Welcome to the MudTalk Podcast!The goal of this show is to share as many different opinions, perspectives and thoughts as possible. Each episode will cover a different topic related to pottery and ceramics.If you want to share your thoughts on the MudTalk Podcast, go here and leave an audio or written message.In this first episode, we'll hear why it is so awesome to work with clay.Unfortunately, since this was my first ever podcast episode, the sound quality is beginner-level. Don't worry, things get better in future episodes!Transcript:Welcome to the MudTalk Podcast. My name is Brandon but you can call me Fuzzy if you prefer. This is the first episode. It could be one of many or the one and only. We’ll see how it goes.Since it’s the first episode, I’m going to give a bit of an introduction. First of all, what am I doing? Basically, I’m reading through some of my favorite comments in the MudTalk Monday discussions. If you aren’t familiar with MudTalk Monday, you can follow Pottery Making Info on social media. Every Monday, or every other monday, I’ll put up a question or prompt to provide an opportunity for others to share their thoughts or stories about clay and clay-related topics. I have been delightfully surprised at the quantity and quality of the response.Okay, so why am I doing this? For one reason, it scares me out of my socks. I hate talking in front of people. In fact, I try to avoid talking as much as possible. I’m way more comfortable writing. So I’m trying to get out of my comfort zone and grow as a person. I’m also doing it as a way to help spread the word about another project I’m working on. More on that later. And lastly, I’m just trying to do something that will make the clay community a little bit better.So, why a podcast? I’m always looking for things to listen to while I’m working with clay. And I wish there were more pottery specific podcasts. I also discovered it’s not as hard as I thought - I was recently listening to a guy do these 5-10 minute podcasts as he was driving in his car. So I thought: I can get out this $10 mic I’ve had for at least a decade and plug it into my 7 yr old laptop and lock the kids out of my clay studio for a little while and probably end up with something that is at least as good as somebody else out there. Don’t expect anything fancy- probably not a lot of editing. No fancy intro music. Probably no guests in the near future. But one thing that I’m trying to remember and apply to my work is “done is better than perfect.” I’m just getting it out there and then I can make improvements as I go.So, with all apologies to the names that I will now skewer, let’s get started.The first MudTalk Monday question was pretty basic: Why clay? I try to leave these as vague and open ended as possible to encourage a variety of discussion. There were a lot of great responses and a handful of themes started to emerge. I’ve sorted the responses into 6 categories including: the tactile nature of clay,  the unpredictability and variety that clay offers, the functional and practical uses for objects made of clay, the ancient or from-the-earth practice, the feelings/ therapy/expression clay offers and last, kind of a miscellaneous category. Let’s start with responses that mention the tactile nature of clay.Tactile/Touch/Feel Notleann15 I like clay because it's all tactile. The making, the product... it's all about how it feels.Claybylaura Touch. it's the tactile nature of clay that keeps me coming back for more.Marilu.melange I love all the different textures, when the clay is smooth and muddy, when you add water, when it gets dry and hard and you are able to shine the object, this is like meditation to me and in the end strong, hard, and cool - nearly unbreakable.....Nboldenart it's magical. i take a ball of soft malleable mush and manipulate it to realize whatever it is i've imagined. it's also fragile and ephemeral once finished. the tactile sensation is the greatest therapy i've ever experienced.Lisavalley I love the tactile quality of the material. Working with clay provides quiet and focused time and allows me to create something real, away from the computer.Unpredictable Nature/Possibilities/Variety Dowidat.ceramics Clay offers the diversity. It can become personal, influential to others how a sculpture is interpreted or how a mug touches your lips. I love creating from sculptures to now my functional works and there are very few days that I set in my studio and wonder what I will create next because the possibility are so endless.Grace.your.table It has so many applications and is more reusable than other mediums. It's so elemental and innately satisfying ?Laurie.landry.pottery Clay is humbling. It's been my life for the last seventeen years. Yet, I barely know what I'm doing. Clay continues to challenge. It never bores me. It's possibilities multiply daily. I've only just scratched the surface!Katthepotter Each piece is a journey. You start with an idea and the elements of nature each have their parts in the direction you travel to the finished piece. And so many changes can happen along the way. And I love to play in dirt?Ash.fro Building your own canvas (of which the possibilities are endless) on which you can implement so many forms of expression through various techniques to answer the call of creativity!Cathy G I am a tailor and fiber artist. I started pottery classes at the art museum as something fun to do for myself. It quickly turned into so much more than clay. I have a renewed creative spirit that was because of the creative and artistic people I have met, and learned with and from. I like clay because it is 3 dimensional and fused creating garments (3D) with painting, drawing,fiber designs (2d). I like thinking about clay ideas with fabric ideas. Clay is also fabric in many ways. I really enjoy sculptural pieces.Maggie T It has a beginning and an end that always is a challenge. No matter how long your in it there is always yet another way to go. Creation as if to give birth each time your hands are on clay.Functional/Practical Piperpottery I love all the media, and I would love to be able to draw or paint, but the wheel came naturally to me. It's also a way to make functional pieces. As much as I love art for art's sake, it appeals to my sense of minimalism to have a beautiful and useful object in my home.Zombiecazz I really had to think about that. I do lots of different crafts, but I think Clay is my favourite because it's useful. I hate creating clutter or stuff and with Clay I produce useful. Sometimes with other media I think "am I just producing something else to clutter this world and gather dust". I rarely feel that about clay.Studio2ceramics Clay is real. When I'm at my day job, all I do is write and read emails about emails. But in the studio, I'm doing something real, grounding, and practical.Dirtkickerpottery Because with clay, I can contribute something beautiful and useful to the world.Heathermlee Because it's a melding of science, nature and artistic expression from which you can make something beautiful and usefulAncient Practice/Of the Earth Freedazi To escape from the boring modern life... Too feel like our ancient ancestors.. to concentrate... To feel like giving birth to a child…Waysideclare Because it's from the earth and an ancient art. You can escape all mundane or stressful thoughts and explore your imagination. And because it's unpredictable and anything can go right or wrong or become a happy accident:)Pottrygyal it is as eternal as the earth itself, and yet can be as fragile as dust. Clay is beautiful and demanding; it demands complete attention, patience, and discipline which nourishes the soul of any practitioner and offers invaluable perspective on life.Val.cassandri Because it connects me with earth, with myself, energy and the rest of the world. It makes me feel part of nature!Jacqui shrimpton Working with clay is primal. It's pure creation; intuitive, instinctive and meditative.Maryan P A true connection to the Earth. It will outlast us all. A most forgiving medium. Fun.Feeling/Therapy/Expression Kimwanless It takes me to a place that has no name. Where hours disappear - where my mind empties - where my hands just unconsciously Create - where my heart is contentedly happy.Evilknowlesyou I work in customer service all day- and it can be quite mentally draining. The feel of the clay and how it responds(and sometimes doesn't) helps melt the stress. It is a mediation and the hours disappear. ?Nicoleshankspottery It is a true place of meditation. It helps keep you focused, humble, and happy.Tarihuffaker Clay is great therapy. It has saved my sanity (unless this is what it feels like to be fully "over the edge") I maintain that it is impossible to center clay until you get centered yourself.Pinezenpottery I love the sensual nature of clay--feeling its silky smooth surface run through my hands. When I'm in the flow of making with clay, all else drops away and I feel present and grounded.Buddylaur The physicality of creating with clay engages my whole self and makes me feel so alive and present.Jpr_studio Clay allows me to remain humble in my practice. In the process of creating, I find myself deep in conversation with the clay. It teaches me lessons about patience. At the end of the day, it heals me and makes me a better person.Allisonbmalloy Because I can beat the crap out of it and it's actually productive to get bubbles out ? but helps relieve stress and tension allows me to think clearly and get lost in thoughtsC.strybel I can be messy, speak through my hands to a not yet born object, hug, caress, hold with love, grow and delight. It is a soulful thing.Natsudds Something magical about taking squidgy dirt and transforming it...it's transition is almost spiritual, healing, meditative, pure, freeing.Judy F You grab the clay and get on the wheel then your bad day just disappears!Chris C H When I work with clay I go into the zone!Barb S It does change your mood, push yourself to start, and after a few pieces the whole day changes for the better....Grace W It's an outlet for my mind... Another way to speak without words... A hands on therapeutic art form!Pharis M Clay gives you freedom. The imperfections and uniqueness of the final product is a very honest statement.Marcia G-K A legimate way for 'grown ups' to play in the mud! A true way to simultaneously spark the inner child, and connect to my spirit (perhaps they are the same thing). Also, there's nothing more sensuous than throwing porcelain on a wheel. If I could throw cream cheese, I would, but I can't so it's smooth porcelain.Other/Stories Barrelmakerpottery Process, process, process... always room for improvements.Terraforms The transition to clay was a reluctant one for me. I began my exploration of functional wares in glass, but after the birth of my daughter, I quickly found that I didn't have the time or money to continue down that path. So I started throwing and pinching. I was bitter about it at first... but then, almost all of the sudden, I discovered I was in love with the material and process. The responsiveness the physics... clay was just like glass, but more sensual. And here I am, 4 years later, learning new things every day, and tremendously happy.Aquafreako It's dependent on your energy and responds accordinglyZeldalune it requires moments of centerednessKaren.brinsn The smell of earth, the beauty of skin, the love of form and it just seems to center and simplify my focusHey_rachel_xo It's quite easy to see progress fairly quickly when working with clay. I have a short span of focus so it's difficult to continue a piece that doesn't come together quickly like drawing or paintingRobin.chlad The process of making something out of a blob of clay always reminds of how God took nothing and created some beautiful out of it. It still fascinates me, moves me, and delights me.K.digrassi.artist As an artist I've search for my voice forever.... the vocabulary that allows for communication between the creative and audience.....Amyhiggason For the first 30 years of my life I was a 2d artist. I took a clay class at a community center and it was fun. After a few years just playing around on and off, I took a wheel throwing class at Lillstreet in Chicago. That's when I got hooked and never looked back. As my skills improved I started carving and drawing on my pieces. Wrapping 2d designs around 3D forms became a focus that I have explored for 20 years. Clay completely altered the course of my life, gave me a sense of community and opened my eyes to new possibilities.Marterburnstudio Clay allows me to develop ideas about texture, mass, space/volume in 3D. I often switch back to 2D artwork, but I always return to clay.Therealsheal Working with clay is to take the most humble of things and turn it into something useful, or even dare I say, art. It's a passion that has been a part of me since learning to make play dough sitting (on) the floor of my grandmother's kitchen. I couldn't be happier to continue those memories today with clay.Rawrytori Because it was my last studio class to complete to get my art degree. 6 years later I'm still getting dirty. Fell in love with the first attempt to center. Now I can't imagine life without it.Lithopsstudio I started working with clay when I was in primary school but took a hiatus from it until I graduated university and now I'm hooked again! I love how flexible clay is. From an amorphous blob it has the potential to become anything your mind and hands can conjure! And ultimately it creates a sense of calm within me, it's gentle yet bold. It's just wonderful!Favorite Responses Markterrywoodfireartist More than merely an ancient medium, clay is at the very root of civilization. Humankind's discovery of the relationship between clay and fire is the beginning of scientific inquiry, technology and settlement. One can devote their life to working with it and never more than scratch the tip of the mountain of its history and possibilities. More important, for many of us, working with it satisfies something deep in the innermost being.Rainstormworks It's the most contradictory medium. It's functional and decorative. It's manageable and unpredictable. It's simple yet takes skill. Primitive and technical. Ancient and avant-garde.For me, I worked with clay in high school a little bit with Mr. Oakley. Mostly slabs and coils and sculpting. Then in college I took a ceramics class with Professor Coffman which included throwing on the wheel. And I was hooked. I think the challenge got me at first, just figuring out how to center clay and pull up walls. Each little victory kept me going. Back then I was interested mostly in craftsmanship and working a piece until it was just right in my mind. Through the years I learned to love how quickly pots could be made on the wheel and at the same time each one could be as expressive as you want it to be. I love the immediate feedback while working with clay. Back in college and for a few years after I was big into oil painting. But I was interested in showing off the beauty of the paint itself while painting realistic still lifes. So I would build up all these translucent paint layers which took forever but really looked great when they were finished. I like how you get more immediate feedback when you’re working with the clay but you also have the long process which involves forming the clay, decorating and applying glazes in a certain way and then a variety of firing options. So you can still really get some beautifully complex pots through these layers of process when you get them all to work together just right.And the whole process is pretty amazing if you think about it. You get to work with stuff you can get right out of the ground. And if you put all this specialized dirt together in the right way you can make workable clay or an infinite amount of glazes. You can get really deep into the chemistry and math and how things melt and vitrify and that is pretty interesting by itself even though I’ve barely dipped my toe in that water.I think one of the biggest reasons I like working with clay is that it allows me to make functional things that quote unquote  “normal” people can appreciate. You don’t have to be some elite art critique to appreciate a pot. But you can also make pots that get into galleries and are clearly works of art. It seems like there is an added layer of meaning if you can appreciate a pot as a work of art and it can actually be used in daily life. There are so many perspectives from which you can appreciate a pot.And of course the clay itself is pretty amazing. The feel, the smell. It can be stretched, torn, twisted, squeezed, squished, flattened, cracked, textured, stamped and shaped like nothing else.So, anyway, I guess I could talk for a long time about clay. And I know a lot of you out there could as well. Perhaps in the future I’ll figure out how you can send some audio to be included in a future podcast. But I better not ramble on too long. For now, keep looking for the #mudtalkmonday posts on the Instagram, FB and Twitter accounts for Pottery Making Info. Add an answer there and it may show up on a future podcast. Thanks for giving this a shot. Thanks for listening. Until next time, stay muddy.

