Artist, Designer, Builder
This is my take on the differences.
An artist has tremendous creativity. An ability to take the ideas in their mind, express and transform them onto the media they are working with. Their style is frequently extremely unique and identifiable. They are "gifted". The artist will often say, do you want me to create something for you ?
A designer is creative in a different way. Perhaps they are less "gifted" than an artist, but they will allow more customer input and opinion into the design of the product. The designer also has a certain style that although more varied than the artist, is still identifiable. The designer will often say, I can design for you, give me a little input on what you want.
The builder, manufactures the artists and designers product. To maintain the integrity and quality of the product they may need to alter the art or design. The builder is a designer in their own right as they ensure the functionality and quality of the product. They may even design the product to be more functional and of higher build quality. The builder will often say, tell me what you want and I will build it.
Custom cue and case makers are a mixture of the above. The mixture may be perfectly even or heavy in one area.
Your own personal tastes may or may not be totally inline with the artist. The designer may or may not be able to take your input and opinions to create what you have in mind. Even if they do, the end result when put together may leave something to be desired. The builder will build what you tell them, but you are the designer and artist.
Going custom can be an exciting but also scary prospect. Be conservative and buy something already made, be daring and give the artist free reign, split the difference and buy a variation/mixture of what you have seen before ?
I just got a case from John Barton. I was very specific on what I wanted. A mixture of some previous designs and some symbols I saw online. Case came out exactly as I intended. I am very happy. However, I am not a gifted artist or designer. Some day I will buy another case. My vision may get more refined or I may find that "I'll know it when I see it" case.
This is my take on the differences.
An artist has tremendous creativity. An ability to take the ideas in their mind, express and transform them onto the media they are working with. Their style is frequently extremely unique and identifiable. They are "gifted". The artist will often say, do you want me to create something for you ?
A designer is creative in a different way. Perhaps they are less "gifted" than an artist, but they will allow more customer input and opinion into the design of the product. The designer also has a certain style that although more varied than the artist, is still identifiable. The designer will often say, I can design for you, give me a little input on what you want.
The builder, manufactures the artists and designers product. To maintain the integrity and quality of the product they may need to alter the art or design. The builder is a designer in their own right as they ensure the functionality and quality of the product. They may even design the product to be more functional and of higher build quality. The builder will often say, tell me what you want and I will build it.
Custom cue and case makers are a mixture of the above. The mixture may be perfectly even or heavy in one area.
Your own personal tastes may or may not be totally inline with the artist. The designer may or may not be able to take your input and opinions to create what you have in mind. Even if they do, the end result when put together may leave something to be desired. The builder will build what you tell them, but you are the designer and artist.
Going custom can be an exciting but also scary prospect. Be conservative and buy something already made, be daring and give the artist free reign, split the difference and buy a variation/mixture of what you have seen before ?
I just got a case from John Barton. I was very specific on what I wanted. A mixture of some previous designs and some symbols I saw online. Case came out exactly as I intended. I am very happy. However, I am not a gifted artist or designer. Some day I will buy another case. My vision may get more refined or I may find that "I'll know it when I see it" case.
Last edited: