Ryan & Becca break down some ways they are willing to delegate parts of their process or spend money so they aren't the sole person responsible for every part of the making process. Just because you can do everything from start to finish, doesn't mean we all should or want to (and all power to you if you want to do everything yourself). As artists, we sometimes undervalue our efforts for tasks that are seen as 'part of the process,' like weighing & wedging clay, mixing glazes, loading/un...
Jun 27, 2020•56 min•Ep. 44
On this episode, Becca sits down for a chat with Joshua Heim, owner of JH Pottery Works and Gebharts Floral Barn & Greenhouse in Warren, Indiana. We get a glimpse into Joshua's business lately during quarantine before jumping into answering common glaze & kiln issues, while getting into some glaze chemistry. We hope potters from amateur to expert can learn something new from our conversation or have a few laughs along the way. Some of the topics covered include: pinholes, crazing, witnes...
Jun 20, 2020•1 hr 53 min•Ep. 43
Ryan & Becca talk about some tips and tricks they wish they knew when they started in clay. Some of these seem very minuscule, but they can save you lots of time and money in the long run. Being alone in your own studio can make it tough to know what steps of your studio are inefficient or aware of how other clay artists work in their studios. Let us know your studio tips and tricks we haven't mentioned. Listener Questions Send us questions so we can answer anything you've been thinking abou...
Jun 13, 2020•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 42
Ryan & Becca discuss how social media positively and negatively affects our creative process. Not letting your worth be tied up into how many likes or the engagement you get when sharing items you make can be tough. You put it out for the world to see, leaving you vulnerable and open to feedback (positive or negative). Figuring out a way to be okay with your creative process and sharing what's meaningful to you is the goal with social media for both of us at this point. Getting there can be ...
Jun 06, 2020•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 41
Ryan & Becca share lots of good news to start off this episode. Ryan made a large purchase that Becca is ecstatic about! Becca shares a financial business win & some exciting new work that is coming out of the kiln. Ryan also dives deep into his first outdoor show of the year at the Covington Farmer's Market in Northern Kentucky. It was a great learning experience and adjustment to see what the new reality of shows looks like. Listener Questions Send us questions so we can answer anythin...
May 30, 2020•45 min•Ep. 40
Ryan & Becca share their insights about balancing what you love to make and what will sell. They don't have to be mutually exclusive, but it's up to you to find that balance. We share some experiences of pieces we love selling and others that we've made over time that haven't brought us the most joy. As we progress, we're finding ourselves narrowing in more and more on only spending our time making items that make us happy & it shows as we sell them to our customers. Listener Questions O...
May 23, 2020•56 min•Ep. 39
We're 6 weeks into the new normal during the stay home orders due to COVID-19 & sharing how it's going in Washington & Kentucky/Ohio for each of us. Becca is struggling with Washington unemployment & Ryan is shifting his selling methods as shows are cancelled. Enjoy a candid informal conversation about where we are mentally, physically, & financially during this time. We share some online sale successes with real numbers this episode too. Listener Questions Send us questions so w...
May 16, 2020•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 38
Ryan & Becca get into all the details about kiln venting. They share how they've vented (or not vented) their kilns over the years and options you have in your own studio. There are a range of options from cheap do-it-yourself to more professional set-ups. Either way you go, we highly recommend venting your kiln in some way. They also share their process for opening their bisque & glaze kilns after firing. Check out the resources below that we reference during this episode. Stick around ...
May 09, 2020•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 37
On this quick episode, Ryan & Becca go into mailing lists & why you should have one. Neither of us send out emails frequently, but having a list of your own will give you something to fall back on when you need it. Build your list early on and slowly add to it. Keep your emails fun, informative, & not always trying to sell something. Listener Questions On this episode: - How did you get into clay? Send us questions so we can answer anything you've been thinking about on a future epis...
May 02, 2020•33 min•Ep. 36
On this episode, Becca & Ryan chat with their friend in clay Rebecca Prowse from Gravesco Pottery in Indianapolis, Indiana. Rebecca shares all the things about running a production pottery studio, selling private label, wholesale, how she prices her work, and more. We're so happy to have such a wealth of knowledge available to talk & laugh with us and we hope you enjoy this really fun, informative conversation. Find more about Josh & Kari here: Instagram - @gravesco Facebook - Rebecc...
