yes.

I can incorporate a business logo or other graphic element into a bespoke artwork, subject to the suitability of the design and your rights to use the artwork.

This can work particularly well for:

• Corporate gifts

• Hospitality venues

• Yacht clubs

• Clubs and societies

• Heritage organisations

• Business interiors

• Commemorative pieces

For commercial projects, I'll discuss the intended use, size, materials and design requirements with you before work begins.

Every commission is individually designed, so there isn't a single fixed price.

The cost depends on factors including:

Size
Larger artworks require more glass, materials and studio time.

Complexity
A simple graphic design will require a different amount of work from a highly detailed illustration.

Materials
Genuine gold leaf, specialist finishes, shell inlays and other materials can affect the final price.

Framing
The choice of frame and presentation can be discussed as part of the commission.

Design development
More complex commissions may require additional design development before the final artwork is created.

Once you've shared your idea, I can provide a personalised quotation based on the proposed size, design and materials.

There is no obligation to proceed from an initial enquiry.

Get in touch here

The time required depends on the size and complexity of the artwork, along with the volume of other work and commissions scheduled.

As a guide, allow approximately 6- 8 weeks from approval of the final design to completion.

More complex commissions may take longer, particularly where detailed illustration, extensive gilding or specialist materials are involved.

If your artwork is required for a particular date — such as a wedding, anniversary, birthday or business event — please mention this when you enquire.

I'll let you know what is realistically achievable before you commit to the commission.