Product assessment is an evaluation or examination of a product to determine its quality, functionality, performance, and compliance with specific standards or requirements. It involves a detailed analysis of various aspects of the product, such as its design, materials used, manufacturing process, durability, safety, and overall suitability for its intended purpose.

A peer-review committee comprised of craftspeople covering various artistic mediums review the applications. Current Maker Members of Craft Nova Scotia can apply to have their work juried without paying additional fees. If you are currently a non-member, you are not required to register your membership prior to acceptance. You can register for your Maker Membership upon approval of your product assessment.

How to Prepare for Product Assessment

Here are a few key things to consider when preparing for assessment:

1. Choose your samples wisely
   Make sure the 3-6 sample pieces you are submitting are the most accurate representation of your overall product line. They should depict the standard for the type of works you produce.
   

2. Read the guidelines carefully
   Read the medium specific guidelines listed below which pertain to the materials used in your work. Be sure to submit under the relevant category / categories in your application. Multiple materials are permitted.

3. Be aware of labelling laws
   Do you make work that is meant to be worn, washed, handled, consumed, played with, eaten from, or applied to the skin? You must label your products according to Government of Canada regulations. Find out more
   

   You are responsible for obtaining and complying with government safety and health regulations, as well as regulations regarding labelling. Craft Nova Scotia assumes no responsibility for makers' compliance with government health, safety and labeling regulations. However, any submissions that do not have the required labelling will not be accepted.
   Warning labels or tags must accompany relevant products, e.g “raku pottery cannot go in the dishwasher”; “This doll is not a toy and should be used for decorative purposes only”

4. Do you make more than one type of product?
   For example, if you make textile products and ceramics, you must submit examples of each of the materials you intend to sell. Any products you make that are not similar to your submitted work will not be permitted to be sold at our markets and pop-ups.
   
   

5. Are you already a juried member, but you're making new work these days?
   If you are creating a new product line that differs significantly from your previous work (either in material, technique, functionality, etc.), you must submit the new work for assessment.
   Examples:
   – If you were accepted with thrown ceramic mugs and bowls and are now making hand built mugs and bowls, you do not need to be reassessed.
   – If you were accepted with flameworked glass beads and are now making fused glass wares, you must submit the new work for assessment.
   – If you were accepted with metal jewellery and are now making metal sculptures, you must submit the new work for assessment.
   – If you were accepted with wood sculptures and are now making woven textiles, you must submit the new work for assessment.
   – If you were accepted with photography and are now making watercolours of your photographs, you must submit the new work for assessment.

   Use your judgement when it comes to the development of your product line and knowing when to submit again. When in doubt, reach out! We're happy to talk through the process to see if it's time to resubmit.

6. Think about your marketing materials.
   Don't have a business card? Don't have packaging? Haven't figured out how to photograph your pieces just yet? Consider taking the time to work on these elements prior to submitting for product assessment. A fulsome product line and promotional package are typical with our market vendors. If you need guidance in these areas, we can connect you to resources.  
   

7. Do you make 2D work? Think about your framing.
   Not all 2D work requires framing, but those that do should consider higher quality framing materials. Frames from big box stores can undermine the perceived quality of your work with customers. Think outside the box (or frame!) when it comes to how you mount your pieces.
   

8. Are you still filled with questions?
   That's okay! We are here to help. Reach out to Emma for assistance: emmap@craftnovascotia.ca

Please note that Craft Nova Scotia accepts the standard / product assessment jury results from our fellow craft organizations:

• Craft New Brunswick
• PEI Craft Council
• Craft Council of Newfoundland & Labrador
• Mawi’Art
• Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design

If you have been successful in an assessment with one of the above organizations you do not need to resubmit to Craft Nova Scotia. Contact us for more information.