001 Why Clay? – MudTalk Podcast

We're back! And we officially have a series! Thanks for giving this another shot. Or, if you didn't catch episode 1, check it out here. The quality of this episode should be much better than the first episode but there are plenty of improvements still to be made.Let's talk about your work!ResourcesBlog post about branding by Carter Gillies:https://cartergilliespottery.wordpress.com/2017/03/20/branding/Online Thesaurus:thesaurus.comTranscript:Welcome back to the MudTalk Podcast! My name is Brandon Schwartz also known as Fuzzy. This is the 2nd episode. That’s right, we officially have a series! If you haven’t listened to episode one, be sure to check that out so you can hear why exactly I’m doing this. My apologies that the quality was less than great on that first episode. I hope you will notice a difference in sound quality from that episode to this one. I got a much better microphone and hopefully, I’ve gotten a little better at recording and post production. And if I’ve done everything right, you should be able to subscribe in iTunes or with your favorite podcast listening program.So let’s get on with it. The  2nd MudTalk Monday prompt was basically “describe your own work.” I tried to leave it open for interpretation. At first glance most people probably thought about “your work” as the work you produce - the actual pots we create. But you could also think of “work” as the process. I chose this prompt because I think it’s important to be able to talk coherently about pots. Especially if you are a maker of pots. You should definitely be able to talk about your own work. I wanted responses limited to 2 sentences to encourage people to refine their answers and really focus on the primary reasons that their work is unique or why people should be attracted to it. I organized the comments into some loosely defined groups including Slogans, Descriptions of the Pots, Process, and Customer Response or Feelings. Then at the end I chose a couple of my favorites. After the responses I’ll share some of my thoughts about describing your work and how it relates to branding and marketing. I’ve come up with 7 tips to help you describe your own work if you need a little help.Let's get to the responses!SloganSome of the responses read more like a business slogan to me. For example:Studio2ceramics We bring the fun to functional pottery with our handmade mugs!Potted.arts Whimsical and unusual pots for plantsDirtkickerpottery Catches your eye. Captures your heart ❤️Pathwaypottery Practical and pretty.Liz T LizzieTee Pottery features handmade pottery and ceramics for functional and decorative use and enjoyment. Creative clay for every day!I like these kinds of descriptions. Short and sweet, to the point. You can include this a lot of places from a business card to a website tagline.Describing the Actual ObjectsSome of the responses described the actual objects being produced.Fernstreetpottery My work is designed to fit comfortably in your hands, your home, your life. Mugs keep coffee warm longer and bowls that frame your food.Zeldalune my work reflects my experimentation, my experience , my mistakes , my angst ,my breath ,my imagination my narrative and my curiosityBlackBerryCreekPottery Beautiful functional pieces that fit together as a set, or stand alone as an individual art piece.WaysideClare Inspired by nature and natural forms. I started ceramics for stress-relief and just got hooked.NicoleMainPottery Random and experimental. ?Kika F Zanella My work is the simple and sophisticated …Laura S FUNctional pottery for home and garden. Each hand built piece is decorated with a textured surface highlighted with a colorful glaze palette.Martha H Organic with sharp edges..I know strange..ProcessSome responses had more to do with the process of making pots.D TaylorSATM Home potter with muddy hands and a grateful heart.Gardenclaypottery An accident (sometimes a happy one) waiting to happen.Chilmark_pottery i take very small rocks and make them into bigger,hopefully more interesting and or beautiful rocks, and, in so doing, paid for my home on Martha's Vineyard. That's only one sentenceCasa Pangea (spanish) brings nature to ceramic. plays with daily discard objects into eternal ceramic forms.Debra P Began practice/study in March. Now on my 52nd bowl w plan to make 100 b4 any other form. Just recently able to recognize/apply vision on form/function of work focusing on interior shaping as I pull... Plan to see where I am this March having worked nothing but bowls as a beginning to serious study.Feelings/CustomersThere were a couple responses that focused on feelings or what the customer gets from the work.Sanibelceramics Happy!Evilknowlesyou My work makes me happy, I hope it makes others happy also.?Donna L practical ceramics that are perfect for people who want to bring whimsy and fun to their homes by using handmade, contemporary designs where they eat, play and liveFavorite ResponsesThere were 5 comments that stood out to me. The first was byJude_prevost_ceramics I like the idea that I can create a pottery piece that is functional and may become a favorite because of its usefulness while at the same time create a piece that is unique and creative... So that it may become a favorite art piece as wellChris_throws_pots As a maker of functional forms, I am inspired by the idea that pottery becomes part of habit - a favorite mug that is essential to a morning routine or a serving bowl that holds a treasured dish at family gatherings. ☕️????Both of these responses make me think back to the first episode and some of the responses to ‘why clay’. Handmade pots are definitely special and I think highlighting that is a good way to increase interest in your work.I like these next few responses a lot because they really help me start visualizing the pots in my head even before I see them.ArtbyGretaMichelle Functional pottery with japanese inspired forms and textured surfaces inspired by my home (island, earth, nature).JkeeranCeramics I create two polar opposite kinds of work in the same space. One form is very organic and floral, whereas the other form has sharp geometric shapes put together like a Tetris game.CatherineDanielCeramics Quirky and quilty. Colour and pattern.?This last one reads more like a slogan but it is an interesting description of the work as well. I immediately had to go see if what I was picturing in my head matched the actual work. The work I was picturing was a based a little bit more on flat squares of many bright colors. But the description really fits the work with the fabric textures and stitching. And the description got me interested and sucked me in.Thank you to everyone who participated in this MudTalk Monday. It’s so great to hear different perspectives and ideas.So, why is it important to be able to talk about your own work? I think there are a few reasons. First of all, it helps you sound more informed or professional or just intelligent when talking to other artists and potential buyers. And speaking of buyers, who doesn’t want to sell more pots? I hear advice all the time that it is important to build a personal brand because it will help you find and connect with an audience and increase sales. That sounds good to me! If you think about it, you’ve probably bought something before based on the brand. Why would people pay twice as much for one brand over another? Is one brand known for it’s amazing design, ease of use and offer great customer service? Maybe another brand offers cheaper prices and better specs but clunky design and so many options that the product is  more complex to use. Are you picturing two brands in your head that fit these descriptions? Why do you make these connections? Because these companies spend piles of money on branding to make you think of them a certain way. Is one right or wrong? No, it just depends on your personal preference and what is best for the way you operate. So you can do the same thing with your own products to build trust, spark interest, and encourage people to view your work a certain way.But Carter Gillies makes some good points about how branding may not be mandatory, especially for artists. From his blog he says:Branding ‘works’ to help sell the artists at marketplace, it is an attribute of livestock, but it is an affront to the undomesticated creative spirit. Branding an artist makes sense only to get sold.Then later he says:As you describe it, a  brand is how we can best relate to an ideal audience. But making work under that constraint IS A CONSTRAINT. Our liberty is at stake. Can it really be sold this cheaply?All good points, Carter. I encourage you all to check out his blog. He is a fount of creative thought.I think of branding a little differently. I agree that it is mostly for marketing purposes. But I don’t think of it as a constraint in a bad sense. I think of it as the essence of your current personal style. Basically, a symbol of what your work is right now. You just want everything about your business to express the same thing that your current work expresses. So whatever you are currently creating, or exploring with your work should be reflected in, or complemented by your logo, your website, your online shop, your paperwork, your social media accounts, your photos, and everything else. For example, if you make serene, minimalist pots with subtle pastel glazes you probably don’t want some kind of horrific bright red halloween font in your logo. If you start sending conflicting messages like that people will get confused or won’t connect with you or your work the way you want them to. And I don’t feel a brand is a permanent constraint because brands can change. Big companies spend millions on rebranding all the time. So if my work starts to go in a different direction, I can change my personal brand. And I’m all for artistic freedom but I don’t think certain constraints are such a bad idea. In a sense, I have placed the “constraint” of function upon my work since I consider myself a potter. Everything I make should function properly. If I made a mug with holes in it or finished it with spray paint instead of glaze, it may let me express some different ideas but if I’m trying to be a potter, people would be confused because I’m not making good functional pots. Does that hinder my creativity? Maybe it does. But I think that’s okay. Maybe branding is just showing very specifically what you specialize in. And you can always have more than one brand. My design branding would look a lot different from my ceramics branding for example.So, anyway, being able to describe your work is is an important part, maybe the first step, of your personal style or brand. Which, in my mind is just helping other people understand you and your work. If you have ever set up an Etsy shop, or even a wordpress website, you get the title of your shop or site and then a short little description or tagline or slogan. This little one-sentence description can be enough to get a viewer to take a closer look. I’ll come across a site or etsy shop and the little tagline makes me think “ooh, i need to find out more about that” or “hey, I feel the exact same way” or “I wonder what they do to deliver on that claim?” So I’ll go take a closer look because that short little description got me interested.But for some reason it feels like for some of us, describing our own work is hard. It is for me at least. My current Etsy shop tagline is Handmade Pottery and Ceramics. (Lame!) I’ve been trying to take notes on some of the descriptions and taglines that have made an impact on me and really figuring out what kind of work I’m trying to make. So I have put together 7 ideas that you can consider while describing your own work as part of a personal style or brand. These probably won’t apply to everyone, but hopefully there is something here you can use. Think about what you want to explore in your workWhat part of the process do you really focus on? What kind of subject matter do you include? Are you making a political statement? Are you focused on textures? Do you only care about how a pot functions? Are the complex layers of glaze what get you excited? Whatever you want to explore is probably a good place to start. Think like a customerIf you are trying to sell your work, think like a potential buyer. What are they looking for? What feelings or experiences do they want from your work? How will your work fill some kind of void in their life? You aren’t just selling an object. You are selling an experience. Something that makes their life better somehow. Highlight the ways that your work can do this for someone. Avoid  clichesIf you can, try to avoid using the same words and descriptions that “everyone else” uses. Yeah, you make handmade pots. But “handmade pots” as a description is overused and not very specific. It makes you sound like you do the same thing everyone else does. Get rid of any cliches. Highlight what is uniqueWhat is it about your work that makes it stand out? Why would someone want to buy your pots instead of the thousands of other pots they could get? What are you doing that you haven’t seen anyone else do? Everyone makes unique work but someone may need a little help to see the subtle differences your work offers. Use a thesaurusA thesaurus is my favorite writing tool. When I have an idea but I can’t come up with quite the right words, I can look up a word I’m using and find a word or phrase that conveys my idea more clearly or just sounds better. Instead of describing your pots as “simple” would clean, quiet, sleek, stable or tranquil give someone a better vision of your work? Avoid jargon that your audience doesn’t relate toIf you use a special process to make pots, that may be okay to include.. But think about your audience. Do they really need to know you fire in a cone 6, oxidation atmosphere? Do they even know what that means? Unless you are selling mostly to potters, probably not. Make it as short as possibleYou don’t want a dissertation if you’re working on a tagline or slogan. You want to get your idea across in a few seconds. Use as few, meaning packed words as you can. Then you can unpack these ideas later in conversation or articles or when you describe individual pieces.To get started, maybe you could do a brain dump. Get some of your pots together, set a timer for 5 minutes, maybe even challenge someone else to describe your work with you. As quickly as you can, write down every word or phrase that comes into your head while thinking about your pots. Even words that are the opposite. Then go through these 7 tips and combine, elaborate, and narrow down your list. Hopefully you’ll start to come up with some good descriptions.So, that’s all I’ve got. Hopefully it gives you a few new ideas if you need them. If you have any other advice or ideas, I’d be glad to hear them. Look for episode 3 soon where we will talk about pottery goals. So if you haven’t already, subscribe to this podcast. Thanks for listening and stay muddy!