Apr 25, 2020•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 35
On this episode Ryan & Becca answer a couple listener questions to get us started. They also dive into the difference between handbuilding and wheel throwing while Becca has been focusing a lot more on handbuilding recently. As primarily production potters, they go through some ways Becca has made handbuilding more efficient and why she's been challenging herself again in her making. Ryan may be getting swayed a bit to incorporate some handbuilding into his studio too... Listener Questions O...
Apr 18, 2020•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 34
On this episode Ryan & Becca answer a listener question at length related to building confidence in yourself to commit to something you feel insecure about. We all have to continually get better in our craft, business savvy, mindset, and more as we progress. Some of the best situations to ramp up the speed of your learning and progression is to jump into a task that you don't feel you are ready for. We hope you enjoy this different episode from us and send us more questions like these that a...
Apr 11, 2020•50 min•Ep. 33
On this episode Ryan & Becca break down some options for studio equipment on a budget. There are a lot of options for you to save money since this business requires a lot of materials over the years. Get creative with your solutions around the studio and save some bucks. Let us know your favorite cost saving idea that you're proud of. We also answer a couple listener questions. Listener Questions On this episode: - How do get the opening the correct size for an olive oil bottle or soap pump?...
Apr 04, 2020•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 32
On this episode, Becca sits down for a chat with Joshua and Kari Heim, owners of Gebharts Florals and JH Pottery Works. We talk about how they do not kill each other, parenting while owning small businesses, the rules of Hungry Hungry Hippo's, and how owning two different businesses (pottery and florals) work together to create different revenue streams to supplement family income. Find more about Joshua & Kari here: Instagram - @ jhpotteryworks @Gebhartsflowers23 Facebook - JH Pottery Works...
Mar 28, 2020•47 min•Ep. 31
On this episode Ryan & Becca talk about how they are adjusting to the hard times we've found ourselves in these past few weeks. COVID-19 is hitting each of us differently and small businesses around the country/world are feeling the pressure right now. We share a bit about how we individually have made changes these past couple weeks and plan to proceed throughout the year. We also answer a couple listener questions. Listener Questions On this episode: - Can “non-potters” attend the conferen...
Mar 21, 2020•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 30
On this episode Ryan & Becca join some clay friends while Becca is on a trip to the midwest for a week. We are joined from potters all over the region including Rebecca Graves (Indianapolis, IN), Andrew Linderman (Milwaukee, WI), and Doug McIndoe (Coldwater, MI). What's better than talking shop with some clay buddies over dinner? Find links to our clay friends below: Rebecca Graves - @gravesco , gravescopottery.com Andrew Linderman - @lindermanpottery , lindermanpottery.com Doug McIndoe - @d...
Mar 14, 2020•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 29
On this episode Ryan & Becca talk about how to be a professional 'failure.' How do you bounce back from a situation that didn't have the best result? These failures could be something huge (a shelf of work collapsing in your studio) or minimal (making a form that doesn't sell as well as you thought). We also answer a couple listener questions. Listener Questions On this episode: - What temperature do you fire to? - What day is best to attend at NCECA? - When are you ready to sell? Send us qu...
Mar 07, 2020•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 28
On this episode, Ryan & Becca sit down for a chat with Amanda Schwartz from Doghouse Pottery. Amanda works full-time in digital advertising & part-time as a potter in North Hero, Vermont. We learn how Amanda got into clay, Instagram life vs reality, depression as a maker, progressing as an artist, studio safety (including a few horror stories), and wholesale orders. We loved our talk and thanks so much to Amanda for coming on the podcast. Find more about Amanda Schwartz and her work here...
Feb 29, 2020•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 27
On this episode, Ryan & Becca answer a couple listener questions. They then dig into the topic of custom orders. Are they for you or not? We've made a handful of custom orders over the years between us and have various experiences from them. As you progress, you will get a better idea of the commissions you are willing to take on and those you want to pass on. Listener Questions On this episode: - What's a typical day like in the paint-a-pot studio? - Do you need to add water to soak the pla...
Feb 22, 2020•56 min•Ep. 26
On this episode, Ryan & Becca discuss insecurities & growth as an artist and small business owner. Self awareness is important as you progress in your art & craft. Comparing yourself to others, figuring out your worth, pricing your work, improving in your business, & imposter syndrome are all realities of being a maker/artist. We both share some tips that help us get motivated and excited during our process & where we have doubts along the way. It's a continuous process when ...
