Short cuts in decorating

It is almost always possible in any type of production work to reduce the amount of work involved without sacrificing the quality of the item. This is the most important factor in production and should be given the utmost consideration. When you have prepared your sample model, take the time to study it carefully. There are, in all probability, many steps which could be eliminated in the decoration without destroying the artistic value of the piece. Here is the crucial point in the success of your item. It must be attractive enough to sell, but simple enough to produce at a profit.

All unnecessary detail and intricate brush-work should be eliminated at the start. If you do feel the need for some brushwork to give distinction to the item, plan the piece so that one or two brush strokes can be added as an accent, making them simple enough not to hamper your speed of production. The inclusion of handwork will depend upon the market for which you are aiming, but remember” that equally attractive pieces can be produced with a single glaze and produced much more cheaply.

Limit yourself to as few colors as possible. An item can be as effective with one or two well-planned colors as with many. Take advantage of ceramic machinery for your decorating. This is essential in speeding up production since it is the hand labor that is expensive and time-consuming. Use airbrushes, spray guns (for large areas) and spatter guns wherever possible. An initial investment in the proper equipment is a wise investment.

Try to plan your piece so that it can be completed in one firing. This means eliminating a bisque firing and a gold firing, unless you are prepared to charge a higher price for your item. Again, you must consider your market. If you plan to sell the item at a low price, a gold firing would be quite impractical as would brushwork and a bisque firing.

Strip your item down to essentials, but do it sensibly, never forgetting that it must still be an attractive item if it is to sell. Here all your ceramic knowledge, intelligence and good taste will come into play. Study your sample model and see whether you can decorate it in a different, cheaper way. One brush stroke could probably take the place of three; separate color areas could be air-brushed, with the help of masks; a spatter gun could be substituted for sponging or spattering; a colored or crackle glaze could be used as an entire decoration. It is simply a matter of good planning and imagination and if you use plenty of both, your item should be successful.

Keywords: Ceramic Decorations, Ceramics Decor, Ceramics, Painting

Tags: ceramics

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