We're back! And we officially have a series! Thanks for giving this another shot. Or, if you didn't catch episode 1, <a href="https://expertclay.com/podcast/mudtalk/001/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">check it out here</a>. The quality of this episode should be much better than the first episode but there are plenty of improvements still to be made. Let's talk about your work! <h2>Resources</h2>Blog post about branding by Carter Gillies: <a href="https://cartergilliespottery.wordpress.com/2017/03/20/branding/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://cartergilliespottery.wordpress.com/2017/03/20/branding/</a> Online Thesaurus: <a href="http://www.thesaurus.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">thesaurus.com</a> Transcript: Welcome back to the MudTalk Podcast! My name is Brandon Schwartz also known as Fuzzy. This is the 2nd episode. That’s right, we officially have a series! If you haven’t listened to episode one, be sure to check that out so you can hear why exactly I’m doing this. My apologies that the quality was less than great on that first episode. I hope you will notice a difference in sound quality from that episode to this one. I got a much better microphone and hopefully, I’ve gotten a little better at recording and post production. And if I’ve done everything right, you should be able to subscribe in iTunes or with your favorite podcast listening program. So let’s get on with it. The  2nd MudTalk Monday prompt was basically “describe your own work.” I tried to leave it open for interpretation. At first glance most people probably thought about “your work” as the work you produce - the actual pots we create. But you could also think of “work” as the process. I chose this prompt because I think it’s important to be able to talk coherently about pots. Especially if you are a maker of pots. You should definitely be able to talk about your own work. I wanted responses limited to 2 sentences to encourage people to refine their answers and really focus on the primary reasons that their work is unique or why people should be attracted to it. I organized the comments into some loosely defined groups including Slogans, Descriptions of the Pots, Process, and Customer Response or Feelings. Then at the end I chose a couple of my favorites. After the responses I’ll share some of my thoughts about describing your work and how it relates to branding and marketing. I’ve come up with 7 tips to help you describe your own work if you need a little help. Let's get to the responses! <h2>Slogan</h2>Some of the responses read more like a business slogan to me. For example: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/studio2ceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Studio2ceramics</a> We bring the fun to functional pottery with our handmade mugs! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/potted.arts/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Potted.arts</a> Whimsical and unusual pots for plants <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dirtkickerpottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dirtkickerpottery</a> Catches your eye. Captures your heart ❤️ <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pathwaypottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pathwaypottery</a> Practical and pretty. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/liz.troshane?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Liz T</a> LizzieTee Pottery features handmade pottery and ceramics for functional and decorative use and enjoyment. Creative clay for every day! I like these kinds of descriptions. Short and sweet, to the point. You can include this a lot of places from a business card to a website tagline. <h2>Describing the Actual Objects</h2>Some of the responses described the actual objects being produced. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fernstreetpottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fernstreetpottery</a> My work is designed to fit comfortably in your hands, your home, your life. Mugs keep coffee warm longer and bowls that frame your food. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/zeldalune/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Zeldalune</a> my work reflects my experimentation, my experience , my mistakes , my angst ,my breath ,my imagination my narrative and my curiosity <a href="https://www.instagram.com/blackberrycreekpottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BlackBerryCreekPottery</a> Beautiful functional pieces that fit together as a set, or stand alone as an individual art piece. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/waysideclare/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">WaysideClare</a> Inspired by nature and natural forms. I started ceramics for stress-relief and just got hooked. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nicolemainpottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NicoleMainPottery</a> Random and experimental. ? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kikafzanella/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kika F Zanella</a> My work is the simple and sophisticated … <a href="https://www.facebook.com/laura.silberman.58?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Laura S</a> FUNctional pottery for home and garden. Each hand built piece is decorated with a textured surface highlighted with a colorful glaze palette. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/digitalartlady?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Martha H</a> Organic with sharp edges..I know strange.. <h2>Process</h2>Some responses had more to do with the process of making pots. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dtaylorsatm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">D TaylorSATM</a> Home potter with muddy hands and a grateful heart. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gardenclaypottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gardenclaypottery</a> An accident (sometimes a happy one) waiting to happen. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chilmark_pottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chilmark_pottery</a> i take very small rocks and make them into bigger,hopefully more interesting and or beautiful rocks, and, in so doing, paid for my home on Martha's Vineyard. That's only one sentence <a href="https://www.instagram.com/casapangea/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Casa Pangea</a> (spanish) brings nature to ceramic. plays with daily discard objects into eternal ceramic forms. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/debra.providence.5?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Debra P</a> Began practice/study in March. Now on my 52nd bowl w plan to make 100 b4 any other form. Just recently able to recognize/apply vision on form/function of work focusing on interior shaping as I pull... Plan to see where I am this March having worked nothing but bowls as a beginning to serious study. <h2>Feelings/Customers</h2>There were a couple responses that focused on feelings or what the customer gets from the work. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sanibelceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sanibelceramics</a> Happy! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/evilknowlesyou/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Evilknowlesyou</a> My work makes me happy, I hope it makes others happy also.? <a href="https://www.facebook.com/donna.lashof?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Donna L</a> practical ceramics that are perfect for people who want to bring whimsy and fun to their homes by using handmade, contemporary designs where they eat, play and live <h2>Favorite Responses</h2>There were 5 comments that stood out to me. The first was by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jude_prevost_ceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jude_prevost_ceramics</a> I like the idea that I can create a pottery piece that is functional and may become a favorite because of its usefulness while at the same time create a piece that is unique and creative... So that it may become a favorite art piece as well <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chris_throws_pots/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chris_throws_pots</a> As a maker of functional forms, I am inspired by the idea that pottery becomes part of habit - a favorite mug that is essential to a morning routine or a serving bowl that holds a treasured dish at family gatherings. ☕️???? Both of these responses make me think back to the first episode and some of the responses to ‘why clay’. Handmade pots are definitely special and I think highlighting that is a good way to increase interest in your work. I like these next few responses a lot because they really help me start visualizing the pots in my head even before I see them. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/artbygretamichelle/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ArtbyGretaMichelle</a> Functional pottery with japanese inspired forms and textured surfaces inspired by my home (island, earth, nature). <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jkeeranceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">JkeeranCeramics</a> I create two polar opposite kinds of work in the same space. One form is very organic and floral, whereas the other form has sharp geometric shapes put together like a Tetris game. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/catherinedanielceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CatherineDanielCeramics</a> Quirky and quilty. Colour and pattern.? This last one reads more like a slogan but it is an interesting description of the work as well. I immediately had to go see if what I was picturing in my head matched the actual work. The work I was picturing was a based a little bit more on flat squares of many bright colors. But the description really fits the work with the fabric textures and stitching. And the description got me interested and sucked me in. Thank you to everyone who participated in this MudTalk Monday. It’s so great to hear different perspectives and ideas. So, why is it important to be able to talk about your own work? I think there are a few reasons. First of all, it helps you sound more informed or professional or just intelligent when talking to other artists and potential buyers. And speaking of buyers, who doesn’t want to sell more pots? I hear advice all the time that it is important to build a personal brand because it will help you find and connect with an audience and increase sales. That sounds good to me! If you think about it, you’ve probably bought something before based on the brand. Why would people pay twice as much for one brand over another? Is one brand known for it’s amazing design, ease of use and offer great customer service? Maybe another brand offers cheaper prices and better specs but clunky design and so many options that the product is  more complex to use. Are you picturing two brands in your head that fit these descriptions? Why do you make these connections? Because these companies spend piles of money on branding to make you think of them a certain way. Is one right or wrong? No, it just depends on your personal preference and what is best for the way you operate. So you can do the same thing with your own products to build trust, spark interest, and encourage people to view your work a certain way. But Carter Gillies makes some good points about how branding may not be mandatory, especially for artists. From his blog he says: Branding ‘works’ to help sell the artists at marketplace, it is an attribute of livestock, but it is an affront to the undomesticated creative spirit. Branding an artist makes sense only to get sold. Then later he says: As you describe it, a  brand is how we can best relate to an ideal audience. But making work under that constraint IS A CONSTRAINT. Our liberty is at stake. Can it really be sold this cheaply? All good points, Carter. I encourage you all to check out his blog. He is a fount of creative thought. I think of branding a little differently. I agree that it is mostly for marketing purposes. But I don’t think of it as a constraint in a bad sense. I think of it as the essence of your current personal style. Basically, a symbol of what your work is right now. You just want everything about your business to express the same thing that your current work expresses. So whatever you are currently creating, or exploring with your work should be reflected in, or complemented by your logo, your website, your online shop, your paperwork, your social media accounts, your photos, and everything else. For example, if you make serene, minimalist pots with subtle pastel glazes you probably don’t want some kind of horrific bright red halloween font in your logo. If you start sending conflicting messages like that people will get confused or won’t connect with you or your work the way you want them to. And I don’t feel a brand is a permanent constraint because brands can change. Big companies spend millions on rebranding all the time. So if my work starts to go in a different direction, I can change my personal brand. And I’m all for artistic freedom but I don’t think certain constraints are such a bad idea. In a sense, I have placed the “constraint” of function upon my work since I consider myself a potter. Everything I make should function properly. If I made a mug with holes in it or finished it with spray paint instead of glaze, it may let me express some different ideas but if I’m trying to be a potter, people would be confused because I’m not making good functional pots. Does that hinder my creativity? Maybe it does. But I think that’s okay. Maybe branding is just showing very specifically what you specialize in. And you can always have more than one brand. My design branding would look a lot different from my ceramics branding for example. So, anyway, being able to describe your work is is an important part, maybe the first step, of your personal style or brand. Which, in my mind is just helping other people understand you and your work. If you have ever set up an Etsy shop, or even a wordpress website, you get the title of your shop or site and then a short little description or tagline or slogan. This little one-sentence description can be enough to get a viewer to take a closer look. I’ll come across a site or etsy shop and the little tagline makes me think “ooh, i need to find out more about that” or “hey, I feel the exact same way” or “I wonder what they do to deliver on that claim?” So I’ll go take a closer look because that short little description got me interested. But for some reason it feels like for some of us, describing our own work is hard. It is for me at least. My current Etsy shop tagline is Handmade Pottery and Ceramics. (Lame!) I’ve been trying to take notes on some of the descriptions and taglines that have made an impact on me and really figuring out what kind of work I’m trying to make. So I have put together 7 ideas that you can consider while describing your own work as part of a personal style or brand. These probably won’t apply to everyone, but hopefully there is something here you can use. <ol> <li>Think about what you want to explore in your work</li></ol>What part of the process do you really focus on? What kind of subject matter do you include? Are you making a political statement? Are you focused on textures? Do you only care about how a pot functions? Are the complex layers of glaze what get you excited? Whatever you want to explore is probably a good place to start. <ol> <li>Think like a customer</li></ol>If you are trying to sell your work, think like a potential buyer. What are they looking for? What feelings or experiences do they want from your work? How will your work fill some kind of void in their life? You aren’t just selling an object. You are selling an experience. Something that makes their life better somehow. Highlight the ways that your work can do this for someone. <ol> <li>Avoid  cliches</li></ol>If you can, try to avoid using the same words and descriptions that “everyone else” uses. Yeah, you make handmade pots. But “handmade pots” as a description is overused and not very specific. It makes you sound like you do the same thing everyone else does. Get rid of any cliches. <ol> <li>Highlight what is unique</li></ol>What is it about your work that makes it stand out? Why would someone want to buy your pots instead of the thousands of other pots they could get? What are you doing that you haven’t seen anyone else do? Everyone makes unique work but someone may need a little help to see the subtle differences your work offers. <ol> <li>Use a thesaurus</li></ol>A thesaurus is my favorite writing tool. When I have an idea but I can’t come up with quite the right words, I can look up a word I’m using and find a word or phrase that conveys my idea more clearly or just sounds better. Instead of describing your pots as “simple” would clean, quiet, sleek, stable or tranquil give someone a better vision of your work? <ol> <li>Avoid jargon that your audience doesn’t relate to</li></ol>If you use a special process to make pots, that may be okay to include.. But think about your audience. Do they really need to know you fire in a cone 6, oxidation atmosphere? Do they even know what that means? Unless you are selling mostly to potters, probably not. <ol> <li>Make it as short as possible</li></ol>You don’t want a dissertation if you’re working on a tagline or slogan. You want to get your idea across in a few seconds. Use as few, meaning packed words as you can. Then you can unpack these ideas later in conversation or articles or when you describe individual pieces. To get started, maybe you could do a brain dump. Get some of your pots together, set a timer for 5 minutes, maybe even challenge someone else to describe your work with you. As quickly as you can, write down every word or phrase that comes into your head while thinking about your pots. Even words that are the opposite. Then go through these 7 tips and combine, elaborate, and narrow down your list. Hopefully you’ll start to come up with some good descriptions. So, that’s all I’ve got. Hopefully it gives you a few new ideas if you need them. If you have any other advice or ideas, I’d be glad to hear them. Look for episode 3 soon where we will talk about pottery goals. So if you haven’t already, subscribe to this podcast. Thanks for listening and stay muddy!

002 Describe Your Work – MudTalk Podcast

This episode is all about pottery goals. The goals from others in this episode are over a year old so if your goal was mentioned and you want to give us an update, we would love to hear about it! Resources My process for setting goals (mentioned in the podcast): http://www.potterymakinginfo.com/news/best-pottery-year/ Transcript: Welcome to the MudTalk Podcast. We’re talking about pottery, ceramics and all things related to clay. Each episode will explore a new topic and we will hear some great comments from people around the globe. My name is Brandon Schwartz, but you can call me Fuzzy. This is episode 3. In which we will talk about pottery goals. The original MudTalk Monday post asked “what is your top pottery goal for the year and how is it going?” And this was way back at the end of January in 2017. I think it would be really interesting to ask the same question, and see how everyone did with their goals for 2017. And how that affected goals for this year. Hopefully, you all reached your goals last year and are ready to set a different or bigger goal for the new year. This has been one of the most exciting MudTalk Mondays to read through for me. I love to see people out there setting goals and working hard and getting better at something everyday. Seeing people grow gets me excited. So thanks to everyone who has left a response which has encouraged me to grow myself. As I was reading through the goals I started to see some themes again. So first we’ll hear goals about skills and techniques, then studio or equipment improvements, then goals about selling, marketing and business. There were also a few goals about new or big ideas, and then last I’ll share my favorite goals that were shared. After that, I’ll talk a little bit about setting my own goals and what works for me. There were a lot of responses so I had to do a little more trimming than the previous podcasts. Sorry if your comment didn’t make it in this time. One note about the names: If I just read off a name, it is most likely an instagram username. That way if you hear a great response you can search and find out more about the person who left it. I’ll try to let you know if a comment is from Facebook and I’ll probably only read the first name and last initial. I just feel like someone’s personal FB account should be allowed a little more privacy. You can always go to the MudTalk Monday post and respond to any of the comments. And again, sorry for the mispronunciations! Now, to the comments! Goals for improving Skills and Techniques There were plenty of people who wanted to improve their skills or try a new technique. A lot of people, including AnitaRobech, Cro.ceramics, Joyful_effort, Sas3sas3 all mentioned throwing bigger or taller Sas3sas3 Taller!!! Going good... reached almost 30 cm while my 2016 best was about 20 cm Joyful_effort To throw taller! ⬆️⬆️⬆️ Cro.ceramics Trying to throw higher shapes and hopefully finally making something that i actually want to/can use ☺ Anitarobech My goal is to learn how to throw big vases like my big inspiration #tortuscopenhagen Zeldalune wants to make a large moon jar Thordar Greybeard Larger sculptures. Mudworkspa To get back on the wheel! Had a total knee replacement a month ago, and so far it's been just handbuilding and maybe one or two throws. I miss throwing, been doing it for about 26 years!!! Steph_emm_ To try and master twisting a pot... [love] this effect! A number of people mentioned consistency: Including Sgrafiato girl who said Better form and a consistent body of work! Practice, practice, practice and good honest critiques are making the difference on this journey! Vera lucile_ My goal is consistency. I took a boot camp from Tim Sherman to get me started!! Thinner walls ! Wildfire pottery penn Be confident in &amp; consistent with thrown plates. ? Studio2ceramics To have a consistent rate of production instead of the scramble and wait of 2016. and Pinezenpottery My goal is to refine my aesthetic and attempt to get all these glorious ideas swimming around my brain onto the blank canvas of clay. More consistency in form too. I'm very excited for what lies ahead this year. ? Ketner I want my work to be mistaken for the work of the best potter at my studio. Egypt.h.pot Choose a glaze pallette and make them myself. Ceramics by james Find a style that I like to make and that I like the finished look. Also, I want to learn more about the chemistry side of ceramics. My long term goal, 1-4 years, is to get my work into a gallery on main street park city. Laurie Landry pottery Get a handle on developing glazes, making test tiles and firing at different cones. So, I'm currently taking Annie Chrietzberg's glaze class via Skype. The next class I would like to take would be scanning and editing photos. Studiofavelle I'm such a newbie that what I don't know / haven't tried yet could fill a thousand libraries! So I want to learn a lot more. In an ideal wishes-come-true kind of world, I'd like to have my own kiln and my own wheel. Mhiggins101hotmailcom No more pieces that are destined to end up in the garage/landfill. Practical pieces only, to be used, given away or sold. If I'm not satisfied it gets reclaimed before it gets fired. Zellar38 To get back to making! Haven't thrown in a few years...health issues and getting out of debt ( finally out now!) AnotherSeattleArtist To actually take days off. I chose Sundays. I took one Sunday off this month....but I love my job! It's hard to do anything else! Also want to go back to mixing 100% of my glazes myself Octopusceramics To do/make crystalline glazes! I've made two so far, they're being fired right now. I have used a few store bought ones, it's so cool and fun!! And to set up an online shop… Laurie.may.From.over.the.bay__ Start my shop &amp; master mould making. John D. M My top goal for this year is to follow a decades long desire to work with clay. So, last Thursday I had my first wheel throwing lesson. I had trouble with centering the ball, learned that I was putting it on a bat and etc. I also had trouble making the cone and cylinder and other things a total beginner has to learn. I'm pretty good at some other arts and crafts but totally unschooled in pottery. More lessons follow the second this week. I plan to get really messy again and enjoy myself completely. This year I'd like to be able to make a vase that would not look like a beginner did the work. Martha H Being OBEDIENT to throwing daily. It's going slow. (back issues) I am finding if I dedicate to a consistent time like an appointment is becomes easier. Equipment/Studio Improvements Some have goals of improving their equipment or studios to increase efficiency or production. RosemaryJacks To get my new Studio up and running and then to start teaching some classes. Mychelle91 Get a kiln in the house! I am Abstar Get my garage converted by June! AshnWeeks To get my own kiln and start producing pots on my own! Right now I am using the kiln I used in high school. My mentor generously lets me use hers, but my goal is to save up for my own! Keep it local bc Get a wheel. Keep pushing hard with practice Bobbie141 To get a kiln .. Left my classes .. Cause they kept losing my pieces .. I miss my hands in the clay .. Soooo much !!! On it ... But it's overwhelming which one to get !!! TheRealSheal My goal for this year is complete the studio build so I finally have somewhere to put a kiln! Boooodude Build an anagama kiln Snipps To learn more about running a kiln and glazing and get my studio up and running CavanCreations To get my studio finished so I can start making and firing again. ? Business, Marketing, Selling Some more experienced potters or those that have improved their skills to a certain point are setting goals for marketing and selling their pots and growing their business. PotteryByAnna My first exhibition as a soul potter sculptor with a friend who does oil pastel drawings. So far so good but scary !! TheClayRabbit To speed up my sculptures and to get my work in at least two more galleries, oh and to TRY and have confidence in my work.....? Ferguson_pottery add teapots back into the collection and connect with 4 new galleries by the end of the year KleeseStamps To have a consistent and cohesive body of work to sell in at least three art shows this year and to get my mugs into a few indie coffee shops!! Tania_akm To start my pottery business! PinkHousePottery Just stepped down from full time 'other' work to launch a career in ceramics. So thirty years on from teaching pottery and wood turning am back at my first love - launching our local market stall and on line shop with Pink House Pottery in March. Wake with both excitement and anxiety!! FrothAndSubstancePottery To go from part time Potter (hello 4 am!!) To full time (less J.O.B) and to make the time for personal creations and ideas (95% of my current business is custom orders) ????❤☕ thank you Potter friends.. you are all so inspiring! Pathwaypottery Do better at marketing myself! Continue to try new things, find my style. BlackberryCreekPottery To build a better inventory so that I'm not always behind and to work on my camera skills CasaPangea make my own blue glaze and create a homepage to sell my art ClayworksCafeAndGallery Marketing!!!! Starting with a how to workshop in march. Adding to #myetsystore JkeeranCeramics To get into ceramics exhibitions for the first time, and it's going well. I've been accepted to all of the ceramic exhibitions, including some prestigious ones, I've entered into. It tells me I'm making good work and am on the right path! ? ClayByLaura My top goal is to try to duplicate the areas where my pottery sales are strong including craft gallery and private home opportunities. Additionally, I'd like to improve my on-line presence and focus on PR targets. It's an ongoing process! M.E.Pifano My goal is to exhibit and sell my work despite a crashing economy in my country ?? Hopefully someone beyond the borders will connect with what I do and the love I put into my pieces... Best of luck to you all this year! ✌? EmTeePotDesigns To get bigger, neater, more creative and get exposure to sell my pieces. LisaValley Photograph work and publish a gallery on my website. Going to #NCECA this year, going to be a sponge and absorb all I can learn! NatashaMakesCeramics Sell my first piece! LaurieAndWilliam Increase inventory of 'standards', as well as devote serious time on exploration of new ideas PettyPottery_nc Get myself settled in my new studio space after moving to Charlotte and acquiring a kiln so I can be completely autonomous. Work hard to increase my sales this year from last years sales. Aileen A My top goal for my pottery would be to get my work out in an art gallery in a competition and the way I am going to achieve this is by entering as many pottery competition that I can Something New / Big Idea There were a few goals to pursue something new or get started on a big idea. ClaysAndGlaze I want to open my studio cafe and give the opportunity for special needs people, all disabilities, all ages and cultures to get involved in ceramics. Alison.skate.pots My goal includes having one private lesson per month for 2017, and to set up a "homeless pots" fundation (foundation with more fun) - where potters can donate the pots that are unlikely to sell - flaws in the glaze, shape not quite consistent with others, an experimental piece, etc - and find them new homes, whilst all proceeds will be donated to charities that support the needs of humans doing it tough on the street. GnomeTown Use my sculpture to shift the paradigm in the US and #endracism#killhate. Also, make a bunch of solidarity #resist fists. Favorites ZygoteBlum Make significantly less, but better work. I don’t know if you’ve seen Zygote’s work but it is pretty fantastic already. But I like the goal of making less work. It seems counterintuitive at first. I feel like I’m always trying to find extra time to make more work. But of course making better work is an ongoing goal as well. And often, you need to spend some extra time to make better work. ZeaLaura To try some different techniques, step out of my comfort zone and take risks because you never know what you can create when you push yourself! I like this goal because I’m trying to step out of my comfort zone and try new things. Like podcasting! Anniebilities_pottery Go big or go home.. want to throw 25 lbs by the summer I like this goal because it is short, specific, attainable and has a time limit. So, there you have it. Do you have a goal that is similar to one that was already mentioned? How is it going? One thing that I thought about while reading through all these comments was… is there a correlation between the type of goal and where that potter is in their clay journey? For example, if you set a goal to improve your technique or learn something new, are you more likely to have less experience as a potter? Improving your studio or buying equipment is a big commitment so I feel like a potter with that kind of goal has a little more experience. And if you are making goals for selling pots you may be further along in your clay journey? If you have any feedback I would love to hear from you. I don’t know about you, but I love goals. I have read articles that say you shouldn’t focus on goals. Instead you should set up systems or processes or habits which are more likely to make you successful. I can see the point but I feel like if you just set up these systems or habits without something to shoot for then how do you know what kind of system to set up or how well it is working? But it goes the other way too. If you just set a goal and don’t make a plan or system to work towards it, it’s not going to happen. And really, every person is different. You have to figure out what motivates you. What works best for you. Setting good goals gives me a clear picture of what I want. Starting with that helps me figure out a plan to achieve the goal. At the beginning of 2017 I put together a blog post on the Pottery Making Blog called Your Best Pottery Year. I tried to include what works for me and other goal setting advice I have learned along the way. So I’ll share a brief summary of what you can find there. So here are six and a half steps to setting and achieving your pottery goals.  Define What You Want - you can make a whole list of what you want. Make more pots, sell more pots, get into gallery shows, try 6 new techniques, create a website, etc. Break it Down, make it a smart goal - you can google smart goals because there are a lot of variations and lots of reasoning... but I usually go with goals that are: specific, measurable, attainable, rewarding, and time-based. So look at your list and consider each goal. Let’s take “sell more pots” as an example. How many more specifically? By when? Where? Do you want to actually sell more pots or make more money? Will you have to change your inventory or schedule or process? If you plan to double your sales is it actually possible to make double the pots or spend twice as much time or money promoting, etc? Prioritize - I like to make one goal my primary goal. That is the first thing I’m going to work on every day. It makes my decision process much more clear when I have certain must-do things each day or each week and then work in the things that I would like to do around the most important things. Write Down Your Goal - studies show that you are much more likely to achieve your goal if you write it down and post it somewhere visible. Make a Plan  This is where the processes and systems come in. Figure out what you need and gather resources if necessary. Then break it down into single actions - if you’re  selling pots you might start with some big steps like ‘research sales events’ and ‘apply to events’. But these can be broken down into even smaller steps. So research sales events could mean ‘compile a list of annual shows within driving distance, look up the list of vendors from previous years,  see what kind of products the vendors are selling, see how previous customers feel about the event,  determine which shows would be a good fit for you, prepare application photos, apply to the shows, etc. Or maybe you want to sell more pots online so you can break it down into: pick pots to sell online, take photos of pots, measure pots, write descriptions, list in shop, share on social media, etc. Next, schedule everything - set deadlines, work backwards to fill in your schedule, limit your time for each step, then do the first step... right now. And finally,  Stick to the Plan  There are some things that can help you stay the course. You may consider things like setting up some accountability, avoiding distractions, learning to say no to other things, taking breaks and staying healthy to avoid burnout and wearing yourself down. So there are 6 steps to get you started but here’s a small addition I’m making. First of all, don’t forget to celebrate the wins, even if they’re small. Those small wins can build momentum. And second, don’t be afraid to alter the plan if needed. I was recently working on a project and I was putting a lot of time into it but it just wasn’t working. I could have kept going and put even more time and effort into it. Eventually, I’m sure I would have come up with a decent result. But I decided to change my process and start over. That sounds like it would have been a huge defeat. But I felt… relieved, almost happy because I realized the new way I was going to do it was going to give me a better result and it may even save me some time and frustration in the end. So don’t be afraid to make adjustments as you go. And that is the basic process I use to achieve my goals. To get a little more detail you can check out the full article at Pottery Making Info.com. I’ll have a direct link in the show notes. So... you are no doubt asking, what is my top goal for the year? Well, let me tell you. For a few years now, I’ve been thinking about how I can set up a site to serve the clay community in a bigger and better way than potterymakinginfo.com currently does. And this is the year I’m making it happen. I want to make it easy for other potters to create, promote and sell digital products and information. So during 2017 I’ve been in contact with other potters, working on my own ideas, and setting up the site. Now that we are into 2018, I’m working on getting the word out, creating more content and looking for more potters that want to join the team. The new site is called Expert Clay and it will let anyone offer online courses, video workshops, ebooks, articles, podcasts  and other digital files. If that sounds interesting to you, go to expertclay.com and you can find out how to share your own expertise... or learn from other clay experts. And I sincerely hope you are on track to achieve your goals and live the clay life that you are hoping for. In episode 4 we’ll talk about what you think about as you start making a pot. So until then, keep setting and achieving those goals... and stay muddy.

