Informations
- Service Overview
- Project Steps
- 3 Levels of detail
- Engraving & Printing
- FAQ & Conditions
Custom Products
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Custom Project Features
We design original costumes for your LARP characters. These ensembles can consist of clothing, leather or metal armor, and matching accessories.
We also offer the possibility of enhancing and customizing existing products from our standard selection on our website and in our store. For example, we can add elements to clothing, apply wear patinas, add borders or logos.
For leather products designed by Artisans d'Azure, we offer customization options such as original dyes, different hardware or design modifications.
What's more, our premium service offers the possibility of creating an entirely customized suit according to your needs and measurements. Specific patterns will be created for you, a prototype will be tried on (if this aligns with the project), and finally, the suit of your dreams will come to life!
No, we specialize in armor, accessories and clothing. For custom weapons designed for Live action role-playing (LARP), we recommend that you contact our main partners in Quebec. You can contact Nemesis Workshops for fully customized latex weapons, or Calimacil, who offer foam weapon creation with a wide range of mold, blade and color options.
No, we don't do cosplay, for several reasons. Our expertise lies in making costumes that are practical, sturdy and comfortable for Larpers. What's more, we prefer to create our own designs.
However, if you have inspirational images from a film, video game, etc., we'd be delighted to consider them. We'll use them as inspiration to design an original costume, specially adapted for use in LARP. You'll then be able to take part in conventions or Comic-Cons with this costume, although it won't be considered cosplay. We encourage the submission of at least three inspirational images to fully understand your needs and create a unique ensemble.
Yes, our team also includes history enthusiasts! However, we don't specialize in historical reenactment. Our workshop is geared towards for LARPS. We can draw inspiration from your specific era, cuts, materials and character to create a historical look. It's important to note that we don't make complete hand-sewn assemblies or use natural dyes.
Absolutely, we can undertake projects inspired by futuristic, science-fiction, dystopian and post-apocalyptic universes. It's important to note, however, that we don't undertake 501st projects or exact cosplay reproductions.
To explore ideas and discover our inspiration page in this field, please visit: Sci-Fi and Post-Apocalyptic Inspirations
We are able to make modifications in our workshops, mainly to LARP armor, accessories and clothing. Here are the main conditions:
- Hourly billing: The cost will be calculated according to the time spent on the project, with a prior estimate. Thus, the final amount according to the hours worked and materials used will be invoiced after the project has been completed.
- Condition of existing costume : We reserve the right to refuse a request if the equipment is too worn or too dirty. We ask that you bring clean, washed items.
- Costume origin and techniques: The existing costume may come from another company, but we will use our own production techniques while doing our best to respect the style of the project. These must be materials we use.
- Prior communication: Before starting the project, you will need to speak with a member of our team who will confirm the details of the project and your expectations.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your costume modification project.
No, we don't make exact reproductions of other craftspeople's work. Likewise, we discourage this practice for our own creations. However, you can include images of this creation in your inspiration moodboard. We encourage you to provide at least three references to help us create a project that meets your expectations and is unique.
As an individual, you are free to order custom projects. However, as a business, specific conditions apply, and we encourage you to consult the detailed information on our retailers-only website. These conditions include the possibility of requesting modifications to standard products, as well as the development of exclusive products according to your specific needs.
Materials Selection
First of all, you can rely on our experience in custom projects. Secondly, although we can take photos of certain materials, it's important to note that this doesn't always fully represent textures, reflections, thickness, etc. We will do our best to show you these elements as accurately as possible.
Virtual appointments are an excellent option for discussing your material preferences. They allow us to explore the options together, answer your questions and give you a better idea of the choices available. We're here to facilitate the selection process and ensure that your material expectations are fully taken into account.
In the vast majority of cases, no. If you have special requirements, such as specific hardware, we can discuss this with you. However, it's important to note that often the quantities required or the quality of materials supplied do not meet our high quality standards. For this reason, we generally refuse to use customer-supplied materials.