Feb 15, 2020•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 25
On this episode, Ryan & Becca discuss how to build a space that fits your work style & setting boundaries for your studio time. Some of us work in community studios and finding time to focus 100% on a project can be really hard sometimes, whether you are socializing, answering peer's questions, or getting distracted on your phone. It's okay to throw on those huge headphones or turn your wheel towards the wall so you can get something done. One of the most prevalent distractions these day...
Feb 08, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 24
On this episode, Ryan & Becca hang out with clay friends at Clay Con West while they prep for the conference weekend ahead. They are joined by Ryan Reich, Andrew Linderman, Victoria Pamlenyi, & Denise Muckleroy Young. Enjoy this informal discussion about process, art fairs, 2020 plans, & there's a fire in the studio! Thanks to The Tilted Kiln for having us in their studio. Find links to our clay friends below: Ryan Reich - @ryanreichceramics , sneakermugs.com Andrew Linderman - @lind...
Feb 01, 2020•1 hr 49 min•Ep. 23
On this episode, Ryan & Becca recap their first time at Clay Con West this past week. Becca sold some work & demonstrated how to get more efficient on the wheel, while Ryan helped some of the other presenters and enjoyed all the conference demonstrations. This conference is only in their second year so it's up and coming. The conference is hosted in Saint George, Utah, which was absolutely gorgeous this time of year with plenty of sunshine, amazing scenery, and nearby trails if you are i...
Jan 25, 2020•59 min•Ep. 22
On this episode, Ryan & Becca address questions about attending the NCECA (National Council of Education for the Ceramic Arts) clay conference. Becca attended her first one last year and Richmond 2020 will be Ryan's third year in a row. Conferences can be a very different experience from one person to another. NCECA's conference in particular can be a bit overwhelming for a first-time attendee with the long agenda, thousands of attendees, and so much artwork to see. Many artists are introver...
Jan 18, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 21
On this episode, Ryan & Becca look forward towards 2020. They each have their own approach and motivations when setting business & personal goals for a new year. Hopefully you set a few goals for yourself & business, whether it's to sell at your first art show, get your work into a new shop, open an Etsy shop, or sell $X.00 for the year. Best of luck and tag us on Instagram as you are planning for the year ahead. Thanks for joining us and we would love to hear your feedback on future...
Jan 11, 2020•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 20
On this episode, Ryan & Becca don’t hold back as they reveal how they finished 2019. They give a slight update on their income projections in Quarter 4 (see end of episode 7 for the estimates). We go into the numbers from Ryan’s many goals of the year & see how Becca’s year compared to 2018. We hope you had a great year, reached your goals, & are looking forward to 2020. We’ll be back with a new episode soon where we look ahead at 2020 goal planning & hope you join us! Thanks for...
Dec 31, 2019•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 19
On this episode, Ryan & Becca talk about transitioning from the busiest time of the year during the holiday hustle and bustle to the slowest during the first quarter of the new year. Our motivations & workflow may need to change as the days get shorter and night comes earlier. Becca & Ryan love the chance to ramp up production, figure out what forms worked & didn't for the year, and take a little time off. We're making our lists for weekly & monthly production goals. How abou...
Dec 28, 2019•51 min•Ep. 18
On this episode, Ryan answers a question he received on Instagram about balancing a full-time job and small business on the side. Ryan works from home as a website developer from 9-5 and runs his small business (RD Ceramics) outside those hours. How does he prioritize his down time and what can you do to optimize your own down time after work and before going to bed? Ryan also share some of the realities of what may seem like high priorities to others that are much lower for him. Tune in to get ...
Dec 21, 2019•29 min•Ep. 17
On this episode, Ryan & Becca discuss things to keep in mind if you are thinking about transitioning from side hustle to full time artist/maker. Lots of makers may be in this same situation currently where they sell their work on the side at shows, online, or at a few local shops while still having a day job. Becca has been working as a full-time studio potter for 5 years and has some great insights about the reality of 'making' full-time. Ryan has aspirations of being full-time someday as h...
Dec 14, 2019•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 16
On this episode, Ryan & Becca talk about the business side of pottery, specifically taking on debt to grow your business. Each of them have their own perspectives on the topic with Ryan doing this on the side without the need to pay the bills from pottery sales & Becca relying entirely on her pottery business for a living. Becca has some experiences taking on business debt over the 5 years of her business, so it's worth a listen to get an in-depth look behind the scenes. Thanks for joini...
Dec 07, 2019•51 min•Ep. 15