003 Pottery Goals – MudTalk Podcast

Check it out, we have a fancy intro now. And when I say "fancy" I mean "A short song I slapped together with sounds from my clay studio and an amateur rendition of the guitar part from a song that was popular years ago." First one to guess what the song is gets an internet high five.Thanks for taking a listen. This episode is shorter than the first three. Let me know if that is better or worse.ResourcesLinks to leave a review or rating: iTunes | Google Play | StitcherBe part of a future episode: Contribute to the Show Transcript:This is episode 4 of the MudTalk Podcast and is brought to you by Expert Clay. Expert Clay is a new site that allows clay experts to share their knowledge through courses, videos and digital media. Go to expertclay.com to find out how you can join for free and learn from an expert or decide what expertise you can share with others. Thanks for tuning in. In this episode we’re going to be talking about what you think about as you start making a pot. I looked forward to exploring this topic because I expected a variety of different answers. There were quite a range of answers but most were about feelings or visualizing the finished piece or about the process itself. So, we’ll hear comments about each of those and then I’ll share a few of my favorites at the end. Let’s get started!Self Encouragement / Hope / ChantFirst there were some responses with great chants or words of self encouragement.Amelia.tungsten "Don't mess up! Don't mess up! Don't mess up!"TangentGirlNat Don't collapse. Don't collapse. Don't collapse. Don't collapse.Stonecropstudio Was curious about this. Threw yesterday...turns out I think "lift, lift, lift!"WineSellersGirl "Please don't screw this up." (I'm new to this throwing stuff.)Rainstormworks I hope the clay has the same idea i do.NancyeOakley1969 hope i can create what my mind sees.Sgrace_pots Is this going to center? Am I breathing? Nope. Take a breath. Slow down.BrandonDonnaLee I can do this. I can do this. And finding the picture in my head in the clay. Listening to my breathing (somehow far away in the distance).RobinLambright My first thought...is it a throwing day or a back in the bucket day...Feelings: calm, zen, clear mindPlenty of people seem to get a feeling of calm or clear mind as they start to make a pot.Blue_s_reflectedin_fiery_water in my opinion it makes calmness and releases the soul in loveErikapetersons Throwing on the wheel is my yoga. If I'm too distracted with thoughts I can't throw. So it is a zen moment. After a session on the wheel I feel like I've been totally washed from all my worries.Bobbie141 I love playing with clay ..my mind just goes .....to a great place…Terispad_yellowdoorpottery I try to clear my mind, and breathe. I sometimes hold my breath and that makes me tense.Annelie57 I just close my eyes and feel the clayLkjohnson.09 I'm new to the wheel and it feels much more soulful than handbuilding. Close my eyes often for tactile focus, which is lovely. It's akin to playing an instrument well or singing a beautiful song.Themuddyyogi Nothing. I think of nothing at all which is why I love doing this so much. It's a fabulous escape.Studio2ceramics There's very little in my head when I throw. Lol!Themuddyhive Yes!!! ? Breathe and go. Relax and do. ?Ladarafineart I have a clear mind and relaxTania_akm Emptiness and mindfulness... And let my hands work ☺️Wren_wolf_stag Nothing. That's why I love pottery. It's the only thing that calms my over thinking brainBviv2323 Let's breath and get centered ?Clay_breeziespots It's my peaceful time, every time I start making a pot I always wish that I started sooner.JoySome potters have happy thoughts and are just excited to be living the dream.Jisfalt88 the biggest thing that goes through my head is, "Oh yay, time to get Dirty!"Zockollpottery I'm getting to do what I love...my passion in life.CarolBarclay6 I hand build in porcelain. My overwhelming feeling is the enjoyment of the coolness, suppleness and the seemingly infinite possibilities ahead of me.TariHuffaker I just love the feel of the clay slipping through my hands. Sometimes i say, "we can so do this, you and i." Clay is a great friend.Finished PotMany potters think about what they want the pot to look like in the end.Clevass5 I always wonder if this pot will end up looking like what I set out to make ?Erinmcarthur709 For me, it's like a meditation. I put my mind into the clay and let thoughts emerge about where the vessel might go when it's finished.Dowidat.ceramics Mostly form and how the lip will touch a persons lip. Or how a person will use the item after it's finished.Merakiearthpottery If it's an order, I get a specific picture of what I'm making in my head and just go for it. If it's not an order I think, "hhmmm. I Wonder what this lump of clay wants to be." ?Handandearth How can I make this piece mine. When someone looks at it and thinks "oh Ik who made that piece" is my goal always before,during, and after I sit down.Pettypottery_nc I start thinking about how do I want peoples hands to meet the pot...that question informs the shapes of my pots.Lisaoleksyn I have just started, so my thought is that I just want something to turn out..I'm not worried what I make as long as it's useable.Production / ProcessSome potters think about the process or focus on the technique.Ericabodinepottery "How many more of these do I need to make, again?" ?Ceramicsbyjames I have know idea what I am going to make.Muddyhands789 When I rip a cylinder in half on the 3rd pull, I think, "Huh... well crap. What can I turn the rest of the clay into without cutting it off the bat?" No need to waste all that centering, opening, and pulling! Always salvage what I can.Tonibug1234 I used to hold my breath now I concentrate on breathing so I tell myself breathe!!! Don't hold your breath. I also think about how my hands are inside the piece.Meltingpointpottery I picture what I want to make and visualize my hands working in sync to perform the correct pull or stretch. While thinking don't mess up, don't overwork, don't get lazy, breathe. Can't wait to be at a place where it is automatic and I can just sing while throwing!Catherinedanielceramics Creating as much pattern and visual interest as possible, with no worries about how intricate the eventual glazing will be!!??Therlechaston I try get rid of all the thoughts before ...so as I throw I focus on the form ..FavoritesThese last three responses were my favorite.Srollins212 Typically, when centering and pulling, it's predominantly silence; broken by many, many swears.I just thought this one was funny.Blackberrycreekpottery Even on the forms I've made for a long time, with each new run I'm thinking about and trying to evolve them to make them better or create new interestJenuine902 How can I push the limitsI love all these different responses. As I think about the different responses I start to think about each person and what kind of potter they are. Beginner to advanced or hobby potter to potters that are making a living from making pots. From my own experience, my thoughts while making pots have changed through the years. Back in college when I sat down at the wheel it was more like ‘let’s see if I can get it centered first’ or ‘I know what I want to make, concentrate so I get a mug instead of a bowl.’ As I gained more skill, and centering and pulling walls became more automatic I could start thinking about the shape right from the beginning. Or maybe even thinking about a pot that I already made and how I can make it again or how I want to make one or two small changes this time. Like: ‘Okay, this time I want to leave more clay at the bottom so I can trim a deeper foot’, or ‘I need to open it up less at the beginning so I can stretch it more after I add some texture.’ I still have thoughts like that now, especially if I’m exploring new forms or techniques. But now some of my standard forms are mostly muscle memory. So I may be thinking things like: ‘i need to make x number of these’ or ‘how quick can I throw this set of pots’ or I may even be listening to a podcast or something and not be thinking much about clay at all.Have your thoughts changed? Do you even consider what you think about while you are making?If you’re answer wasn’t mentioned above, you can share what YOU think about as you get ready to make a pot. Or you can share your thoughts on any of the previous MudTalk topics. You can even share your thoughts about upcoming topics. Just find the MudTalk Monday posts on the Pottery Making Info Facebook or Instagram accounts. Search for #mudtalkmonday. Leave a comment on the image. You can even be part of a future MudTalk Podcast. Go to  expertclay.com/mtp to see how you can send an audio message or written response to get your voice heard.I have one last thing for you to consider. We’ve finished 4 episodes so I think you have a pretty good idea about what this podcast is about. If you feel like it has been worth listening to, get on iTunes or stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts and leave a rating and/or review. That will help me know that I’m on the right track and I’ll continue pressing ahead. Or if you have an idea to make this podcast better, I would love to hear it. Aaand you are also more than welcome to tell everyone you know about this podcast.As always, thanks for listening and stay muddy.