If your question is about saving on the cost of your custom project, it's important to underline that this will have a limited impact. Most of the cost of your project is based on the estimated number of working hours. Materials represent a relatively small fraction of the total cost, and we are often able to negotiate advantageous wholesale prices for you.
We use a variety of materials carefully selected for their appearance, their suitability for LARP and our manufacturing techniques. Here's a more detailed list:
- Leathers: thick/thin, flexible/rigid, chrome- or vegetable-tanned (no synthetic leathers available).
- Fabrics: natural such as linen, cotton and wool, or synthetic such as polyester. We do not use lycra or knit fabrics.
- Metal: aluminum 16ga and 14ga, regular steel 18ga and stainless steel 20ga. We do not work with tempered or spring steel, as our creations are intended for LARP and not for real fighting.
- Fur: synthetic or real, depending on project.
- Other materials: no foam or thermoformable plastic. For other specific requests, please contact us to discuss.
Quotation Process
There are 5 main steps in the creation of a custom project, spread over several weeks:
- Explain your project: Start by explaining your project to us. You can do this in writing or in a discussion, sharing your ideas, your character's needs and the key elements of the costume. Inspirational photos, whether of designs you like in our portfolio or from other sources, are important. Also discuss budget, colors and materials.
- Quotation: We'll present you with a detailed quotation, often illustrated by sketches. The aim is to clarify and define the project so that we can reach a mutual agreement.
- Project start: Once you have made the 50% deposit or paid in full, the project becomes a contract and officially begins. It is at this stage that we start purchasing materials and taking measurements.
- Production: Our team begins production of your custom project. Depending on the type of project, one or more fittings may be required (distance permitting). Production time also depends on the waiting list for other projects.
- Project delivery: We will hand over your project to you at a final fitting or by shipment, according to agreed arrangements. Full payment must be made before you pick up the costume. Now you're ready to enjoy your new costume at your next event!
Yes, of course, by appointment only. This free service is available in English and French. We encourage you to fill out the quote request form before the meeting.
For a face-to-face meeting, by appointment only, you can visit our store-workshop in Montreal (QC), Canada. We have a decorum room where you can discuss your project with a craftsperson, view available materials, and take measurements if necessary. Please note that no final price will be provided at this meeting.
Virtual appointments are also available via Google Meet for those who prefer to chat remotely.
To schedule your meeting, please use the following link: Make an appointment
You're free to mention it, but we can't confirm or guarantee it as part of the project. First of all, we operate as a team, where our skills are developed collectively and our achievements are always attributed to Les Artisans d'Azure name. This approach reflects our community values, and we believe in the power of teamwork to accomplish exceptional projects. No project bears the signature of a single person.
What's more, workload and skill distribution are managed on a global basis. We need to allocate projects according to our available resources, without putting undue pressure on any one person.
In short, we will consider your request to work with a specific person, but this cannot be guaranteed. Our main objective is to produce a project that suits you, using the skills available within our team.
The quote is valid for up to 3 months from the date of dispatch. After this period, we must revise the prices. The hourly rate, as well as the costs and availability of materials, may have changed. Once the quotation has been submitted, the price remains unchanged, except in the event of changes to the project during its execution, or for projects invoiced by the hour.
We understand your concern, and we're sorry for the situation. We have a dedicated message handling team, and normally respond quickly, especially during the week. We invite you to check your e-mail, including the junk folder, as our replies may unfortunately end up there.
If you still can't find an answer, don't hesitate to contact us directly by phone at 1-855-606-1468. We are here to assist you and apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
Sizing and Measurements
You can use our dedicated online form to take your measurements.
If you have any questions or need assistance during the measuring process, you can schedule a virtual appointment with one of our craftspeople via Google Meet. This option will enable you to receive live, personalized advice on taking measurements.
To take your measurements, make sure you have a flexible measuring tape and the clothes you plan to wear under your custom suit, such as a fitted tunic, gambison, etc. This information will help us create a suit that fits you perfectly.
If you don't have a flexible measuring tape, you can use a rope, passing it around the parts to be measured. Then mark the point on this rope and use a ruler, for example, to measure the distance. If possible, having someone to help you will make the process easier.
