Professions: Tips
OverviewArtisansToolsSouth Seas Trading Company

So you want to get into Masterworks.
Well, it's not going to be easy, it's not going to be quick, and it's not going to be cheap.  What I will do here is provide you with the best artisan and tool needed to unlock each stage.
Unlocking Masterworks I
Requires +1 results.  Artisan used should have highest Focus and highest Proficiency.  Tool used should be Adamantine +1, Gold +1, Oak +1, or better.  Listed below are the best artisans for each profession when using Adamantine, Gold, or Oak +1 tools.
  • Alchemy: Efla Parkatha - 96% success, 37% high-quality success
  • Armorsmithing: Elsbeth Missaglias - 95% success, 39% high-quality success
  • Artificing: Violet Laidyn - 97% success, 39% high-quality success
  • Blacksmithing: Zinaida - 97% success, 39% high-quality success
  • Jewelcrafting: Charlette Favri - 93% success, 39% high-quality success
  • Leatherworking: Fenka Sturmdottir - 96% success, 37% high-quality success
  • Tailoring: Teclel Jondrathal - 97% success, 39% high-quality success
Using high-quality ingredients and a +1 Focus supplement will increase your high-quality success percentage.  If you have Legendary tools or a Mithral Forgehammer at your disposal, by all means, use them.  Legendary tools will increase your high-quality success to at least 85%, and a Mithral Forgehammer will guarantee success no matter what artisan you use.
From this point forward you will be required to make normal items.  To this end, you will want to stop using high-quality ingredients, supplements, and tools.  Even if you are below the required Focus for a task, using anything of high-quality still has the ability to produce a high-quality result.
Unlocking Masterworks II - III
Requires normal results.  Artisan used should have lowest Focus and highest Proficiency.  Tool used should be the Well-worn Masterwork I tool.  Listed below are the best artisans for each profession.
  • Alchemy: Nayet Al-Abta - 59%, L - 73%(58%), MFH - 77%(52%)
  • Armorsmithing: Dain Hephdal - 59%, L - 73%(50%), MFH - 77%(43%)
  • Artificing: Belmen Ironarms - 59%, L - 73%(56%), MFH - 77%(49%)
  • Blacksmithing: Gohrr Kuldin - 59%, L - 73%(62%), MFH - 77%(55%)
  • Jewelcrafting: Olin Diamondeye - 59%, L - 73%(50%), MFH - 77%(43%)
  • Leatherworking: Brokkah - 59%, L - 73%(62%), MFH - 77%(55%)
  • Tailoring: Sey Mapleway - 59%, L - 73%(60%), MFH - 77%(53%)
Using a normal Proficiency supplement will increase you success chance while not affecting Focus.  Should you decide to use a Legendary (L) tool or a Mythic Forgehammer (MFH), I have provided your success rates with those as well.  The number in parentheses is your chance at receiving a normal item when using those tools.  If you have access to Masterwork crafted tools they will increase your chance of a normal item success.  Masterwork II (Adamant, Ebony, and Rosegold) will give you a 62% chance.  Masterwork III (Brightsilver, Spruce, and Titansteel) will give you a 65% chance.
Unlocking Masterworks IV
Requires normal results.  Artisan used should have lowest Focus and highest Proficiency.  Tool used should be a Legendary tool.  Listed below are the best artisans for each profession.
  • Alchemy: Nayet Al-Abta - 70%, MFH - 74%(64%)
  • Armorsmithing: Dorfok Guggenston - 69%, MFH - 73%(64%)
  • Artificing: Junne Nightbloom - 70%, MFH - 73%(67%)
  • Blacksmithing: Gohrr Kuldin - 70%, MFH - 74%(68%)
  • Jewelcrafting: Bree Underleaf - 69%, MFH - 72%(66%)
  • Leatherworking: Brokkah - 70%, MFH - 74%(68%)
  • Tailoring: Sey Mapleway - 70%, MFH - 74%(67%)
Using a normal Proficiency supplement will increase you success chance while not affecting Focus.  Should you decide to use a Mythic Forgehammer (MFH), I have provided your success rates with those as well.  The number in parentheses is your chance at receiving a normal item when using those tools.