Check it out, we have a fancy intro now. And when I say "fancy" I mean "A short song I slapped together with sounds from my clay studio and an amateur rendition of the guitar part from a song that was popular years ago." First one to guess what the song is gets an internet high five. Thanks for taking a listen. This episode is shorter than the first three. Let me know if that is better or worse. <h2>Resources</h2>Links to leave a review or rating: <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/mudtalk-podcast/id1345966330" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iTunes</a> | <a href="https://play.google.com/music/listen?authuser#/ps/Iagpobwcisd7vc4ni2xtx3ta5fm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Google Play</a> | <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/brandon-schwartz/mudtalk-podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a> Be part of a future episode: <a href="https://expertclay.com/mtp/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Contribute to the Show</a> <h2>Transcript:</h2>This is episode 4 of the MudTalk Podcast and is brought to you by Expert Clay. Expert Clay is a new site that allows clay experts to share their knowledge through courses, videos and digital media. Go to <a href="http://expertclay.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">expertclay.com</a> to find out how you can join for free and learn from an expert or decide what expertise you can share with others. Thanks for tuning in. In this episode we’re going to be talking about what you think about as you start making a pot. I looked forward to exploring this topic because I expected a variety of different answers. There were quite a range of answers but most were about feelings or visualizing the finished piece or about the process itself. So, we’ll hear comments about each of those and then I’ll share a few of my favorites at the end. Let’s get started! <h3>Self Encouragement / Hope / Chant</h3>First there were some responses with great chants or words of self encouragement. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/amelia.tungsten/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amelia.tungsten</a> "Don't mess up! Don't mess up! Don't mess up!" <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tangentgirlnat/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">TangentGirlNat</a> Don't collapse. Don't collapse. Don't collapse. Don't collapse. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stonecropstudio/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stonecropstudio</a> Was curious about this. Threw yesterday...turns out I think "lift, lift, lift!" <a href="https://www.instagram.com/winesellersgirl/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">WineSellersGirl</a> "Please don't screw this up." (I'm new to this throwing stuff.) <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rainstormworks/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rainstormworks</a> I hope the clay has the same idea i do. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nancyeoakley1969/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NancyeOakley1969</a> hope i can create what my mind sees. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sgrace_pots/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sgrace_pots</a> Is this going to center? Am I breathing? Nope. Take a breath. Slow down. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brandondonnalee/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BrandonDonnaLee</a> I can do this. I can do this. And finding the picture in my head in the clay. Listening to my breathing (somehow far away in the distance). <a href="https://www.instagram.com/robinlambright/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RobinLambright</a> My first thought...is it a throwing day or a back in the bucket day... <h3>Feelings: calm, zen, clear mind</h3>Plenty of people seem to get a feeling of calm or clear mind as they start to make a pot. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/blue_s_reflectedin_fiery_water/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Blue_s_reflectedin_fiery_water</a> in my opinion it makes calmness and releases the soul in love <a href="https://www.instagram.com/erikapetersons/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Erikapetersons</a> Throwing on the wheel is my yoga. If I'm too distracted with thoughts I can't throw. So it is a zen moment. After a session on the wheel I feel like I've been totally washed from all my worries. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bobbie141/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bobbie141</a> I love playing with clay ..my mind just goes .....to a great place… <a href="https://www.instagram.com/terispad_yellowdoorpottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Terispad_yellowdoorpottery</a> I try to clear my mind, and breathe. I sometimes hold my breath and that makes me tense. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/annelie57/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Annelie57</a> I just close my eyes and feel the clay <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lkjohnson.09/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lkjohnson.09</a> I'm new to the wheel and it feels much more soulful than handbuilding. Close my eyes often for tactile focus, which is lovely. It's akin to playing an instrument well or singing a beautiful song. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/themuddyyogi/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Themuddyyogi</a> Nothing. I think of nothing at all which is why I love doing this so much. It's a fabulous escape. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/studio2ceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Studio2ceramics</a> There's very little in my head when I throw. Lol! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/themuddyhive/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Themuddyhive</a> Yes!!! ? Breathe and go. Relax and do. ? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ladarafineart/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ladarafineart</a> I have a clear mind and relax <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tania_akm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tania_akm</a> Emptiness and mindfulness... And let my hands work ☺️ <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wren_wolf_stag/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wren_wolf_stag</a> Nothing. That's why I love pottery. It's the only thing that calms my over thinking brain <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bviv2323/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bviv2323</a> Let's breath and get centered ? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/clay_breeziespots/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Clay_breeziespots</a> It's my peaceful time, every time I start making a pot I always wish that I started sooner. <h3>Joy</h3>Some potters have happy thoughts and are just excited to be living the dream. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jisfalt88/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jisfalt88</a> the biggest thing that goes through my head is, "Oh yay, time to get Dirty!" <a href="https://www.instagram.com/zockollpottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Zockollpottery</a> I'm getting to do what I love...my passion in life. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/carolbarclay6/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CarolBarclay6</a> I hand build in porcelain. My overwhelming feeling is the enjoyment of the coolness, suppleness and the seemingly infinite possibilities ahead of me. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tarihuffaker/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">TariHuffaker</a> I just love the feel of the clay slipping through my hands. Sometimes i say, "we can so do this, you and i." Clay is a great friend. <h3>Finished Pot</h3>Many potters think about what they want the pot to look like in the end. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/clevass5/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Clevass5</a> I always wonder if this pot will end up looking like what I set out to make ? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/erinmcarthur709/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Erinmcarthur709</a> For me, it's like a meditation. I put my mind into the clay and let thoughts emerge about where the vessel might go when it's finished. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dowidat.ceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dowidat.ceramics</a> Mostly form and how the lip will touch a persons lip. Or how a person will use the item after it's finished. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/merakiearthpottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Merakiearthpottery</a> If it's an order, I get a specific picture of what I'm making in my head and just go for it. If it's not an order I think, "hhmmm. I Wonder what this lump of clay wants to be." ? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/handandearth/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Handandearth</a> How can I make this piece mine. When someone looks at it and thinks "oh Ik who made that piece" is my goal always before,during, and after I sit down. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pettypottery_nc/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pettypottery_nc</a> I start thinking about how do I want peoples hands to meet the pot...that question informs the shapes of my pots. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lisaoleksyn/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lisaoleksyn</a> I have just started, so my thought is that I just want something to turn out..I'm not worried what I make as long as it's useable. <h3>Production / Process</h3>Some potters think about the process or focus on the technique. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ericabodinepottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ericabodinepottery</a> "How many more of these do I need to make, again?" ? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ceramicsbyjames/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ceramicsbyjames</a> I have know idea what I am going to make. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/muddyhands789/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Muddyhands789</a> When I rip a cylinder in half on the 3rd pull, I think, "Huh... well crap. What can I turn the rest of the clay into without cutting it off the bat?" No need to waste all that centering, opening, and pulling! Always salvage what I can. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tonibug1234/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tonibug1234</a> I used to hold my breath now I concentrate on breathing so I tell myself breathe!!! Don't hold your breath. I also think about how my hands are inside the piece. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/meltingpointpottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Meltingpointpottery</a> I picture what I want to make and visualize my hands working in sync to perform the correct pull or stretch. While thinking don't mess up, don't overwork, don't get lazy, breathe. Can't wait to be at a place where it is automatic and I can just sing while throwing! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/catherinedanielceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Catherinedanielceramics</a> Creating as much pattern and visual interest as possible, with no worries about how intricate the eventual glazing will be!!?? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/therlechaston/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Therlechaston</a> I try get rid of all the thoughts before ...so as I throw I focus on the form .. <h3>Favorites</h3>These last three responses were my favorite. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/srollins212/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Srollins212</a> Typically, when centering and pulling, it's predominantly silence; broken by many, many swears. I just thought this one was funny. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/blackberrycreekpottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Blackberrycreekpottery</a> Even on the forms I've made for a long time, with each new run I'm thinking about and trying to evolve them to make them better or create new interest <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jenuine902/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jenuine902</a> How can I push the limits I love all these different responses. As I think about the different responses I start to think about each person and what kind of potter they are. Beginner to advanced or hobby potter to potters that are making a living from making pots. From my own experience, my thoughts while making pots have changed through the years. Back in college when I sat down at the wheel it was more like ‘let’s see if I can get it centered first’ or ‘I know what I want to make, concentrate so I get a mug instead of a bowl.’ As I gained more skill, and centering and pulling walls became more automatic I could start thinking about the shape right from the beginning. Or maybe even thinking about a pot that I already made and how I can make it again or how I want to make one or two small changes this time. Like: ‘Okay, this time I want to leave more clay at the bottom so I can trim a deeper foot’, or ‘I need to open it up less at the beginning so I can stretch it more after I add some texture.’ I still have thoughts like that now, especially if I’m exploring new forms or techniques. But now some of my standard forms are mostly muscle memory. So I may be thinking things like: ‘i need to make x number of these’ or ‘how quick can I throw this set of pots’ or I may even be listening to a podcast or something and not be thinking much about clay at all. Have your thoughts changed? Do you even consider what you think about while you are making? If you’re answer wasn’t mentioned above, you can share what YOU think about as you get ready to make a pot. Or you can share your thoughts on any of the previous MudTalk topics. You can even share your thoughts about upcoming topics. Just find the MudTalk Monday posts on the Pottery Making Info Facebook or Instagram accounts. Search for #mudtalkmonday. Leave a comment on the image. You can even be part of a future MudTalk Podcast. Go to  <a href="http://expertclay.com/mtp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">expertclay.com/mtp</a> to see how you can send an audio message or written response to get your voice heard. I have one last thing for you to consider. We’ve finished 4 episodes so I think you have a pretty good idea about what this podcast is about. If you feel like it has been worth listening to, get on iTunes or stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts and leave a rating and/or review. That will help me know that I’m on the right track and I’ll continue pressing ahead. Or if you have an idea to make this podcast better, I would love to hear it. Aaand you are also more than welcome to tell everyone you know about this podcast. As always, thanks for listening and stay muddy.

004 Thoughts While Starting A Pot – MudTalk Podcast

What inspires YOUR work? Resources Contribute to the show here. Artists Mentioned: Justin Rothshank, Dick Lehman, Mark Goertzen, Troy Bungart, Todd Pletcher, Rebecca Graves, Jennifer Beachy, Eric Strader, Fred Driver, Zach Tate. Transcript: Thanks for listening! This is episode 5 where we will be talking about inspiration. What inspires YOUR work? Obviously, you can draw inspiration from many different kinds of things. And again, this prompt can be interpreted in different ways. What inspires the objects you make or what inspires you to get started working or what inspires your processes, or whatever else. When I was reading through the comments for this MudTalk Monday, I noticed some patterns and tried to group some of the comments together. So we’ll look at comments about nature or surroundings, other artists or people, the process, and then everything else. I’ll also share my favorite responses at the end and ramble a little bit about what inspires my work. Let’s get to it. Nature / Surroundings First, let’s hear from potters that are inspired by nature or their environment. Dani_firlefanz____ Nature ?????????????⭐️ Adamina Walk in the forest ? Kilnjoy The natural rhythms of our planet in relation to the sun and moon, stark contrasts between light and shadow, and the patterns found in nature, particularly flora. Pathwaypottery Scripture, nature, music. Teerraku Everything in the processes of the earth Cosmic_sophira I found my inspiration in sacred ceremonies of different native american tribes,in fire,water,in crystal,in PLANTS ♡ Sandyvanderwyk Walking around, noticing things. Other Artists/People There were also some great comments about inspiration from other people. Ratbagstudios The past, family heritage &amp; other female art makers. Djhmfa Humanity inspires my work – – we all need a sense of community! Nancyeoakley1969 nature, my heritae, traditions, family Honnoria Of late, in our community studio, we are feeding off each other. I can see where one person is taking a small bit of what another is doing. We are making it our own, but it is coming from another. I can't wait to see how we build it all into something great. The Process There were a few comments mostly about the process. Jerichostudiopottery My hands when the clay is turning between them on the wheel. Studio2ceramics Usually our ideas come about while walking our dogs together. We chat about the process and voila- an idea arises. Other / All Now let’s hear some of the comments that didn’t fit into the previous categories. Shawna.n.m.barnes My time in the Army, love of animals, and creating work that promotes discussion. My latest series is art that educates in a fun and engaging way. Stonecropstudio Folk art...it's good natured look at life, even in the face of struggle. Its humour, playfulness, and humanity. Also the lovely white surface of a clay pot begging for a paintbrush!! Cocaineblows The inexplicable urge to create something new to give to the world. My preoccupation with changing matter is what draws me to pottery in particular ?☕ Mountainpathpottery The textures in life natural and manmade. Playing with the balance between form, colour and texture, an intuitive process that inspires me. Gingerlytwisted Bugs, creatures, old machinery, paint layers, textures, looking closely at things.. other artists , listening to what others see in my work I love the feedback that makes me see what I hadn't Dmpottery Nature, historical objects and patterns, playing with form, the process itself Mepifano The engaging power of the possibilities in creating with clay... To be the link between my conception and your perception. The connection with the earth and through my hands with the world… Favorites These last few responses were my favorite. Gravesco Inspiration usually comes to me from a sense of conversation. The kind of comfortable conversation between friends where you're curled up on the sofa with your feet under a blanket talking about what's going on in your life. While the visual aesthetic of my forms is simple and traditional, the images and text I carve are all about the attitude and things we say to people we feel comfortable with, good or bad, but usually causing at the very least a good chuckle. I liked this comment because it focused more on inspiration for the subject matter instead of form or surface. KaraLeighCeramics The textures and colours of the Devon beaches and moors where I spent my childhood ? This made me stop and think. I bet there are things that inspire my work that I’m not even aware of. Things I loved or my surroundings growing up. Things I’ve forgotten. Maybe even things I take in subconsciously. Thanks Kara for making me think! shandi.reynolds The success of my peers This is an interesting response to think about. I suppose I’m inspired by other people’s success. Maybe not the work itself but if I see someone else doing great things it motivates me to keep going because I want to be successful too.  I keep working hard or try new things. 2frogsstudio A good challenge! When I find a form that eludes me, I give it up for a while and then a while later, I'm consumed by needing to fight my fear of failure. That's how I started making teapots. Now it's my go to project for fun. This was another interesting response, especially the fear of failure part. On one hand I feel like fear of failure stops me from trying something new or taking big risks. But I think it also helps me make better work sometimes. Or at least more technically sound work. I make sure to secure a handle on a mug not only because I like making good work, but also because I don’t want someone else to  be disappointed with something I made. What if they think I’m a terrible person?! What if I get a bad review on Etsy?! I like how 2frogs studio can overcome the fear of failure to make something new. Martha H Sometimes observing the actions of our society, can spur you artistically to take that walk, with a new closer intimate look at nature, for solace, consoling our disappointments with humanity and then the light bulb turns on and you see the POPS of texture, color, even musty smells...... leads you in front of the wheel, or hand building .and then the URGE in your hands take over ...pure magic This response also made me think. Nearly all of my inspiration comes from positive events or things that I like or something that catches my eye. It sounds like Martha is saying that disappointment can enhance the way she experiences things when she is working with clay. I’ll have to consider this thought as I think more about my own inspiration. Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts on inspiration. So… What inspires my work? That SEEMS like a simple question at first. But when I start thinking about it, I feel like there are so many different things that inspire my work to varying degrees. First of all I think all of us are at least somewhat inspired by the materials. The clay itself inspires me. The way it can be formed in different ways. From wheel throwing to the thinnest fabric-like slabs and the way you can carve or stamp or add texture. And the glazes inspire me. I love the glazes that move a lot as they are fired so I’m always trying to figure out how to take advantage of that as I’m making. I’m also inspired by, to a certain extent, certain ideas or concepts. I love old stuff. I like to think that when things are old it means they were worth keeping around. There’s usually some kind of value to something old, at least for somebody. Either it’s made to last because someone wants it to be around for a long time or someone discovers it and has some kind of connection to it. I’m also fascinated with the idea of navigation and exploration. Adventure, trying new things, growth... those are all things I’m always looking for. So when I put old maps on some of my pots, those are some of the reasons I do.  And of course, I’m inspired by the work of other artists, especially other potters. My biggest influences have been local potters. This makes sense, not only because there is so much talent in the Michiana area, but because I get to see, hold and study their pots more than any other pots. I find details or little parts of the process that I really like and try to apply them to my own work. For example, I love the way Justin Rothshank throws loosely and the complex way he combines texture, glazes, and layers of decals to get such a great depth to his pots. I love Dick Lehman’s glazes and the way he uses them in different firing environments to get some unbelievable surfaces. I love Mark Goertzen’s shapes and proportions and Troy Bungart’s precise curves and the high standards he has for each pot. I love Todd Pletcher’s attention to detail, especially in his rims and handles. I also love the design elements and humor in Rebecca Graves’ pots and the simplicity of Jennifer Beachy’s work which makes for a fantastic canvas to show off her interesting decals. I also love the overall feel of Eric Strader’s and Fred Driver’s work. They have both been making pots a long time each have their own refined and recognizable style. I see all these things and I’m inspired to take the time to apply them to my own work. I even enjoy the way Zach Tate can make political statements through his work, though I haven’t ventured into making political statements in my own work yet. Let me just say, that I am unbelievably lucky to be part of the Michiana Pottery scene and learn from all these amazing people and the rest that I didn’t even mention. I suppose I’m also inspired by nature, maybe even subconsciously. My glaze colors are mostly earth tones and I have even played with some plant stamps and textures. I bet if I spent more time in the wilderness and away from screens I would notice a lot more of the amazing things in nature which would inspire new directions in my work. I’ll stop there for now, but as you can see, there is a lot that inspires my work. Is there anything unique that inspires your work? Don’t forget, you can share a message for a future podcast episode. We would love to hear about it! Go to expertclay.com/mtp to find out how you can share your thoughts, maybe even be a part of a future MudTalk Podcast. In the next episode we’ll discuss the characteristics of a good pot. Thanks for listening. And until next time, stay inspired, and stay muddy!

