Making a Mod: Embracing Iteration in Perfume Making and Doing It Right

Making a Mod: Embracing Iteration in Perfume Making and Doing It Right

From The Perfume Making Podcast by Karen Gilbert

November 30, 2025 · 26 min · Episode 123

About this episode

Karen discusses the importance of iteration in perfume making and how to effectively evaluate and improve fragrance drafts.

This week Karen follows on from the conversation she had about learning to evaluate your perfumes. She covers something that is done as a matter of course in the industry. It's something a lot of people, especially when they're new, don't really get - making more than one version of your fragrance. Or, in industry terms, making a mod. Karen explains why learning to be patient and tweaking your perfume gradually is an essential skillset and how to perfect the art of iteration. KEY TAKEAWAYS Feeling disappointed with your first perfume draft is normal; instead of interpreting your setbacks as a lack of talent, treat each version as a learning step that even experienced perfumers face. Change only one element at a time and refrain from altering your original batch. Record each change and its impact on a spreadsheet so you can clearly track what makes things better or makes things worse. If you reach a creative block after many iterations, it’s fine to set a project aside and return later with a fresh perspective. Sometimes, solutions only emerge with time and new experience. Perfumery is a journey of constant learning and self-improvement. Make use of community resources and classes…

People in this episode

Host: Karen Gilbert

Topics covered

  • perfume making
  • iteration
  • evaluation
  • learning
  • self-improvement

Keywords

  • perfume
  • mod
  • iteration
  • evaluation
  • fragrance
  • learning
  • self-improvement

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