When it comes to armor measurements, it's worth noting that they do offer a certain level of adjustability, and absolute precision is not necessary.
It's not necessary to take your measurements at the start of the quote request. We prefer to take the time to define the project together before discussing specific measurements. During this phase, we'll discuss your ideas, needs and preferences in detail, and draw up a list of the measurements required for the project.
Measurements are taken at a later phase, once you have made the deposit or are certain of starting the project in the very near future. This approach is designed to avoid wasting time, both for you and for us, if the project doesn't materialize. What's more, by taking measurements as early as possible, we obtain more realistic information, especially if your weight is subject to variations.
Cost and payments
The cost of custom projects depends on a number of factors, including the complexity of the design, the choice of materials and the scope of the project. To get an accurate estimate, we encourage you to contact us to discuss your specific needs and vision.
Costs can vary widely, from $500 to $10,000 or more, depending on your preferences and project details. Typically, our custom costumes average between $2,000 and $5,000.
Once your project has been completed, we will inform you of its availability. From that date, you have a maximum of 90 days to pay the balance and pick up your project. Project delivery and shipment will only take place once the invoice has been paid in full.
If the balance is not paid within 90 days of notification of project availability, we reserve the right to cancel your order. In this case, the project may be put up for sale in our boutique. Please note that there will be no refund of the deposit.
No, custom projects do not benefit from any discounts or rebates associated with the Azure Order. Therefore, you cannot apply your LARP or Guild benefits to your custom project.
However, if you are one of your group's authorized buyers, you can use the gift certificate (the cashback) as a method of payment for your custom project. This can be particularly useful for orders such as guild symbols, for example.
No, unfortunately there are no discounts available for custom projects. Custom creations are based on precise estimates, and we cannot apply promo codes or discounts to these projects.
All our payment methods are accepted for custom projects. You can use the following methods:
- Credit cards
- Debit (in store only)
- Interac transfer (Canada only)
- Cash (in-store only)
- Gift certificates
- Affirm financing (Canada and online only)
Whichever payment method you choose, please note that deposits must represent 50% of the total project value.
During the production process
Yes, this is possible on request. Because of the concentration required during the creative process, our artists can sometimes forget to take photos. We do our best to document every step, but inspiration can sometimes get the better of us. Please feel free to ask us for photos at specific stages of the process if you wish.
Yes, it is possible to make changes to the project, but this must be agreed with the project manager in charge, and it depends on the production stages in progress. Some modifications can be made, but there are limitations; for example, if the majority of your custom coat is already assembled, it may not be possible to change the fabric. In most cases, additional charges will be applied to cover the cost of modifications. We encourage you to contact us promptly if you have additional ideas or changes to make to the project.
No, the deposit is non-refundable. The deposit represents your commitment to start the project, even if it hasn't yet begun and the materials haven't been purchased. In this particular situation, we do not issue refunds. However, we can transfer your deposit into a gift certificate. This credit can be used in our store for standard products of your choice.
Yes, we will only contact you if the project requires your approval at certain stages. Generally, project details are well defined at the time of quotation and initial discussion.
- If fittings are planned as part of your project, we will contact you to arrange an appointment.
- If we are creating graphic elements that will then be engraved, printed, etc., we will send you an image with a request for confirmation before proceeding with the project.
- In the event of technical questions or peculiarities during the project, we may also contact you for clarification.
It's important to note that the time it takes for you to respond may affect the delivery date of the project.
Delivery and returns
Manufacturing lead times are communicated during order confirmation at the time you make your deposit. There may be differences between the time of quotation and order confirmation, as the evaluation is valid for 3 months.
As previously mentioned, if fittings or approvals on your part are required with significant delays, this may extend the initial estimated lead times.
In the event of changes on our part, we will contact you promptly to discuss the necessary adjustments and make the best choice to meet your needs. We strive to meet the deadlines agreed at the time of order confirmation as far as possible.
No, custom projects are never refundable. Once your project is complete, you have 90 days to pay the balance and get your custom project delivered. If payment is not made within this period, the project may be put up for sale, and no refund will be possible.
