Custom or Not to Custom
In this journey I've been on with my business some opportunities have come up here and there to do custom work. Early on I declined any requests to do custom work because, well, it makes me crazy. There is so much more pressure whens it's custom. You know what I mean? It's easier to just make what I want to make knowing someone will see it complete and either buy it or not buy it. On the flip side it sure is nice to know you have a buyer ready for what you are working on.
So I can't help but wonder (I miss Carrie Bradshaw) is it fear, lack of confidence, or am I just not cut out for custom work?
Well when it rains it pours and I recently took on three custom projects. You know what, I enjoyed all of them. The thing that surprised me the most was how much I enjoyed having someone else make the final choices once in awhile. What fabric to use, what paint or stain color. The finishing details.
For instance. I built and upholstered this custom ottoman. The fabric, trim and paint color were all different then what I would have chosen but I love how it turned out. It was fun to give her what she envisioned.
If you've been reading for awhile you know I pick neutral fabrics. I even bore myself sometimes. The fabric she picked is very bold. I loved it. I never would have picked it. I think it looks great in her home with her neutral furniture.
Next project was a custom upholstered headboard. Loved the fabric from the get go, probably never would have picked it out though because again if I make it to sell without knowing who's buying it I always go with neutral.
The last project I just finished was a custom entry shelf. (she will add hooks herself) I never stain anything but she wanted it stained. First thing I thought was oh no, can't use any caulking if it's stained. Must be careful. I put on my big girl pants and I think it turned out great.
I guess what I'm saying is I am now open to custom work. I won't just automatically decline anymore but it has to be something I am excited about doing. I did one job I've never mentioned a while back that I wasn't into and it was t.o.r.t.u.r.e. Don't get me wrong I appreciated the work it just wasn't really my thing and I struggled with it. In the end it all worked out and I learned a lot and that made it worth it.
So how do you feel about custom work?
So I can't help but wonder (I miss Carrie Bradshaw) is it fear, lack of confidence, or am I just not cut out for custom work?
Well when it rains it pours and I recently took on three custom projects. You know what, I enjoyed all of them. The thing that surprised me the most was how much I enjoyed having someone else make the final choices once in awhile. What fabric to use, what paint or stain color. The finishing details.
For instance. I built and upholstered this custom ottoman. The fabric, trim and paint color were all different then what I would have chosen but I love how it turned out. It was fun to give her what she envisioned.
( ottoman in clients home)
If you've been reading for awhile you know I pick neutral fabrics. I even bore myself sometimes. The fabric she picked is very bold. I loved it. I never would have picked it. I think it looks great in her home with her neutral furniture.
Next project was a custom upholstered headboard. Loved the fabric from the get go, probably never would have picked it out though because again if I make it to sell without knowing who's buying it I always go with neutral.
The last project I just finished was a custom entry shelf. (she will add hooks herself) I never stain anything but she wanted it stained. First thing I thought was oh no, can't use any caulking if it's stained. Must be careful. I put on my big girl pants and I think it turned out great.
I guess what I'm saying is I am now open to custom work. I won't just automatically decline anymore but it has to be something I am excited about doing. I did one job I've never mentioned a while back that I wasn't into and it was t.o.r.t.u.r.e. Don't get me wrong I appreciated the work it just wasn't really my thing and I struggled with it. In the end it all worked out and I learned a lot and that made it worth it.
So how do you feel about custom work?