1985, we worked with St Peter Baptist Church in Glen Allen, Virginia, creating their new stained glass windows.

Before social media, we would share our progress on large projects using storyboards.

Early in my career, I learned that eliminating surprises, especially in large groups, was desirable. Any documentation approved by the stained glass committee carried a lot of weight.

Before email, I would take photographs and mail them to our patrons, along with a few business cards. This proved an excellent marketing tool as they would share them with friends and pass along our cards. One can’t beat word-of-mouth promotion.

I have carried this practice to all our projects now that we are in the internet era. Although most of our work now is residential, the same principles apply.

The bottom line is that keeping our patron informed is appreciated as a courtesy. Being a commission artist is tricky enough; good social skills are key to a successful project.