What inspires YOUR work? <h2>Resources</h2> <a href="https://expertclay.com/mtp/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Contribute to the show here</a>. Artists Mentioned: <a href="https://rothshank.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Justin Rothshank</a>, <a href="http://www.dicklehman.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dick Lehman</a>, <a href="http://www.goertzenpottery.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mark Goertzen</a>, <a href="https://www.troybungartstudios.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Troy Bungart</a>, <a href="https://www.pletcherpottery.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Todd Pletcher</a>, <a href="https://rebeccagravespottery.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rebecca Graves</a>, <a href="http://www.jennifercreighton.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jennifer Beachy</a>, <a href="http://www.ericstraderpottery.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eric Strader</a>, <a href="http://www.freddriverpottery.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fred Driver</a>, <a href="http://www.zachtateceramics.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Zach Tate</a>. <h2>Transcript:</h2> Thanks for listening! This is episode 5 where we will be talking about inspiration. What inspires YOUR work? Obviously, you can draw inspiration from many different kinds of things. And again, this prompt can be interpreted in different ways. What inspires the objects you make or what inspires you to get started working or what inspires your processes, or whatever else. When I was reading through the comments for this MudTalk Monday, I noticed some patterns and tried to group some of the comments together. So we’ll look at comments about nature or surroundings, other artists or people, the process, and then everything else. I’ll also share my favorite responses at the end and ramble a little bit about what inspires my work. Let’s get to it. <h3>Nature / Surroundings</h3> First, let’s hear from potters that are inspired by nature or their environment. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dani_firlefanz____/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dani_firlefanz____</a> Nature ?????????????⭐️ <a href="https://www.instagram.com/adamina/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Adamina</a> Walk in the forest ? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kilnjoy/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kilnjoy</a> The natural rhythms of our planet in relation to the sun and moon, stark contrasts between light and shadow, and the patterns found in nature, particularly flora. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pathwaypottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pathwaypottery</a> Scripture, nature, music. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/teerraku/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Teerraku</a> Everything in the processes of the earth <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cosmic_sophira/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cosmic_sophira</a> I found my inspiration in sacred ceremonies of different native american tribes,in fire,water,in crystal,in PLANTS ♡ <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sandyvanderwyk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sandyvanderwyk</a> Walking around, noticing things. <h3>Other Artists/People</h3> There were also some great comments about inspiration from other people. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ratbagstudios/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ratbagstudios</a> The past, family heritage &amp; other female art makers. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/djhmfa/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Djhmfa</a> Humanity inspires my work – – we all need a sense of community! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nancyeoakley1969/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nancyeoakley1969</a> nature, my heritae, traditions, family <a href="https://www.instagram.com/honnoria/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Honnoria</a> Of late, in our community studio, we are feeding off each other. I can see where one person is taking a small bit of what another is doing. We are making it our own, but it is coming from another. I can't wait to see how we build it all into something great. <h3>The Process</h3> There were a few comments mostly about the process. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jerichostudiopottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jerichostudiopottery</a> My hands when the clay is turning between them on the wheel. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/studio2ceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Studio2ceramics</a> Usually our ideas come about while walking our dogs together. We chat about the process and voila- an idea arises. <h3>Other / All</h3> Now let’s hear some of the comments that didn’t fit into the previous categories. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/shawna.n.m.barnes/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shawna.n.m.barnes</a> My time in the Army, love of animals, and creating work that promotes discussion. My latest series is art that educates in a fun and engaging way. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stonecropstudio/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stonecropstudio</a> Folk art...it's good natured look at life, even in the face of struggle. Its humour, playfulness, and humanity. Also the lovely white surface of a clay pot begging for a paintbrush!! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cocaineblows/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cocaineblows</a> The inexplicable urge to create something new to give to the world. My preoccupation with changing matter is what draws me to pottery in particular ?☕ <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mountainpathpottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mountainpathpottery</a> The textures in life natural and manmade. Playing with the balance between form, colour and texture, an intuitive process that inspires me. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gingerlytwisted/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gingerlytwisted</a> Bugs, creatures, old machinery, paint layers, textures, looking closely at things.. other artists , listening to what others see in my work I love the feedback that makes me see what I hadn't <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dmpottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dmpottery</a> Nature, historical objects and patterns, playing with form, the process itself <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mepifano/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mepifano</a> The engaging power of the possibilities in creating with clay... To be the link between my conception and your perception. The connection with the earth and through my hands with the world… <h3>Favorites</h3> These last few responses were my favorite. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gravesco/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gravesco</a> Inspiration usually comes to me from a sense of conversation. The kind of comfortable conversation between friends where you're curled up on the sofa with your feet under a blanket talking about what's going on in your life. While the visual aesthetic of my forms is simple and traditional, the images and text I carve are all about the attitude and things we say to people we feel comfortable with, good or bad, but usually causing at the very least a good chuckle. I liked this comment because it focused more on inspiration for the subject matter instead of form or surface. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/karaleighceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">KaraLeighCeramics</a> The textures and colours of the Devon beaches and moors where I spent my childhood ? This made me stop and think. I bet there are things that inspire my work that I’m not even aware of. Things I loved or my surroundings growing up. Things I’ve forgotten. Maybe even things I take in subconsciously. Thanks Kara for making me think! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_shandireynolds_/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">shandi.reynolds</a> The success of my peers This is an interesting response to think about. I suppose I’m inspired by other people’s success. Maybe not the work itself but if I see someone else doing great things it motivates me to keep going because I want to be successful too.  I keep working hard or try new things. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/2frogsstudio/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2frogsstudio</a> A good challenge! When I find a form that eludes me, I give it up for a while and then a while later, I'm consumed by needing to fight my fear of failure. That's how I started making teapots. Now it's my go to project for fun. This was another interesting response, especially the fear of failure part. On one hand I feel like fear of failure stops me from trying something new or taking big risks. But I think it also helps me make better work sometimes. Or at least more technically sound work. I make sure to secure a handle on a mug not only because I like making good work, but also because I don’t want someone else to  be disappointed with something I made. What if they think I’m a terrible person?! What if I get a bad review on Etsy?! I like how 2frogs studio can overcome the fear of failure to make something new. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/digitalartlady?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Martha H</a> Sometimes observing the actions of our society, can spur you artistically to take that walk, with a new closer intimate look at nature, for solace, consoling our disappointments with humanity and then the light bulb turns on and you see the POPS of texture, color, even musty smells...... leads you in front of the wheel, or hand building .and then the URGE in your hands take over ...pure magic This response also made me think. Nearly all of my inspiration comes from positive events or things that I like or something that catches my eye. It sounds like Martha is saying that disappointment can enhance the way she experiences things when she is working with clay. I’ll have to consider this thought as I think more about my own inspiration. Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts on inspiration. <a href="http://artbyfuzzy.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>So… What inspires my work? That SEEMS like a simple question at first. But when I start thinking about it, I feel like there are so many different things that inspire my work to varying degrees. First of all I think all of us are at least somewhat inspired by the materials. The clay itself inspires me. The way it can be formed in different ways. From wheel throwing to the thinnest fabric-like slabs and the way you can carve or stamp or add texture. And the glazes inspire me. I love the glazes that move a lot as they are fired so I’m always trying to figure out how to take advantage of that as I’m making. I’m also inspired by, to a certain extent, certain ideas or concepts. I love old stuff. I like to think that when things are old it means they were worth keeping around. There’s usually some kind of value to something old, at least for somebody. Either it’s made to last because someone wants it to be around for a long time or someone discovers it and has some kind of connection to it. I’m also fascinated with the idea of navigation and exploration. Adventure, trying new things, growth... those are all things I’m always looking for. So when I put old maps on some of my pots, those are some of the reasons I do. <a href="http://artbyfuzzy.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> And of course, I’m inspired by the work of other artists, especially other potters. My biggest influences have been local potters. This makes sense, not only because there is so much talent in the Michiana area, but because I get to see, hold and study their pots more than any other pots. I find details or little parts of the process that I really like and try to apply them to my own work. For example, I love the way Justin Rothshank throws loosely and the complex way he combines texture, glazes, and layers of decals to get such a great depth to his pots. I love Dick Lehman’s glazes and the way he uses them in different firing environments to get some unbelievable surfaces. I love Mark Goertzen’s shapes and proportions and Troy Bungart’s precise curves and the high standards he has for each pot. I love Todd Pletcher’s attention to detail, especially in his rims and handles. I also love the design elements and humor in Rebecca Graves’ pots and the simplicity of Jennifer Beachy’s work which makes for a fantastic canvas to show off her interesting decals. I also love the overall feel of Eric Strader’s and Fred Driver’s work. They have both been making pots a long time each have their own refined and recognizable style. I see all these things and I’m inspired to take the time to apply them to my own work. I even enjoy the way Zach Tate can make political statements through his work, though I haven’t ventured into making political statements in my own work yet. Let me just say, that I am unbelievably lucky to be part of the Michiana Pottery scene and learn from all these amazing people and the rest that I didn’t even mention. I suppose I’m also inspired by nature, maybe even subconsciously. My glaze colors are mostly earth tones and I have even played with some plant stamps and textures. I bet if I spent more time in the wilderness and away from screens I would notice a lot more of the amazing things in nature which would inspire new directions in my work. I’ll stop there for now, but as you can see, there is a lot that inspires my work. Is there anything unique that inspires your work? Don’t forget, you can share a message for a future podcast episode. We would love to hear about it! Go to <a href="https://expertclay.com/mtp/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">expertclay.com/mtp</a> to find out how you can share your thoughts, maybe even be a part of a future MudTalk Podcast. In the next episode we’ll discuss the characteristics of a good pot. Thanks for listening. And until next time, stay inspired, and stay muddy!

