Bespoke Texture Service

Custom texture tools for potters and studios

Alongside the Magpie Texture Co. range, I offer a limited bespoke service for makers who need a texture that doesn’t exist — or can’t exist — as an off-the-shelf tool.

Bespoke work is suited to:

studios developing a recognisable surface language
potters working on a defined body of work
projects where repeatability, scale, and clean release matter

This service is intentionally limited so each project can be developed, tested, and refined properly in clay.

Two ways to work together

1. Bespoke from supplied artwork

(most common)

This option is ideal if you already have artwork or a clearly defined pattern.

You supply finished artwork (or artwork that needs light preparation), and I translate it into a functional clay texture — refining for scale, depth, and release.

Best for

feature elements
repeat patterns
established visual identities
makers who know what they want

What’s included

one digital proof
one round of revision
test press of the first engraved sheet
production of additional sheets if required

This is a focused, execution-led process.

2. Design-led bespoke

(limited availability)

This is a collaborative design process where I develop an original texture concept based on a defined brief.

Because this work is exploratory by nature, it is offered selectively and scoped carefully.

Best for

collaborators with a clear project context
studios seeking a distinctive, one-off surface language
situations where exploration is intentional and expected

Important to know

this is a different process to standard bespoke
it involves multiple design iterations
it requires a written brief and clear constraints
pricing reflects the additional design time

Design-led bespoke requires a written brief with constraints (use case, scale, repetition, and aesthetic references) and are accepted in limited numbers each quarter.

Sizes & formats

Bespoke textures can be produced in a range of formats, including:

Mug band — 31 × 11 cm
Full sheet — up to 38 × 38 cm
Custom formats — anything in between, depending on use

Engraved templates or masks can also be developed as part of a bespoke project where appropriate.

If you’re unsure what size or format suits your work, this can be discussed during quoting.

File requirements (for supplied artwork)

Accepted formats

Vector: SVG, AI, EPS
Image: JPEG or PNG (high contrast, 300 dpi at final size)

Design notes

Minimum line width: 0.5 mm
Avoid gradients or photographic detail
Black on white works best

Artwork cleanup, vectorising, or pattern development can be quoted if needed.

Pricing & quotes

Bespoke pricing depends on design complexity, preparation required, and format. All bespoke work is quoted before proceeding.

Design & setup

Hourly rate: NZD $60 per hour
Ready-to-engrave artwork supplied: setup fee applies
Artwork cleanup, vectorising, seamless pattern development, or design-led bespoke work is charged at the hourly rate above

Production

First bespoke sheet includes test press and quality checks
Additional identical sheets are priced per unit, based on format

Example 1 — Bespoke from supplied artwork

(Execution-led)

Brief
A potter supplies a finished SVG design to be used as a repeat texture on mugs.

Process

Check and prepare supplied SVG
One digital proof
One minor revision
Engrave first sheet and test press in clay

Typical time

Setup & preparation: 0.5–1 hour
Design time: $30–$60
First bespoke sheet (includes test & QA): $35

Indicative total (first sheet):

$65–$95, plus additional sheets if required

This option suits makers who already have clear artwork and want it translated cleanly into a functional texture.

Example 2 — Design-led bespoke

(Collaborative design process)

Brief
A studio wants a distinctive surface texture developed from a conceptual idea rather than finished artwork.

Process

Review written brief and constraints
Develop original texture concepts
Multiple design iterations
Test pressing and refinement in clay
Final engraving and production

Typical time

Design development: 2–4 hours (sometimes more)
Design time: $120–$240
First bespoke sheet (includes test & QA): $35

Indicative total (first sheet):

$155–$275, depending on scope and iteration

This option is intentionally exploratory and is best suited to collaborators who are comfortable with an iterative process and open-ended outcomes.

The examples below are indicative only, but they’re intended to give a clear sense of scope and cost so you can decide whether bespoke is the right fit before requesting a quote.

Worked Examples

Turnaround

Proofs are typically supplied within a few days
Engraving and dispatch follow approval
Timelines vary depending on scope and workload

Rights & permissions

You must confirm that you own the rights — or have permission — to reproduce any artwork supplied.
I can’t accept copyrighted material without explicit authorisation.

Request a Quote

If you already have artwork and want a clean, functional translation into clay, bespoke from supplied artwork is usually the most efficient path.

If you’re seeking original surface development and are comfortable with exploration, design-led bespoke may be appropriate — but it should be approached as a collaborative design project rather than a quick customisation.

If you’re unsure, a short enquiry usually clarifies which path makes the most sense.

Start a bespoke enquiry