How to commission a custom mosaic
This guide explains how an ExoTiles custom mosaic project moves from your supplied design through quotation, production, photographic approval and delivery. To explore the types of artwork, murals, logos and patterns we supply, visit our custom mosaic artwork and project examples.
1. Send your design and project details
Begin with a photograph, sketch, logo, artwork or pattern showing what you want reproduced. Include approximate dimensions, the application, project location, preferred material if known, and your required timeframe.
Use the Contact page for your initial enquiry. The form does not accept file attachments, so mention the artwork or drawings you have and we can arrange how to share them in our reply.
2. Choose the material and construction approach
Materials can include porcelain, glass or stone. Your preferred material and construction approach form part of the discussion before quoting.
Hand-cut pieces
Pieces are cut individually to follow the design, allowing smoother curves and more natural shapes. Hand-cut work costs more than using standard small pieces. Previous completed examples are generally the basis for judging the likely result; a precise computer simulation is generally not available for this approach.
Standard small-piece or pixel-style construction
The image can instead be built from small standard pieces, commonly around 1 cm × 1 cm or 2 cm × 2 cm. Square pieces give the design a pixel-like appearance. For suitable non-hand-cut designs, the factory can sometimes use software to show an indication of the result. This is not available or guaranteed for every project.
3. Receive a quotation and confirm the order
Each project is individually quoted. The total depends on area, design complexity, material, construction approach, quantity and freight. Supply your delivery location and required timing with the brief so these can be considered for your order.
Custom projects are normally paid in full before production starts. Confirm the design, quotation and current estimated timeframe before ordering.
4. Production and photographic approval
The mosaic is assembled from the individual pieces to reproduce the supplied design. Once assembled, photographs can be supplied for you to inspect and approve the completed work before it is permanently glued or backed for shipment.
This is a review of photographs of the assembled mosaic, rather than a promise that every project will receive a computer preview.
5. Numbered sections for your tiler
Large mosaics are divided into manageable numbered sections, generally no larger than about 1 m² and often around 0.5 m². Your chosen tiler uses the numbering to reassemble the complete artwork or pattern in the correct positions. ExoTiles supplies the mosaic; on-site installation is arranged by the customer.
Production time, freight and delivery
Allow at least approximately one month for a custom order. The total timeframe varies with the design, material, quantity, production requirements and freight. Please confirm the current estimate before ordering and tell us about any planned installation or opening date.
A freight estimate is only the transport portion of the order, not the full production-to-delivery timeframe. Discuss freight and delivery arrangements as part of your quotation.
Which custom service do you need?
Artwork, murals, logos and bespoke patterns can be viable from approximately 1 m². The custom mosaic art page is the starting point for those projects.
If you are selecting a conventional mosaic tile design or specification from a factory catalogue, that is a separate service with factory minimum quantities generally around 50 m² or more. See factory orders and commercial specification enquiries.
Mosaic examples and materials