005 Inspiration – MudTalk Podcast

Resources Contribute to the show! Find more episodes 2013 Michiana Pottery Tour Blog Post Chris Gustin Workshop Blog Post Handle With Care Workshop Blog Post Transcript This is episode 6. We’re going to talk about good pots. We want to know what makes a pot good, or even great? What characteristics do you look for? Are there certain things that a pot HAS to have to be good? What does “good” mean to you? I’m sure you have your own opinions about what makes a pot acceptable, good, or even great. But it’s always a good idea to hear other people’s opinions so we can discover different perspectives, fine tune our own opinions and understand the topic on a deeper level. As I was reading the comments for this topic I tried to organize the responses into a few categories including: Physical Characteristics, Proper Function, the Feelings a Pot Evokes, and at the end I’ll share some of my favorite responses. Let’s start with a response from Facebook which I think lays a foundation for this discussion. In response to the question “what makes a pot good?” Laura S Attractive design, even weight, useful, attention to detail, smooth bottom, evidence of the maker. These answers may all be subjective, though -- isn't beauty in the eye of the beholder? Laura hits a number of things that I think are important and notes the subjectivity of this topic. There isn’t one “correct” answer. So let’s take a look at what other people think goes into a good pot. Physical Characteristics Some comments focused on the physical characteristics of a pot. Nurture_massage07 If it has no cracks in it. Or if it comes out of the kiln the way you wanted or better. Dowidat.ceramics When the foot and lip look cohesive and it makes it through the firing without cracks and come out to the point where I'm ok to make 100 more! Evesib_travel If the pot is as you imagined it to be when you were creating it and of course if it has no major technical issues like cracks Mimiho_cat Well balanced, feel warm in touching, clarity in lines, less is more in decorations???? Michelle C How it feels in my hands when I close my eyes. Proper Function Related to the physical characteristics, some people specifically mentioned proper function. Dmpottery Everything @pettypottery_nc said + structurally sound as required by the pots intended function Cal_pot A good pot is one that does what it was created to do. It if is supposed to hold water, then a good pot is one that holds water. It’s hard to argue with these two responses. A pot, by definition is a functional object. But do pots have to be functional? Can you make a pot strictly as a work of art? Or is an object no longer a pot if it doesn’t function as a pot? What You Feel or Take From the Pot Some comments were about how the pot makes you feel. Jclaypotterystudio When you want to hold it. When you imagine it in your home. When it's function is spot on or even many. Eclectstudio If it's loved!! (By someone other than family ?) Stevepl13 If you like it, it's good Bytheseastudio When you first see a pot and you get this overwhelming feeling of excitement through your body. You are basically moved by its presence. Martha H It calls to you! Favorites These last few responses were my favorite. Pettypottery_nc For me I know a pot is good when things start popping into my head, ideas, phrases, questions, smells, memories, names, people, places, feelings. A pot is good if it sparks something within me. I love this response. I feel that a lot of my favorite pots have stories to go with them. Whenever I use certain pots I remember a special event or getting to know the maker or a certain image or feeling. Hughespottery How about it's got good balance in its form, no unbroken curves, the continuity of line in its visual composition. The parts are all thought out. Foot, body shoulder neck, lip, surface and attachments.The proportions and relationship of all those parts. Its practicality or impracticality of use. Or we can go with "it's now fired and still standing so it's awesome." Great answer HughesPottery! I like the deeper consideration of some of the design principles. Studying and applying some of these principles can really improve the aesthetics of a pot. I also like the idea that each part should be thought out. That seems to be a great description of a good pot. It doesn’t look odd or slapped together. And mentioned at the end of the response, sometimes you have to take a relative look at things. For someone just starting out the first pot that you get through the kiln that isn’t slumped or cracked or falling over is your best pot. So it is ‘good’ compared to your previous attempts. Shamelessclay If it looks effortless, regardless of imperfection and what you imagined. I usually divide my pieces between those that look tortured and those that look like they just "should be" that way. This is another great response that gives me some ideas to think about. I like the part about a pot looking ‘effortless.’ I guess this is a vague or subjective term as well but it seems like a good fit. Sometimes you hear musicians say that a great song just wrote itself. I feel like I’ve had pots like that. The clay just seemed to go where it was supposed to and looked like it was ‘supposed’ to be that way. And other times I’ll try a couple different things but there’s always something that doesn’t look right to my eye and I end up overworking the pot. It’s hard to put into words exactly how this happens but I know I’ve felt the same thing. A.newmanpottery A good pot should be light for its size, but also strong. It should be pleasing to the eye. It should also feel good in the hands. There should be no unnecessary bumps or sharp points. Its edges should be smooth, not sharp. It should look as if it could have been made by a machine, but gives hints that it was hand made. It should be consistent and symmetrical. In my opinion. I love all the really specific details in this response. Do you agree with every one? I’ll be honest, there are a few that I would argue against, or at least say they aren’t absolute truths. But then the last three words qualify the whole response... In. my. opinion. And that’s what I like about this whole topic. It’s subjective. We’re allowed to have different opinions. Maybe the trick is, you have to come to terms with your own opinion to make good pots. And finally, Zygoteblum The good pot has the craftsperson running down the list, ticking off all the boxes. Good is the minimum that needs to be done to achieve an agreed set of expectations not just its needs. A great pot has the Artist wadding up the list and making up their own to measure their work by. That’s it. What more can be said? Okay, since I’m the one running this podcast, I’ll say more. Maybe I’ve set my own bar too low. Maybe I asked the wrong question! I asked about good pots. Maybe we should be talking about GREAT pots. Is there a difference? Is it still just a subjective, opinion based discussion? I think Zygote hits the nail on the head when he says that good is the minimum. As potters of a certain experience or skill level I think we have to create good pots just so we don’t diminish craft. But GREAT pots… how do you define a great pot? Are the same characteristics involved? Are there a limited number of great pots? Not every pot can be great, right? Can anybody make a great pot? Is the greatness of a pot relative to the potters skill level? Is talking about GREAT pots even MORE subjective? I’ll have to do some more thinking about this but to me, a great pot catches my eye and has some kind of depth. At a Chris Gustin workshop he talked about how great objects work on multiple levels. I’m paraphrasing his ideas here, but he said good objects will work from different points of view, such as viewing the piece from across the room, viewing the piece from a few feet and then viewing the piece up close. Perhaps those three viewpoints correlate roughly to the overall shape and proportions of a pot, the surface details and the function or the way you interact with it. Zygote makes an important point, that the artist creates their own list of requirements to make a great pot. I could be way off, but I relate this to developing your own style. When I think of a great pot I can often tell who made it just from the first glance. A great pot is unique in some way that makes it stand out and usually that unique aspect is what a potter explores as they make more work. As you can tell from some of these thoughtful answers the topic is very subjective. But it makes me wonder, is there always a relationship between how much you like a pot to how ‘good’ the pot is? I mean, you could probably like a “regular” pot right? You could probably even like a bad pot! But then, maybe your liking of the pot would depend on  something other than the pot itself. Like who made it or where you got it. I don’t think anyone mentioned “story” specifically but I feel like pots that have a story move up the greatness scale. I have a little cup made by Dick Lehman that I keep in my cupboard. I’m sure he wouldn’t consider it one of the best pots he has ever made. It’s only a few inches tall but it has an amazing swirl of different textures on the altered surface which adds a lot of depth to the shino glaze. In the bottom of the cup the glaze just began to crawl and make that wrinkled, brain-like texture, which I love. There is even an interesting texture under the foot. It is definitely a good pot but the reason I love this cup is because it reminds me of the circumstance in which I acquired it. A few years ago, before I started participating in the Michiana Pottery Tour myself, Dick was looking for some assistance running his booth. Of course, I jumped at the chance. Not only did I get a chance to see how Dick set up and talk about his pots, interact with customers, study his pots all day, and ask a lot of questions, he also compensated me for my time with a certain dollar amount of his work. Which I got to choose myself. This little cup was one of my first choices. So, in my opinion, this little cup is a great pot. It has most, or all of the things I look for in a pot and it also has a special story to go along with it. And as a bonus, I got to go back and read my blog post about the entire weekend. I’ll put a link in the show notes so you can find it. So, for almost every characteristic of a pot, you could find someone that feels one way about it and another person that feels just the opposite. Some say a pot has to function flawlessly, others say that great pots are works of art and function isn’t as important. I prefer texture or some kind of depth to the surface of a pot, some people like completely smooth pots or minimal decoration. Some prefer heavy, or more sturdy pots, others argue that a pot should be as light as possible. For this one, I fall into the Matt Schiemann line of thinking when he says that the physical weight should match the visual weight. So what do you think? Surely you have your own opinion about what makes a pot mediocre or good or great. Can you elaborate on some of the answers that were already shared? Maybe you have a completely unique perspective. Would you share it with us? Go to expertclay.com/mtp to leave an audio or written message which could make it onto a future episode of the MudTalk Podcast! Also, feel free to share this podcast with as many clay lovers as possible. I know it may not be for everyone, but I want to make it available to as many people as possible. As always, thanks for listening, continue making great pots, and stay muddy!

<h2>Resources</h2> <a href="https://expertclay.com/mtp/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Contribute to the show!</a> <a href="https://expertclay.com/series/mudtalk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Find more episodes</a> <a href="http://artbyfuzzy.com/2013/10/07/michiana-pottery-tour-2013/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2013 Michiana Pottery Tour Blog Post</a> <a href="http://artbyfuzzy.com/2016/06/07/chris-gustin-workshop-notre-dame/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chris Gustin Workshop Blog Post</a> <a href="http://artbyfuzzy.com/2016/12/20/handle-care-workshop/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Handle With Care Workshop Blog Post</a> <h2>Transcript</h2> This is episode 6. We’re going to talk about good pots. We want to know what makes a pot good, or even great? What characteristics do you look for? Are there certain things that a pot HAS to have to be good? What does “good” mean to you? I’m sure you have your own opinions about what makes a pot acceptable, good, or even great. But it’s always a good idea to hear other people’s opinions so we can discover different perspectives, fine tune our own opinions and understand the topic on a deeper level. As I was reading the comments for this topic I tried to organize the responses into a few categories including: Physical Characteristics, Proper Function, the Feelings a Pot Evokes, and at the end I’ll share some of my favorite responses. Let’s start with a response from Facebook which I think lays a foundation for this discussion. In response to the question “what makes a pot good?” <a href="https://www.facebook.com/laura.silberman.58?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Laura S</a> Attractive design, even weight, useful, attention to detail, smooth bottom, evidence of the maker. These answers may all be subjective, though -- isn't beauty in the eye of the beholder? Laura hits a number of things that I think are important and notes the subjectivity of this topic. There isn’t one “correct” answer. So let’s take a look at what other people think goes into a good pot. <h2>Physical Characteristics</h2> Some comments focused on the physical characteristics of a pot. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nurture_massage07/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nurture_massage07</a> If it has no cracks in it. Or if it comes out of the kiln the way you wanted or better. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dowidat.ceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dowidat.ceramics</a> When the foot and lip look cohesive and it makes it through the firing without cracks and come out to the point where I'm ok to make 100 more! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/evesib_travel/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Evesib_travel</a> If the pot is as you imagined it to be when you were creating it and of course if it has no major technical issues like cracks <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mimiho_cat/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mimiho_cat</a> Well balanced, feel warm in touching, clarity in lines, less is more in decorations???? <a href="https://www.facebook.com/michelle.carkeek.7?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Michelle C</a> How it feels in my hands when I close my eyes. <h2>Proper Function</h2> Related to the physical characteristics, some people specifically mentioned proper function. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dmpottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dmpottery</a> Everything <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pettypottery_nc/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@pettypottery_nc</a> said + structurally sound as required by the pots intended function <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cal_pot/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cal_pot</a> A good pot is one that does what it was created to do. It if is supposed to hold water, then a good pot is one that holds water. It’s hard to argue with these two responses. A pot, by definition is a functional object. But do pots have to be functional? Can you make a pot strictly as a work of art? Or is an object no longer a pot if it doesn’t function as a pot? <h2>What You Feel or Take From the Pot</h2> Some comments were about how the pot makes you feel. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jclaypotterystudio/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jclaypotterystudio</a> When you want to hold it. When you imagine it in your home. When it's function is spot on or even many. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/eclectstudio/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eclectstudio</a> If it's loved!! (By someone other than family ?) <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stevepl13/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stevepl13</a> If you like it, it's good <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bytheseastudio/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bytheseastudio</a> When you first see a pot and you get this overwhelming feeling of excitement through your body. You are basically moved by its presence. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/digitalartlady?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Martha H</a> It calls to you! <h2>Favorites</h2> These last few responses were my favorite. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pettypottery_nc/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pettypottery_nc</a> For me I know a pot is good when things start popping into my head, ideas, phrases, questions, smells, memories, names, people, places, feelings. A pot is good if it sparks something within me. I love this response. I feel that a lot of my favorite pots have stories to go with them. Whenever I use certain pots I remember a special event or getting to know the maker or a certain image or feeling. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hughespottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hughespottery</a> How about it's got good balance in its form, no unbroken curves, the continuity of line in its visual composition. The parts are all thought out. Foot, body shoulder neck, lip, surface and attachments.The proportions and relationship of all those parts. Its practicality or impracticality of use. Or we can go with "it's now fired and still standing so it's awesome." Great answer HughesPottery! I like the deeper consideration of some of the design principles. Studying and applying some of these principles can really improve the aesthetics of a pot. I also like the idea that each part should be thought out. That seems to be a great description of a good pot. It doesn’t look odd or slapped together. And mentioned at the end of the response, sometimes you have to take a relative look at things. For someone just starting out the first pot that you get through the kiln that isn’t slumped or cracked or falling over is your best pot. So it is ‘good’ compared to your previous attempts. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/shamelessclay/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shamelessclay</a> If it looks effortless, regardless of imperfection and what you imagined. I usually divide my pieces between those that look tortured and those that look like they just "should be" that way. This is another great response that gives me some ideas to think about. I like the part about a pot looking ‘effortless.’ I guess this is a vague or subjective term as well but it seems like a good fit. Sometimes you hear musicians say that a great song just wrote itself. I feel like I’ve had pots like that. The clay just seemed to go where it was supposed to and looked like it was ‘supposed’ to be that way. And other times I’ll try a couple different things but there’s always something that doesn’t look right to my eye and I end up overworking the pot. It’s hard to put into words exactly how this happens but I know I’ve felt the same thing. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/a.newmanpottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A.newmanpottery</a> A good pot should be light for its size, but also strong. It should be pleasing to the eye. It should also feel good in the hands. There should be no unnecessary bumps or sharp points. Its edges should be smooth, not sharp. It should look as if it could have been made by a machine, but gives hints that it was hand made. It should be consistent and symmetrical. In my opinion. I love all the really specific details in this response. Do you agree with every one? I’ll be honest, there are a few that I would argue against, or at least say they aren’t absolute truths. But then the last three words qualify the whole response... In. my. opinion. And that’s what I like about this whole topic. It’s subjective. We’re allowed to have different opinions. Maybe the trick is, you have to come to terms with your own opinion to make good pots. And finally, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/zygoteblum/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Zygoteblum</a> The good pot has the craftsperson running down the list, ticking off all the boxes. Good is the minimum that needs to be done to achieve an agreed set of expectations not just its needs. A great pot has the Artist wadding up the list and making up their own to measure their work by. That’s it. What more can be said? Okay, since I’m the one running this podcast, I’ll say more. Maybe I’ve set my own bar too low. Maybe I asked the wrong question! I asked about good pots. Maybe we should be talking about GREAT pots. Is there a difference? Is it still just a subjective, opinion based discussion? I think Zygote hits the nail on the head when he says that good is the minimum. As potters of a certain experience or skill level I think we have to create good pots just so we don’t diminish craft. But GREAT pots… how do you define a great pot? Are the same characteristics involved? Are there a limited number of great pots? Not every pot can be great, right? Can anybody make a great pot? Is the greatness of a pot relative to the potters skill level? Is talking about GREAT pots even MORE subjective? I’ll have to do some more thinking about this but to me, a great pot catches my eye and has some kind of depth. At a Chris Gustin workshop he talked about how great objects work on multiple levels. I’m paraphrasing his ideas here, but he said good objects will work from different points of view, such as viewing the piece from across the room, viewing the piece from a few feet and then viewing the piece up close. Perhaps those three viewpoints correlate roughly to the overall shape and proportions of a pot, the surface details and the function or the way you interact with it. Zygote makes an important point, that the artist creates their own list of requirements to make a great pot. I could be way off, but I relate this to developing your own style. When I think of a great pot I can often tell who made it just from the first glance. A great pot is unique in some way that makes it stand out and usually that unique aspect is what a potter explores as they make more work. As you can tell from some of these thoughtful answers the topic is very subjective. But it makes me wonder, is there always a relationship between how much you like a pot to how ‘good’ the pot is? I mean, you could probably like a “regular” pot right? You could probably even like a bad pot! But then, maybe your liking of the pot would depend on  something other than the pot itself. Like who made it or where you got it. I don’t think anyone mentioned “story” specifically but I feel like pots that have a story move up the greatness scale. I have a little cup made by Dick Lehman that I keep in my cupboard. I’m sure he wouldn’t consider it one of the best pots he has ever made. It’s only a few inches tall but it has an amazing swirl of different textures on the altered surface which adds a lot of depth to the shino glaze. In the bottom of the cup the glaze just began to crawl and make that wrinkled, brain-like texture, which I love. There is even an interesting texture under the foot. It is definitely a good pot but the reason I love this cup is because it reminds me of the circumstance in which I acquired it. A few years ago, before I started participating in the Michiana Pottery Tour myself, Dick was looking for some assistance running his booth. Of course, I jumped at the chance. Not only did I get a chance to see how Dick set up and talk about his pots, interact with customers, study his pots all day, and ask a lot of questions, he also compensated me for my time with a certain dollar amount of his work. Which I got to choose myself. This little cup was one of my first choices. So, in my opinion, this little cup is a great pot. It has most, or all of the things I look for in a pot and it also has a special story to go along with it. And as a bonus, I got to go back and read my blog post about the entire weekend. I’ll put a link in the show notes so you can find it. So, for almost every characteristic of a pot, you could find someone that feels one way about it and another person that feels just the opposite. Some say a pot has to function flawlessly, others say that great pots are works of art and function isn’t as important. I prefer texture or some kind of depth to the surface of a pot, some people like completely smooth pots or minimal decoration. Some prefer heavy, or more sturdy pots, others argue that a pot should be as light as possible. For this one, I fall into the Matt Schiemann line of thinking when he says that the physical weight should match the visual weight. So what do you think? Surely you have your own opinion about what makes a pot mediocre or good or great. Can you elaborate on some of the answers that were already shared? Maybe you have a completely unique perspective. Would you share it with us? Go to <a href="http://expertclay.com/mtp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">expertclay.com/mtp</a> to leave an audio or written message which could make it onto a future episode of the MudTalk Podcast! Also, feel free to share this podcast with as many clay lovers as possible. I know it may not be for everyone, but I want to make it available to as many people as possible. As always, thanks for listening, continue making great pots, and stay muddy!

