From Concept to Creation: Inside the Bespoke Mosaic Design Process

The mosaic-making process for bespoke luxury mosaics, from the design concept to the final finishing of the fixture, is a step-by-step journey. It is carried out with great attention to each detail and to the preferences and vision of the client.

We at MEC work closely with our clients in the preliminary stages of the process when the concept is being discussed and created. During the actual crafting of your art, our design team and expert artisans work together closely.

The approved design concept is the roadmap, which is closely followed to create your mosaic masterpiece. This article aims to give you an idea of the design process followed during the making of each piece.

The hard work, creativity and love that is poured into each mosaic so that its addition to your space actually may bring to life your interior/exterior.

You Tell Your Mosaic Vision & Essentials

The beginning of it all is when a client meets with us to share their mosaic vision. During this period, we work closely with our client to get all the information that has to be taken into consideration when crafting the mosaic.

The site is visited. Exact dimensions are measured. A feeling of the place is taken, and it is elicited from the client what kind of feelings, emotions or story they want to get across with their mosaic.

If the mosaic is for a commercial space, then the brand identity of the client’s brand is obtained. It is determined what the exact objective is that they wish to obtain with their mosaic project. It could be brand endorsement, launching a new brand or just attaching a particular feeling or aura with their brand

Architectural plans of the space are procured. Material preferences are discussed with the client, and it is assessed what materials will gel well with the space. All choices are made with the client’s consent and preference.

A very important decision is that of the style of the mosaic. The surroundings of the site also help determine what style the intended mosaic may be. If a change in the decor or feel of the space is the intended reason for the mosaic, then that is taken into account, too.

If a client wishes, then the design team proposes choices of colours, materials and patterns. Otherwise, these particulars are decided by the client with suggestions from our expert design team. Each particular is decided to the complete satisfaction of the client.

Animal Mosaic Artistry

Mosaic Design Concept Is Created With the Aid of Your Vision

Aided by the information provided by the client, the design team now starts the actual creation of the mosaic design. For picture mosaics, logos, geometrical patterns or any other imagery which needs to be copied, designers experiment with materials, colors and arrangements to see what looks best.

In the case of abstractions, patterns are created, and the flows and movement of designs are assessed and improved if required. Mood-boards are set up at this stage. They may be of two kinds

• Physical mood-boards: This is where clients take actual samples of materials, color palettes, lighting arrangement and patterns to give the client an idea of what the mosaic will look like. MEC provides a physical mood board for their luxury mosaics
• Digital mood-boards: These are made in applications like Adobe Photoshop or Canva, etc., usually used for more routine decor mosaics.

The setting of the mosaic, the lighting of the intended site, and the kind of space (domestic, commercial, indoor, or outdoor) are also taken into account. For indoor mosaics with good lighting, reinforced glass, ceramics and porcelain give that jeweled accented look for a richer looking surrounding.

Mosaic Portrait Art

For a more dignified and matted look, wood mosaics are really trending. They tend to give the surroundings a close-to-nature yet elegant look.

These details and more are worked out before the final design concept is created. 2D and 3D renders are created, and complete satisfaction of the client is elicited before the actual crafting is started.

The Intended Area Is Visited Once More

After the design is in place, the site is visited once more to make sure all the details are in accordance with the mosaic artwork to be fitted there. The site for the intended artwork should be completely dry and smooth, as this is necessary for the adhesive to set well.

Curves and corners are taken into account, and any settings on those are made. These corners and edges actually help make a mosaic stand out even more by making the texture still more unique.

These curves and corners may be used to display a certain feature to give it a more lively feel, like vegetation in a nature-inspired mosaic, and so on.

