Syllabus

Production Jewelry Design

MICA- Jewelry Department

Spring 2014    Jenn Parnell, Instructor

Course Description

In order to be successful in today's market, artists must also be entrepreneurs and small-business people. This class explores the practical world of making a living as a contemporary jeweler while gaining financial success. The focus of this class is on the design, production, marketing and pricing of your work. Included are techniques for: one-of-a-kind to mass production, fabrication, consistent quality finishes, use of findings and presentation from inception to completion. Geared to anyone interested in making a living as an artist, this class will satisfy the needs of the novice as well as the professional. Some jewelry making experience is helpful but not required.

Requirements

Attendance is a must.  A lot of information will be covered in class.  You will be held responsible for all materials covered. 

Demonstrations will usually be held in the beginning of class, therefore, please be on time.

Completed projects and all technical exercises must be completed on time and turned in at the end of the semester.

You will be responsible for discussing your work and participating in all class discussions and critiques.

Unexcused absences will negatively impact your grade. 3 unexcused absences is an automatic failure of the course.

Week 1- January 28

• Introductions
• Studio Tour- introduction to the equipment, basic safety for the machinery, shop protocol
• Discussion: Production Jewelry- what does that mean?
• Introduction of Projects
• Discussion: How to reproduce your pieces? Methods and materials
• Lesson 1: Prototyping
• Homework: 2-3 paragraphs on where you want to go with your jewelry and how production fits into that. Talk about your future career goals, financial goals, and artistic goals.
• Homework: Sketches and rough maquettes for project- steps 1 and 2 of prototyping

Week 2- February 4

• Drawings for projects due
• Discuss designs
• Business 1: Time Management
• Business 2: Efficiency- More Money, Less Work
• Homework: Refine design prototypes- step 3 of prototyping
• Homework: Lay out line- pieces, intended price points, thoughts on production methods and supplies needed.

Week 3- February 11

• Work time
• Lesson 2: Mold Making
• Homework: Work on final prototypes

Week 4- February 18

• Work time
• Homework: Make a mold

Week 5- February 25

• Business 3: Pricing
• Lesson 3: Earring Findings
• Lesson 4: Working with Castings- Soldering, Cleaning, Finishing

Week 6- March 4

• Lesson 5: Commercial Stone Settings

• Lesson 6: Altering a Wax/ Injecting a Mold
• Business 4: Logo, Image, and Brand
• Homework: Create 5-10 logo ideas.

Week 7- March 11

• Discussion: What role can production play for you?
• For outsourced casting, waxes should ship this week.
• Lesson 7: Other Findings
• Homework: Final logo

No Class March 18

Week 8- March 25

• Work time
• Business 5: Marketing Basics
• Homework: Write a draft of your resume, artist statement, and bio
• Homework: 5 ideas for business cards

Week 9- April 1

• Business 6: Photography
• Discussion: Variations and Expanding a Line
• Lesson 8: Working with Commercial Chains
• Last day to ship any outsourcing

Week 10- April 8

• Work time
• Lesson 9: Resizing and Reworking
• Homework: Final resume, statement, and bio.
• Homework: Final business card design

Week 11- April 15

• Work time
• Business 7: Resources

Week 12- April 22

• Work time
• Business 8: Avenues for your work
• Homework: Research avenues of interest to you and apply to 2 opportunities.

Week 13- April 29

• Work time

Week 14- May 6

• Everything due!
• Individual Critiques
• Fill out reviews, discuss class