Unlocking Masterworks V
Requires normal results.  Artisan used should have lowest Focus and highest Proficiency.  Tool used should be a Mythic Forgehammer tool.  Listed below are the best artisans for each profession.
  • Alchemy: Nayet Al-Abta - 71%, L - 68%
  • Armorsmithing: Mitra Lashgari - 71%, L - 67%
  • Artificing: Belmen Ironarms - 71%, L - 68%
  • Blacksmithing: Gohrr Kuldin - 71%, L - 68%
  • Jewelcrafting: Arrin Whistleleaf - 71%, L - 67%
  • Leatherworking: Brokkah - 71%, L - 68%
  • Tailoring: Sey Mapleway - 71%, L - 68%
Using a normal Proficiency supplement will increase you success chance while not affecting Focus.  If you don't have access to a Mythic Forgehammer, I have provided your success rates with a Legendary (L) tool as well.
Unlocking Masterworks VI & VII -- Coming Soon!
You've made it to the ranks of Masterwork crafters, what do you do next?  Time to start crafting those Masterwork pieces everybody wants in an attempt to re-coup all of that AD you most likely spent to get here.  Time to get back to using the most Proficient and most Focused artisan, the best tool you have at your disposal, and high-quality ingredients and supplements.  You'll still probably feel like you are failing more than you are succeeding, but in the end it will all be worth it.
 
 
I'm running out of gold, what can I do?
For those of you just starting the game or are now out of material exchange credits, jump to the section on How to profit crafting from scratch.
Using material exchange credits to purchase ingredients from your Retainer and using morale to craft an item from any of professions to sell to a vendor can be profitable and is an easy way to keep your Workshop sustainable.  Below is a list of the best items to craft using this method.
I've added in some more information, how many material exchange credits (mec), profit per morale (c/m), and profit per material exchange credit (c/x).  Doing this has shown that other items would be more profitable over the long run.  I've added those items in as well and you can decide if you want more gold now or later.
  • Alchemy:
    L30 Potion of Healing - cost 20mec, 3s 16c, and 5 morale for 12 - sells for 22s 56c for 12 - you can do this 80 times for a profit of 15g 52s (97.0c/x, 388.0c/m)
  • Armorsmithing:
    L12 Bronze Greaves - cost 24mec, 1s 38c, and 5 morale - sells for 25s 7c* - you can do this 80 times for a profit of 18g 95s 20c (98.7c/x, 473.8c/m)
    L19 Iron Bracers - cost 80mec, 2s 18c, and 5 morale - sells for 34s 18c - you can do this 80 times for a profit of 25g 60s (40.0c/x, 640.0c/m)
  • Artificing:
    L11 Decorated Maple Rod - cost 32mec, 1s 26c, and 5 morale - sells for 25s 7c* - you can do this 80 times for a profit of 19g 4s 80c (74.4c/x, 476.2c/m)
    L18 Ash Icon - cost 64mec, 2s 7c, and 5 morale - sells for 34s 18c - you can do this 80 times for a profit of 25g 68s 80c (50.1c/x, 642.2c/m)
  • Blacksmithing:
    L18 Iron Dagger - cost 40mec, 2s 7c, and 5 morale - sells for 34s 18c - you can do this 80 times for a profit of 25g 68s 80c (80.3c/x, 642.2c/m)
  • Jewelcrafting:
    L17 Brass Ring - cost 24mec, 1s 95c, and 5 morale - sells for 34s 18c - you can do this 80 times for a profit of 25g 78s 40c (134.3c/x, 644.6c/m)
  • Leatherworking:
    L11 Leather Halfboots - cost 18mec, 1s 26c, and 5 morale - sells for 25s 7c* - you can do this 80 times for a profit of 19g 4s 80c (132.3c/x, 476.2c/m)
    L17 Deerskin Shirt - cost 40mec, 1s 95c, and 5 morale - sells for 34s 18c - you can do this 80 times for a profit of 25g 78s 40c (80.6c/x, 644.6c/m)
  • Tailoring:
    L18 Linen Pants - cost 48mec, 2s 7c, and 5 morale - sells for 34s 18c - you can do this 80 times for a profit of 25g 68s 80c (66.9c/x, 642.2c/m)
    L19 Linen Shirt - cost 32mec, 2s 18c, and 5 morale - sells for 34s 18c - you can do this 80 times for a profit of 25g 60s (100.0c/x, 640.0c/m)
The values above are using base cost.  An artisan with a negative commission will increase your profit.  Some of the special skills will also increase your profit.  High-quality (+1) items sell for the same value (* +1 versions of these items will sell for 26s 1c), so no need to use high-quality ingredients (unless that's all you have), nor do you need to use a maxed out artisan.  If you have a low-level artisan this is a good way to help level them up.