We encourage you to explore payment solutions that will allow you to keep the suit of your dreams. Nothing beats the satisfaction of seeing your unique project become a reality, rather than letting it pass into someone else's hands!
Yes, we can ship your package anywhere in the world. Please let us know at the beginning of the process so that we can estimate shipping costs. It's important to note that you'll be responsible for any customs duties and taxes incurred entering your country. We will not falsify the amount of your project to avoid these potential charges, as this goes against our values of loyalty and authenticity. Don't forget that Canada benefits from a free trade agreement with Europe and the United States.
No, we don't offer an express priority service at extra cost. We operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The official date of your order is established as soon as the deposit is made. Therefore, the sooner you make your deposit, the sooner you'll be on our production schedule. We encourage you to take advantage of the time available during our artisans' less busy season, i.e. late autumn and winter.
Yes, whenever possible. Please let us know the date of your event as soon as you request a quote, and we'll do our best to accommodate the deadline. In general, our custom creation process, from initial contact to delivery, can take up to 3 months. It's important to bear this in mind when making your inquiries, especially as many LARP events often take place in the same season!
Photos, rights and exclusivity
Yes, under certain conditions. First of all, these photo shoots are done in the greater Montreal area, so you have to be in the province. Depending on our needs, we organize 1 or 2 photo shoots a year. The dates are decided in collaboration with the photographer, and usually take place on weekends. Customers who have ordered complete costumes within the last year or so are then invited to participate. Customer participation is voluntary.
Once the photo shoots have been completed and the images retouched with our logo, we'll send you the photos. However, we ask to be the first to publish them on social networks. Specific details will be communicated when the photo shoot is organized, depending on the customers and projects present.
Yes, of course it is. Contact us with this information, and it will be shared with our marketing team. The publication schedule is planned over several months, so it will be possible to coordinate this seamlessly.
No, not really. We never redo exactly the same custom project. Every customer wants to personalize his or her creation, by modifying colors, shapes, materials and so on. Sometimes, certain components can be reused in other projects, such as rune engravings, etc., but the complete set will not be reproduced identically.
As far as guild logos are concerned, we consider that your request has been approved by your group.
Yes, and we plan to. Les Artisans d'Azure reserves the right to take photos and videos of the project in progress or completed for internal documentation or promotional purposes. We may publish photos or videos of the project on all media known to date, including print, social media, website, etc. The transfer of image rights has no time or geographical limit. We are committed to offering visual content that does not infringe on your image and dignity, while keeping your name confidential.
Take advantage of this opportunity to share your character's background, name and titles with us, so that we have an interesting description to share.
Warranties and after-sales service
We guarantee that the product will correspond to the project confirmed together, and that it will be durable under normal wear and tear. However, our costumes are designed for use in LARP role-playing games. Our products are guaranteed against manufacturing defects, so don't hesitate to contact us at custom@artisansdazure.com if you have any concerns.
We hope this doesn't happen, but if it does, the first step is to talk to your project manager. The costume description and sketches in the invoice/quotation issued by Les Artisans d'Azure are the ultimate reference for costume specifications. Interpretation of the sketch must take into account the text and our production techniques.
If there are elements that don't fit, we'll see what we can do within the project to better satisfy you. In all cases, we'll talk face-to-face!
Whether it's under warranty or not, it's possible to make repairs to your custom project. The first step is to contact us. Then, you can either come to our workshop or have your suit shipped to us at 2113 Sainte-Catherine East Montreal QC Canada H2K 2H9.
That depends on the situation and the weight change.
If we are in the middle of a project, please contact your project manager as soon as possible. Depending on where we are in the project, we may be able to make adjustments at no extra cost. In addition, for armor, for example, it's often possible to adjust the straps. It's trickier with garments, however.
Once the project has been completed and delivered, it's time to confirm the situation and see what can be modified. Once we've checked your measurements at the start of the project and yours on delivery, we'll work together to determine what action needs to be taken. Additional charges may apply.