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Quality vs Quantity (and why it's not so black and white)

9/1/2017

10 Comments

 
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A few months ago, I posted this photo online with the blurb "Super productive! Some makes for the month!". Seemed innocuous enough, a straight forward little pat on my back. I was productive, I kept creative, and I wanted to share that success with others.

To my surprise, a conversation erupted as a result of this photo, regarding the concept of quality vs. quantity. Let me stress I didn't take the comments personally, nor do I believe they were meant to be taken so, but it sparked an interesting conversation that I wanted to discuss here, which touched on the idea that the production of multiple pieces (and how many is too many was never defined) somehow suggests, on the face of it, a lack of quality... that somehow over production is perceived as an actual thing!
Let me say that I agree (and I've said this before) that quality is important. Pieces should never catch on clothing, unravel, beads or stones shouldn't pop out of their bezels, tool marks should be filed or sanded, etc... these things speak to the quality of ones work and should be appropriately measured before offering that work to others.

Design and aesthetics of finished work, however, are a different beast all together. And I cannot say, with any certainty, to which the above conversation was directed. And, let's be real honest here.... quality is still more a matter of preference than irrefutable, universal fact. I have purchased handcrafted pieces that have kinks in the wire, the curves are a little wonky, or the weaves are not compressed. Why? Because those pieces tell me a story, which is more important than their perfection, or my perception of perfection.

So let's talk about the implied idea above that there's such a thing as over-production, that producing too many things in some predetermined time frame can somehow be damaging to, not only the quality, but the artistry or creativity.

While we can (and should) consider ourselves designers, artists or creatives, we are also, in many instances, business owners striving to support ourselves with our craft. And here's the thing: we shouldn't judge productivity as haste. As business owners, we have responsibilities to our families, our customers and our audience and, as such, we make certain demands on our time, including a consistent production of work. One of the most important things I've learned as a business owner is this: productivity is the key to any successful venture. Producing 50 pieces a month no more suggests a "rush" in our work than producing 5 pieces a month suggests care in the work.

I know, I know. Talking about money feels icky to many artists. There's this idea that artists should somehow sacrifice their livelihood for their craft... the whole "starving artist" ideology that serves (seriously) no one at all. So, words like "productivity" rub folks the wrong way. I get it.

And you don't have to sacrifice quality or artistry to meet those productivity goals you've set for yourself. You simply have to know how to save time (your most important resource) where you can, how to batch processes and streamline work flow. That someone can complete a piece two hours faster than someone else should never imply the work is somehow less. Of course we should never sacrifice quality, or cut corners to meet deadlines. But neither should we assume quality is lacking due to the speed of production.

So, quality vs quantity? The two are neither mutually exclusive nor inclusive of one another. It's for the artist and their customer to decide.
10 Comments
John link
9/3/2017 12:32:51 am

Woww, very awesome. I really love that. Thank for sharing

Reply
Janet
9/4/2017 02:25:29 am

Hi Nicole,
I admire your work! And yes, you are making this pieces for a couple of years now and know what you are doing. So you work faster than someone else....so what? That doesn't mean your pieces are all of the sudden less....Don't let anyone talk you down like this....You are a awesome spiritual and inspirational person and so is your artwork!
Kind regards,
Janet

Reply
Angelina
9/5/2017 12:12:50 am

Many people were envious of Mozart for producing so many masterpieces in such an incredibly short time. I don't see "too much" in that picture. My reaction is more along the lines: "OMG, it's all so pretty! Gimme, gimme, ALL!!!"

Reply
Sandra Smith
9/5/2017 10:02:46 am

You are so correct, quantity does not mean loss of quality. In fact, it may even increase quality as the artist increases knowledge of their craft! When I first practiced with your tutorials, it would take me days to finish an item satisfactorily, now I can "produce" an item in a day. Of course, I am following your instructions, but the knowledge gained in working those initial items paid off in that I can create a new item faster and with better quality, so faster does not mean reduction in quality, understanding of the process and practice do. As I move into creating my own items, what I have learned only contributes to the process. I also do heirloom knitting and an item can take anywhere from a few weeks to months to make (this is working on the item 6-8 hours/five days a week), but again, as I grew in knowledge, creation time decreased. Quantity in fact may mean better quality as the creative inspiration expands as more can be "produced" with less time but greater skill.

Reply
Brenda brown
9/5/2017 10:07:43 pm

Very well said, so true

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Wendy Whorton
9/5/2017 10:40:15 pm

I learn so much searching for the "treasure". Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with us

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Bonnie Robbins link
9/6/2017 01:55:39 pm

Thank you for this! I had posted on a handmade sellers group that I was scheduled for 6 in-person shows this holiday season. One member told me I would regret it-that the quality of my work would suffer. I take my time with each piece, some work moves quicker than other pieces, but I don't consider them to be of lesser quality. This post speaks to what I was trying to convey.

Reply
Debbie
9/6/2017 04:32:05 pm

Thank you for this. I am at a point where my life is so full and busy I am not producing anything, other than 'assembled' pieces that are put together from pre-made components. I can not fathom over production right now! Patiently awaiting this to pass, as I really love wire weaving, and have so many ideas of things to create for the holiday season!. I love your blog, your treasure hunts and especially your encouragement. Thanks for inspiring me.

Reply
Lloyd link
9/8/2017 03:00:45 pm

"The two are neither mutually exclusive nor inclusive of one another. It's for the artist and their customer to decide." Well said; I agree completely.

Reply
Lisa Dellerman
4/1/2022 12:32:20 pm

These Chaos pendants are amazing@!! I so wish these were available for tutorials.

Reply

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  • Home
  • Blog
  • Gallery
  • Learn To Wire Wrap
    • PDF Tutorials
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    • SIGNATURE COLLECTION
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      • Beginner Wire Weaving
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