Looking to take on larger commission projects but unsure how to reach the next level? Do you find yourself putting in the effort, only to have clients hesitate or projects slip through your fingers? Here are five steps to elevate your craft and successfully break into the world of custom stained glass window commissions.
1. Solidify your intake process
Confidence in your intake process can significantly enhance your client's comfort and trust. Often, clients depend entirely on you to guide them through decisions on design, installation, and cost. By formalizing your intake process on paper, you can set clear expectations and create a smoother experience for everyone involved.
2. Build a portfolio
To land window commissions, you need to demonstrate your ability to create them! If you don't have a portfolio yet, it's time to start building one. It's unrealistic to expect someone to hire you for a window project if you can't showcase your skills.
3. Learn a design program
Creating large-scale drawings with pencil and paper can be challenging, as it's easy for designs to become misaligned. And if your design is symmetrical, it’s even more difficult! While learning a design program may take time, it's a valuable skill that can save you time and enhance your professionalism.
4. Educate yourself!
Building stained glass windows is a highly skilled trade where art intersects with construction, especially in large window commissions. You're not just creating art; you're installing functional windows in clients' homes and managing their needs throughout the process. It's essential to shift your mindset from being an artist to becoming a Stained Glass Window Professional. Seek out knowledge in books and educational sources that relate to window building and window restoration.
Window Glazing by Steve Jordan was a comprehensive guide to working with traditional frames which is also another valuable skill to stained glass window repair. Find the book on Amazon here.
5. Join our online course and learn to build leaded windows!
For every 10 projects we receive in-store for repair or construction, only one involves copper foil. Learning at least the basics to leaded window builds is crucial to your success as a Stained Glass Window Professional. Lead came is far more intricate than foil due to the many different lead sizes and styles. Consider enrolling in our online lead came course, where you'll be guided through your first lead project. Plus, you'll gain access to our exclusive Facebook community—an ongoing forum where we share insights about our builds that aren’t available anywhere else. In the group, you can ask questions and get honest answers from fellow members including the Lucent Glass commissions team! Still on the fence? We're offering 15% off our online course for the entire month of September 2024. The discount is automatically applied at checkout, so don’t miss out!!
Click here to join our lead came window builders online course
The breakfast club at the Cornerstone enjoying the new addition to their morning meeting place! August 19 2024 9:30am
With love,
Lucent Glass
