FAQ : Frequently Asked Questions

For many people, the primary benefit is the challenge of making new work in specific parameters that stretch an individual's design and technical skills. Having the work professionally photographed and evaluated propels artists to a higher standard and results in increased confidence. People working in an academic or commercial environment will benefit from the credential of an established independent organization with international standing.

Q: What happens when I sign up?

Upon receipt of a Registration form and payment, each candidate's information is entered into a database. He or she will receive a welcome package that provides the materials available on this website, but goes further with additional descriptions, more photos, and guidelines. When we have accumulated more images and participants, enrollment will include access to a closed chatroom for candidates to exchange information and additional support materials.

Q: Can you explain the progression through each level?

The program is designed to lead a candidate through levels of increasing difficulty, as determined by each individual. The first of five steps requires two projects from each of the five categories. This might be, for example, A2, A9, B1, B6, C3, C4, D5, D9, E1 and E5. This mandates a range of experience, but also allows a candidate to choose projects that play to his or her strength. In fact it might happen that he or she has already made a few pieces that qualify for one of the projects.

Those pieces would be submitted for evaluation, but there is no reason for the candidate to wait before moving on to the next grouping. This time around, he builds up a total of ten projects drawn from the list with each category represented by at least one piece. This could be, for instance, 2 "A" projects, 3 "B" projects, 1 "C" project, 3 "D" projects and 1 "E" project for Registry II. In a similar way, the third, fourth, and fifth step will include ten projects drawn from the list with each category represented once. Each candidate gets to choose which challenging projects to take on and which to defer until later.

Q: How does the evaluation process work?

The Masters Registry works on a rolling submission process. When you have ten pieces finished, send them to the Registry office. The work will be logged in and passed along to our contracted photographer. From there is goes to a Primary Evaluator for examination. The next step is an independent review by a Secondary Evaluator who confirms or queries the results. These two people communicate as needed to reach consensus about the scores, which are then entered and communicated to the candidate. Work that does not achieve the necessary score can be resubmitted as needed until it passes. The evaluation process usually takes 6–8 weeks.

Q: What criteria are the individual pieces in each level judged on?

Part of the package sent to all candidates is a detailed breakdown of judging criteria for each piece. A total of ten points is divided differently for each piece. In some cases, design might count for four or even five points, while in another piece, design might count for only one or two. By careful reading of these notes, candidates can interpret the importance of each project.

Q: If not all ten pieces pass the evalluation, what happens next?

All work is returned to the candidate along with a detailed score sheet for each piece that includes personal notes about the strengths and weaknesses of each one. If a piece did not reach the 70% mark required to pass, the evaluators will offer suggestions on what is needed to improve the piece. In some cases, the actual piece can be improved and in others it might be more efficient to start over, depending on the reason the piece did not pass.

Q: Will I have to resubmit all the pieces again?

No, only the pieces that did not pass need to be resubmitted.

Q: Is there a charge for resubmitting?

There is no additional charge to resubmit, no time restriction, and no limit on how many times a piece may be resubmitted.

Q: Where do I take the classes?

The Registry (unlike certification) does not include classes. Candidates are free to take classes to help them prepare for the projects, but the Registry does not manage those classes.

Q: Are questions allowed?

The Registry staff is happy to help clarify the program, but they are not in a position to provide technical help.

Q: Who is sponsoring the Registry?

The program received initial support from the PMC Guild and Mitsubishi Materials and is seeking support from others in the metal clay field. It intends to spin off as an independent, brand-neutral enterprise.

Q: What is the history of the program?

The program was conceived in 2004 and developed over the next four years by a volunteer group of 15 metal clay artists. For more details, please visit the extended page of the "Program Overview" section of this website.

Q: How do I pay if I live outside the US?

Because financial arrangements vary widely, we will work with candidates to find a method that is efficient and economical on a case-by-case basis. Examples include bank transfer, PayPal, Western Union, and money order. All these work inside the US, but any check drawn on a US bank is acceptable.

Q: Who photographs my work?

One of the advantages of the program is that all work that is submitted will be professionally photographed. A CD with digital images will be given to each candidate when their work is returned.

Q: Who pays for shipping?

Candidates pay for shipping and insurance to the Registry. The program covers the cost of return shipping and insurance.

Q: Can I get help with my work?

Candidates can take classes and seek advice, but they must make each piece with their own hands from a design of their own creation. Projects created in a workshop or under direct supervision of a teacher are not appropriate for this program. The packing manifest that accompanies each shipment will contain this statement, which the candidate must sign: "By signing below, I certify that the work I am sending was created by my own hands, without direct assistance or supervision, and that the designs (except as specified in program guidelines) are my own."

Q: What if I am dissatisfied with the program?

Of course we want all participants to be satisfied with the experience. If problems arise, the situation will be reviewed by an independent advisor.