For commercial projects, certain extra features have to be assessed, such as what kind of use the site area will have. The artwork for these areas essentially needs to be

• Suitable for heavy traffic
• Free of all kinds of emissions and chemicals
• Fire-resistant
• Anti-slip and water-proof (for pools and surrounding areas)
• Smooth in some instances ( e.g. floor mosaics to avoid tripping)
• Color resistant to avoid fading of tile color
• Temperature-resistant so that tiles don’t spoil with changing weathers

Materials Best Suited for the Mosaic Project Are Selected

From the above-mentioned list, all the requirements which are pertinent to a certain project are kept in mind while choosing the materials for that project.

Another very important aspect is the choice and taste of the client. That is the defining factor in material selection. Our expert design and technical team make suggestions if other materials may be more suitable, but the ultimate choice rests with the client.

Clients are presented with a choice of materials, and they decide which ones will actually be incorporated into their artwork. Popular material choices trending currently include

• Marble: Very popular for classic-style interior mosaics, flooring and medallion mosaics.
• Glass Tesserae: This is perhaps the most in-demand material because of its colors, brilliant finish, water-resistance and modern look. Glass mosaics work best in pools, modern interiors and spas.
• Smalti: This material is popular as it gives a very natural and rugged finish while incorporating beautiful colors. It is used in luxury murals for modern interiors and religious mosaics in temples and churches.
• Porcelain and Ceramics: They have an elegant, smooth finish, are very durable and look expensive.
• Gold-leaf tesserae and Stainless Steel: These are modern materials used in luxury interiors. Gold-leaf tesserae are also used in pool mosaics.
• Other Special Materials. These include mother-of-pearl and semi-precious stones used sparingly in small projects for high-end spaces.
• Wood: A newly trending material, which has become very popular as an eco-friendly choice. It gives rugged, natural-looking finishes.

Celestial Body Mosaic Imagery

2D and 3D Designs Are Created

With the materials in place, two-dimensional and three-dimensional mock designs are created for clients to view and approve. 2D and 3D images are created to see the full form of the mosaic imagery in advance. This gives a good idea of how the artwork will look in reality.

For a real-time feel of how the mosaic will look when crafted. The mock-ups are created to scale for an exact idea of the size. These are also viewed on their intended site to see exactly how the completed project will look when installed.

Mosaic Samples Are Approved by Client

Mosaic samples are then crafted, keeping all the collected information in mind. You can think of a sample as a miniature part of your whole artwork. The material to be used, colors, textures and type of grout which will be used in the whole project are showcased in that sample.

At MEC, we make sure that all the details are to the complete satisfaction of our valued clients so that the complete project is spot on with their expectations. Any changes requested by the client can be made at this stage.

If any changes are requested, they are made, and the refined sample is presented for final approval. After the final approval, the mosaic specifications are in line.

Blueprints of the Mosaic Are Made

This is the last step before the actual crafting of your masterpiece begins. To scale drawings are made, which is the map that will be followed while the crafting takes place.

For large projects, installation maps are made, and sections of tiles are prepared and placed on mesh-sheets. These sheets are numbered, and the installation map shows which sheet needs to be placed where, making installation easier, especially in the case of international projects.

The packaging of sections is also done accordingly once the mosaic is ready. This also makes the installation easier.

Your Masterpiece Is Crafted

After all these details are in place, it is finally time to put together your masterpiece. At MEC, each tile is crafted lovingly and placed in its position to complete the jigsaw. We pride in our ability to create one hundred percent hand crafted art, which is brilliant and original.

Our luxury bespoke mosaics tell about the meticulous journey each tile passes through before it becomes a part of your artwork. The tiles undergo several quality tests for strength, durability and color quality before they are made part of your mosaic.

We offer both handmade and machine-created mosaics. We pride in our handcrafted mosaic art, which has made us a trusted name in mosaic art across more than forty countries.

Pool Wall Mosaics

Conclusion

Bespoke luxury mosaics are a product of collaboration, meticulous research and the creative genius of many design experts and artisans. We strive to deliver to you only the best. Mosaics that will not only adorn your spaces but also be functional.

Art that will make you stop and stare. That will become the focal point of your space or provide just the right kind of background aura that you desire. Contact us today or visit our website to view the magic of mosaic art.