At some point you will run out of material exchange credits (don't forget you can exchange your asset exchange credits for material exchange credits at your Retainer).  When that time comes you will need to gather the ingredients yourself.  Make sure you have some gathered in advance as you cannot use morale for Gathering.
 
How to profit crafting from scratch
So, you're just starting out in professions and you don't have the luxury of having amassed an enormous amount of material exchange credits, or you've finally used up your enormous amount of material exchange credits and now you need to craft from scratch to make a profit.  Well, you're in luck.  I've come up with the best items that will do the job for you.  Crafting from scratch requires some preparation.  You'll need to gather some items in advance, you'll need to craft some items in advance (in some cases this will require help from other professions).  Each profession will list three items for those leveling their professions.
  • Alchemy:
    L6 Potion of Minor Healing - cost 87c for 12 - sells for 6s for 12 - you can do this 80 times for a profit of 4g 10s 73c (102.7c/m)
    L11 Lesser Potion of Reflexes - cost 1s 56c for 12 - sells for 12s for 12 - you can do this 80 times for a profit of 8g 35s 93c (209.0c/m)
    L30 Potion of Healing - cost 3s 79c for 12 - sells for 22s 56c for 12 - you can do this 80 times for a profit of 15g 2s 19c (375.5c/m)
  • Armorsmithing:
    L3 Bronze Bracers - cost 1s 8c - sells for 11s 87c - you can do this 80 times for a profit of 8g 63s 98c (216.0c/m)
    L12 Bronze Greaves - cost 2s 55c - sells for 25s 7c - you can do this 80 times for a profit of 18g 2s 26c (450.6c/m)
    L19 Iron Bracers - cost 17s 82c - sells for 34s 18c - you can do this 80 times for a profit of 13g 9s 59c (375.5c/m)
  • Artificing:
    L3 Maple Bow - cost 1s 13c - sells for 11s 87c - you can do this 80 times for a profit of 8g 59s 60c (214.9c/m)
    L11 Decorated Maple Rod - cost 2s 47c - sells for 25s 7c - you can do this 80 times for a profit of 18g 8s 20c (452.1c/m)
    L18 Ash Icon - cost 9s 86c - sells for 34s 18c - you can do this 80 times for a profit of 19g 46s 25c (486.6c/m)
  • Blacksmithing:
    L2 Bronze Dagger - cost 1s 8c - sells for 11s 87c - you can do this 80 times for a profit of 8g 63s 52c (215.9c/m)
    L12 Bronze Longsword - cost 2s 57c - sells for 25s 7c - you can do this 80 times for a profit of 18g 78c (450.2c/m)
    L18 Iron Dagger - cost 7s 10c - sells for 34s 18c - you can do this 80 times for a profit of 21g 66s 46c (541.6c/m)
  • Jewelcrafting:
    L3 Copper Ring - cost 77c - sells for 11s 87c - you can do this 80 times for a profit of 8g 88s 44c (222.1c/m)
    L12 Quartz Ring - cost 2s 24c - sells for 25s 7c - you can do this 80 times for a profit of 18g 26s 73c (456.7c/m)
    L17 Brass Ring - cost 4s 20c - sells for 34s 18c - you can do this 80 times for a profit of 23g 99s 12c (599.8c/m)
  • Leatherworking:
    L2 Leather Visor - cost 57c - sells for 11s 87c - you can do this 80 times for a profit of 9g 4s 40c (226.1c/m)
    L11 Leather Halfboots - cost 1s 62c - sells for 25s 7c - you can do this 80 times for a profit of 18g 76s 59c (469.1c/m)
    L17 Deerskin Shirt - cost 7s 9c - sells for 34s 18c - you can do this 80 times for a profit of 21g 67s 79c (541.9c/m)
  • Tailoring:
    L3 Cotton Shirt - cost 1s 16c - sells for 11s 87c - you can do this 80 times for a profit of 8g 57s 20c (214.3c/m)
    L11 Cotton Sleeves - cost 2s 76c - sells for 25s 7c - you can do this 80 times for a profit of 17g 85s 40c (446.4c/m)
    L19 Linen Shirt - cost 10s 77c - sells for 34s 18c - you can do this 80 times for a profit of 18g 73s (468.3c/m)
The above values are using base cost, the cost to produce the final product also includes the cost of gathering/crafting all required items.  An artisan with a negative commission will increase your profit.  Some of the special skills will also increase your profit.  Aside from Alchemy and the items that sell for 34s 18c, high-quality (+1) items will sell for a little more also increasing your profit.
 
What's the best way to upgrade my Workshop to level 3 and/or level 4?
There are multiple ways to go about the upgrading of your Workshop.  I'll try to cover them all and let you decide what is best for you.
  1. Fill commission with Astral Diamonds
  2. Fill commission with Material Exchange Credits
  3. Fill commission with crafted items
  4. A mix of the above
Upgrading to Level 3:
Using the first method will cost 500,000 Astral Diamonds.  It is instant and can be done at any time.
There are two paths to follow using the second method.  Lady Begum offers a 2:1 exchange meaning this instant upgrade will cost you 1,000,000 material exchange credits.  The other option is to purchase items from your Retainer that are on the commission list.  The cheapest of those would be Beeswax.  You would need to purchase 2,223 Beeswax which would cost you 88,920 material exchange credits.  Beeswax appears on 2 of the 7 lists, list 5 and list 6.
There are multiple ways to use the third method, so many in fact that I don't think I could cover them all.  On the South Seas Trading Company page I have highlighted the overall cheapest item to craft for each list and the cheapest item to craft in each profession for each list.  You can choose to craft these items from scratch or by purchasing the needed ingredients from your Retainer.  You can craft the day of by using morale or in advance and wait for the item to appear in the list.  You could craft Horn Glue constantly and turn it in everyday (Horn Glue is the one item that appears on every list).  FYI: Mithral Pendants are the overall cheapest items to craft and appears on 2 of the 7 lists.
Upgrading to Level 4:
Using the first method will cost 5,000,000 Astral Diamonds.  It is instant and can be done at any time.
There are two paths to follow using the second method.  Lady Begum offers a 2:1 exchange meaning this instant upgrade will cost you 10,000,000 material exchange credits (OUCH!).  The other option is to purchase items from your Retainer that are on the commission list.  There are two items, each appearing once on separate lists, Black Ink and Myrrh.  You would need to purchase 6,667 of either item which would cost you 2,000,020 material exchange credits.  Black Ink appears on list 6 and Myrrh appears on list 7.
Again, there are multiple ways to use the third method.  On the South Seas Trading Company page I have underlined the overall cheapest item to craft for each list.  FYI: Blackiron Pendants are the overall cheapest items to craft and appears on 2 of the 7 lists.
 
 
OverviewArtisansToolsSouth Seas Trading Company