ANST - Documentation (was Brewing competition results...)

[Mirrim]

Michael Silverhands wrote:
(snip)
> An artisan recently put it to me something like this: "I'm an artisan. I
> make things. I make them in a period style, using period methods as much
> as possible, and with as much craftsmanship as I can. But, lately, I can't
> even get a positive comment from the judges, let alone win a competition.
> All they want to talk about is my documentation (or lack thereof). 
(snip)

Documentation is your proof that you are making things in a period style 
using close to period methods.  It doesn't mean you have to pick something 
that actually existed in period and copy it.  I've talked to several laurels about 
documentation and A&S competitions.  A few suggestions for documentation 
are:

Have a 1 page summary in your own words explaining what you did.  Explain 
what part of the work is period and why you did things differently.  Explain 
your reasoning behind making changes from period.

If it's a major project, keep a log of how long it took, mistakes made, and what 
you learned while doing the project.

Attach supporting documentation to back up your summary.  List a 
bibliography.

This is all speaking from someone who isn't an artisan but wants to learn 
enough about arts to give largesse on a better basis than "It looks pretty."

Baroness Mirrim of Bristol

"Practice principled acts of self-interest and ruthless logic"
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