It is said that life has three rules:
Paradox – Life is a mystery, don’t waste your time trying to figure it out.
Humor – Keep a sense of humor, especially about yourself. It is a strength beyond measure.
Change – Know that nothing ever stays the same.
When I am teaching, I try to emphasize the fact that a lot of times there is no real right or wrong way to go about a project, it is more a matter of visioning what you want to accomplish, and then figure out how to get there with the tools in front of you. One of the greatest strengths I feel a person can have is the ability to adapt to whatever situation comes at them.
My story. In the past 35 years I have been all over the world working as a technical model maker and trainer, helping companies reduce defects and produce better quality jewelry. Then in 2014 I started JewelryMonk Industries, a way of teaching basic jewelry making, through tutorials, to anyone willing to learn. Then I opened up the JewelryMonk Studio and Training Center in mid 2018. At the training center my efforts have been teaching beginner and intermediate jewelers the basic concepts of the craft of jewelry making through hands-on projects, workshops, as well as videos and tutorials.
Time again to Change….. My focus going into the next year will be to go back to my roots and turn the JewelryMonk Training Center into a Training Production Facility, teaching production jewelry making and manufacturing in a real-time setting, with real clients. We will start producing finished jewelry for others designers, plus a line of our own locally designed jewelry. We will not only be making jewelry, but be using this facility as a vessel to make jewelers!
Currently, we are pursuing jewelry designers who want an option of having their lines of jewelry developed and produced in the USA, and who want to be part of a larger story of training people and giving them a career option. We pride ourselves with being ethical and responsible in the materials we use, and also in the care of the jewelers who have trusted us with a portion of their lives. We will give the people we invest in a skill they can take with them for the rest of their lives.
So you are asking “What does this have to do with me?”
Well, another EXCITING aspect is that I am also looking for one to two artistic and motivated apprentices to work with us in this endeavor, who would like to learn alongside a master craftsman all the processes of jewelry making. I am seeking people who have a passion for creating and learning, then in turn and also interested in helping others develop as well. We will cover everything from design, CAD and 3d printing, (as well as wax carving and metal fabrication), mold and model making, casting, soldering, polishing, stone setting, marketing, packaging, and much more. Unfortunately at the time this is a non-paid position, but that will hopefully change in the coming year…… think of it as a free jewelry college opportunity. (Warning, I am going to be very diligent in finding the right people)
So, if you are someone who has always dreamed of being a professional jewelry maker, wants to learn how to develop and create your own line of quality jewelry, or if you are already have a line of jewelry or an idea of one and would like to have it developed and produced here in South Dakota (gold or silver), or feel free to contact me. Doug@JewelryMonk.com or 605.718.5070
Paradox, Humor, Change is a constant, and we must follow the flow, or get stagnant waiting.
Doug