006 What Makes a Pot Good or Great? – MudTalk Podcast

007 – The Hardest Thing About Being a Potter or Ceramic Artist

ResourcesPottery Making Info (for new MudTalk Mondays): Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr TranscriptYou are listening to episode 8 of the MudTalk Podcast. This episode is a little different from other episodes so far. It will be a little shorter than normal but I think it will lead to a lot of discussions in the future. For this topic, I left it up to you to ask the questions. I wanted to know what you would ask other potters or ceramic artists. I thought it would be a great way to get some ideas for future MudTalk Mondays and make sure we’re discussing topics that you REALLY want to discuss.There were a lot of great responses. Everything  from, “how do I get started?” all the way to “how do I price my pots and make a living?”  As usual, when I was reading through the comments some patterns started to emerge. So we are going to start with the beginner questions and then hear some of the more technical questions. After that, we’ll look at some of the questions about the business side of working with clay and then we’ll hear a few miscellaneous questions. At the end I’ll give a preview of upcoming MudTalk topics so you can send in a message that could be on a future podcast or get a response ready for the MudTalk Monday social media posts.So let’s hear some questions that you would love to ask other potters or ceramic artists.BeginnersThere were a few people that just wanted to know how to get started.Monstriss As someone who only did grade eight art and did a semester in Pottery, where do I start with literally nothing?Shshshelby I'm so interested and have nothing to start with - where do I begin and with what kind of products?I’ll give a brief answer here because I love when people try something new, especially if it’s working with clay. One thing I love about making pottery is that you can start small. All you really need to get started is clay. As you progress you can start adding tools and equipment and try new techniques. The complicated part comes when you are ready to fire and glaze your work. For a longer, in depth answer, I have a new course coming out soon at Expert Clay for complete beginners that want to know how to get started.Technical QuestionsThere were a number of technical questions about specific parts of the process.Mimiepoterie Clay sculpture incorporating a metal rod. What type of metal do you use to avoid melting in kiln?Marianwilliamspottery Use of oxides- how, when, effects, application etcInstalesswespottery How to build a high-fire capable kiln at home, or how to fire functional pots from home efficiently and ideally without spending a fortune.Pamelabarclaysatx Favorite handmade or repurposed pottery tools.Noahkildoo_ceramics How do frequent soda firers get that pitted texture in the soda? Is it a clay high in alumina or some other refractory?Lannieraecreative I want to transfer my photos and art onto my ceramic pieces - I don't want to do it post glaze firing. I want it to be fired on and remain as functional stoneware. Do I need special paper / printing done?Risabeeseattle Kiln use, maintenance and firing techniques. I'm a new potter, and am buying my first kiln. I have never fired one before and I'm... nervous. ?Forgetful_yogi Finding the right base clear glaze for mason stains in cone 6 oxidation ?. Particularly reds and pinks.... And printing and applying laser printed decals!Theclayrabbit Great idea this thread! I would LOVE to find information on COLD FINISHES FOR SCULPTURES because I've tried looking for books on it and online for this topic and there's nothing much out there ... and I'm always searching for lovely MATT finishes firing and non firing with methods of application that are user friendly ?_shandiReynolds_ What's the best way to pull up walls? I can pull them up to an extent but I can't seem to get itJane N what brushes does one use when they want to draw figures onto bisque fired pots. I never seem to get the correct brush size or type and my strokes just come out looking yucky and not what I wantBusinessThere were also a number of questions about selling pottery and running a business.Newspinontradition How do you balance your time making work with time spent on the rest of the tasks necessary when making a living in clay...(i.e. shipping, marketing, accounting, photographing etc.) ?Chrissybrownsculpture How do you price your work?Lisabevanspottery I'm interested in how other clay artists plan... month to month, the whole year?Pinezenpottery How to price fairly to both potter and consumer. I am really struggling with this--especially as brand new baby potter. ?.DerekOrourkeCeramics How do you make a living from pottery?!?!? ??JessTabasco How do I start a career after college?Dowidat.ceramics How to market online making up bio's that don't sound forced or fake. I love talking and discussing but when it gets to writing I have trouble.Stonecropstudio Who is my market and how do I find them? Pricing is also a puzzle!NicolaHartStudios I need help with trying to calculate how much I should be selling my work for, when everything is one of a kind and it seems impossible to calculate time.Carolbarclay6 Best practices for on-line marketing .OtherThere were also plenty of other questions that didn’t fit into the categories already mentioned.Oteplyakov Would it be the same joy to make a copy of an ancient vase or sculpture as you have making a new oneGrace.your.table I love learning ideas of how other potters arrange and organize their studios. It always inspires new ideas for me! ? ?Dtaylorsatm Plz recommend a easy to understand book, video, etc on use of glazes. ?Claybylaura What type/style of pottery to you buy from another potter?2frogsstudio I'm in my second career in ceramics. Definitely not the hobby potter route. Is an MFA a must have? Why or why not?Ladytokioblue Who exposed you to pottery/clay/ceramics and why have you stuck with it?Ladytokioblue Also how do you keep from getting hand or wrist pain from repetitive motion?Anita M How do you feel about sharing glaze recipes? Do you think it's important to share and possibly allow others build on your work to further everyone's knowledge base or is it better to not share and encourage them to learn how to get to that stage and build upon their own discoveries? How important is recipe sharing in our field?And finally,Michelle W How do you organize your work week? Do you have specific throwing days? Glazing days? Or does it change from week to week? I would love to (be) able to know how to organize my schedule so with festival, market, and commission pieces all running I don't get backed up and have to work super late nights for a week straight... Any tips on time management??Thank you to those who asked all these great questions. Do you think you could answer some of these questions? Do you need a place that will help you find the kind of people that want to hear the answer? Check out expertclay.com which helps connect clay experts and people who want to learn from them.Instead of picking my favorite responses this time or trying to answer some of the questions already asked, I’m going to give you some of the upcoming topics for this podcast so you have a chance to share your own answer. Maybe even hear it on the podcast.Upcoming MudTalk TopicsRecorded episodes: 9 - Favorite part of the processEpisodes to record: 10-What you are most proud of, 11-Meeting other potters, 12-Your biggest influence, 13-What Clay body and why?, 14-What would you tell yourself when you were a beginner?, 15-How do you price your work?If you want to contribute to any of these future episodes, go to expertclay.com/mtp to record or write a message.And be sure to follow Pottery Making Info on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Tumblr to join the discussion on future MudTalk Mondays. These could include:What life lesson has clay taught you?What motivates you to keep making pots?What is the best pottery-related purchase you’ve made in the past two years?etc.As for the future of this show… well, who really knows the future?! But I plan to start releasing a new podcast episode every other week instead of every week like I’ve done until now. Two weeks should give me enough time to organize, record and edit a decent episode. Plus, I’ll be adding more content to the blog and sending more emails to everyone on the email list. Thank you so much for listening. I really appreciate it!Remember, if you haven’t already, check out expertclay.com to see the show notes for this podcast, send a comment to be on the show and connect with other potters and ceramic artists who you could teach or learn from.Until next time, question everything… and stay muddy.

<h2>Resources</h2>Pottery Making Info (for new MudTalk Mondays): <a href="https://www.instagram.com/potterymakinginfo/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/potterymakinginfo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/potterymaking" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://potterymakinginfo.tumblr.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tumblr</a> <h2>Transcript</h2>You are listening to episode 8 of the MudTalk Podcast. This episode is a little different from other episodes so far. It will be a little shorter than normal but I think it will lead to a lot of discussions in the future. For this topic, I left it up to you to ask the questions. I wanted to know what you would ask other potters or ceramic artists. I thought it would be a great way to get some ideas for future MudTalk Mondays and make sure we’re discussing topics that you REALLY want to discuss. There were a lot of great responses. Everything  from, “how do I get started?” all the way to “how do I price my pots and make a living?”  As usual, when I was reading through the comments some patterns started to emerge. So we are going to start with the beginner questions and then hear some of the more technical questions. After that, we’ll look at some of the questions about the business side of working with clay and then we’ll hear a few miscellaneous questions. At the end I’ll give a preview of upcoming MudTalk topics so you can send in a message that could be on a future podcast or get a response ready for the MudTalk Monday social media posts. So let’s hear some questions that you would love to ask other potters or ceramic artists. <h3>Beginners</h3>There were a few people that just wanted to know how to get started. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/monstriss/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Monstriss</a> As someone who only did grade eight art and did a semester in Pottery, where do I start with literally nothing? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/shshshelby/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shshshelby</a> I'm so interested and have nothing to start with - where do I begin and with what kind of products? I’ll give a brief answer here because I love when people try something new, especially if it’s working with clay. One thing I love about making pottery is that you can start small. All you really need to get started is clay. As you progress you can start adding tools and equipment and try new techniques. The complicated part comes when you are ready to fire and glaze your work. For a longer, in depth answer, I have a new course coming out soon at Expert Clay for complete beginners that want to know how to get started. <h3>Technical Questions</h3>There were a number of technical questions about specific parts of the process. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mimiepoterie/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mimiepoterie</a> Clay sculpture incorporating a metal rod. What type of metal do you use to avoid melting in kiln? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/marianwilliamspottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Marianwilliamspottery</a> Use of oxides- how, when, effects, application etc <a href="https://www.instagram.com/instalesswespottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instalesswespottery</a> How to build a high-fire capable kiln at home, or how to fire functional pots from home efficiently and ideally without spending a fortune. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pamelabarclaysatx/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pamelabarclaysatx</a> Favorite handmade or repurposed pottery tools. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/noahkildoo_ceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Noahkildoo_ceramics</a> How do frequent soda firers get that pitted texture in the soda? Is it a clay high in alumina or some other refractory? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lannieraecreative/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lannieraecreative</a> I want to transfer my photos and art onto my ceramic pieces - I don't want to do it post glaze firing. I want it to be fired on and remain as functional stoneware. Do I need special paper / printing done? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/risabeeseattle/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Risabeeseattle</a> Kiln use, maintenance and firing techniques. I'm a new potter, and am buying my first kiln. I have never fired one before and I'm... nervous. ? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/forgetful_yogi/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Forgetful_yogi</a> Finding the right base clear glaze for mason stains in cone 6 oxidation ?. Particularly reds and pinks.... And printing and applying laser printed decals! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theclayrabbit/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Theclayrabbit</a> Great idea this thread! I would LOVE to find information on COLD FINISHES FOR SCULPTURES because I've tried looking for books on it and online for this topic and there's nothing much out there ... and I'm always searching for lovely MATT finishes firing and non firing with methods of application that are user friendly ? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_shandireynolds_/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">_shandiReynolds_</a> What's the best way to pull up walls? I can pull them up to an extent but I can't seem to get it <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jane.neville.982?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jane N</a> what brushes does one use when they want to draw figures onto bisque fired pots. I never seem to get the correct brush size or type and my strokes just come out looking yucky and not what I want <h3>Business</h3>There were also a number of questions about selling pottery and running a business. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/newspinontradition/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Newspinontradition</a> How do you balance your time making work with time spent on the rest of the tasks necessary when making a living in clay...(i.e. shipping, marketing, accounting, photographing etc.) ? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chrissybrownsculpture/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chrissybrownsculpture</a> How do you price your work? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lisabevanspottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lisabevanspottery</a> I'm interested in how other clay artists plan... month to month, the whole year? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pinezenpottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pinezenpottery</a> How to price fairly to both potter and consumer. I am really struggling with this--especially as brand new baby potter. ?. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/derekorourkeceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">DerekOrourkeCeramics</a> How do you make a living from pottery?!?!? ?? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jesstabasco/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">JessTabasco</a> How do I start a career after college? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dowidat.ceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dowidat.ceramics</a> How to market online making up bio's that don't sound forced or fake. I love talking and discussing but when it gets to writing I have trouble. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stonecropstudio/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stonecropstudio</a> Who is my market and how do I find them? Pricing is also a puzzle! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nicolahartstudios/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NicolaHartStudios</a> I need help with trying to calculate how much I should be selling my work for, when everything is one of a kind and it seems impossible to calculate time. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/carolbarclay6/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Carolbarclay6</a> Best practices for on-line marketing . <h3>Other</h3>There were also plenty of other questions that didn’t fit into the categories already mentioned. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/oteplyakov/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oteplyakov</a> Would it be the same joy to make a copy of an ancient vase or sculpture as you have making a new one <a href="https://www.instagram.com/grace.your.table/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Grace.your.table</a> I love learning ideas of how other potters arrange and organize their studios. It always inspires new ideas for me! ? ? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dtaylorsatm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dtaylorsatm</a> Plz recommend a easy to understand book, video, etc on use of glazes. ? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/claybylaura/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Claybylaura</a> What type/style of pottery to you buy from another potter? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/2frogsstudio/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2frogsstudio</a> I'm in my second career in ceramics. Definitely not the hobby potter route. Is an MFA a must have? Why or why not? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ladytokioblue/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ladytokioblue</a> Who exposed you to pottery/clay/ceramics and why have you stuck with it? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ladytokioblue/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ladytokioblue</a> Also how do you keep from getting hand or wrist pain from repetitive motion? <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010733892585&amp;fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anita M</a> How do you feel about sharing glaze recipes? Do you think it's important to share and possibly allow others build on your work to further everyone's knowledge base or is it better to not share and encourage them to learn how to get to that stage and build upon their own discoveries? How important is recipe sharing in our field? And finally, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/michelleleigh33?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Michelle W</a> How do you organize your work week? Do you have specific throwing days? Glazing days? Or does it change from week to week? I would love to (be) able to know how to organize my schedule so with festival, market, and commission pieces all running I don't get backed up and have to work super late nights for a week straight... Any tips on time management?? Thank you to those who asked all these great questions. Do you think you could answer some of these questions? Do you need a place that will help you find the kind of people that want to hear the answer? Check out <a href="http://expertclay.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">expertclay.com</a> which helps connect clay experts and people who want to learn from them. Instead of picking my favorite responses this time or trying to answer some of the questions already asked, I’m going to give you some of the upcoming topics for this podcast so you have a chance to share your own answer. Maybe even hear it on the podcast. <h3>Upcoming MudTalk Topics</h3>Recorded episodes: 9 - Favorite part of the process Episodes to record: 10-What you are most proud of, 11-Meeting other potters, 12-Your biggest influence, 13-What Clay body and why?, 14-What would you tell yourself when you were a beginner?, 15-How do you price your work? If you want to contribute to any of these future episodes, go to <a href="http://expertclay.com/mtp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">expertclay.com/mtp</a> to record or write a message. And be sure to follow Pottery Making Info on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Tumblr to join the discussion on future MudTalk Mondays. These could include: What life lesson has clay taught you? What motivates you to keep making pots? What is the best pottery-related purchase you’ve made in the past two years? etc. As for the future of this show… well, who really knows the future?! But I plan to start releasing a new podcast episode every other week instead of every week like I’ve done until now. Two weeks should give me enough time to organize, record and edit a decent episode. Plus, I’ll be adding more content to the blog and sending more emails to everyone on the email list. Thank you so much for listening. I really appreciate it! Remember, if you haven’t already, check out <a href="http://expertclay.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">expertclay.com</a> to see the show notes for this podcast, send a comment to be on the show and connect with other potters and ceramic artists who you could teach or learn from. Until next time, question everything… and stay muddy.

008 – What Question Would You Ask Other Potters and Ceramic Artists?

What is your favorite part about making pottery? Throwing or building? Carving? Glazing? Firing? With so many different ways to make pots there were some great responses and insights into what part other potters like best and why they like it.Resources Pottery Shirts! (scroll down to see the new design)Photos from the 2017 Notre Dame Wood Firing TranscriptHere we are, episode 9! In this episode we are going to hear about your favorite part of the pottery making process. Working with clay, especially making functional pots, requires certain steps. But I bet if you really looked at the details, every potter has their own unique way of doing things and it was interesting to hear why people liked a certain part of the process. To start with we’ll hear from potters that couldn’t pick just one part of the process. Next, we’ll hear why a majority of people like the throwing or forming part of the process. Then we’ll hear about trimming, carving, glazing and decorating. At the end we’ll hear about opening the kiln and a few very specific or different parts of the process.EverythingLet’s start with the people that love everything about making pottery.Lucia_c It's all so beautiful the shaping the trimming the glazing.. each part is magic ✨✨✨Chcceramics I love making.. but I always feel as though my favorite part changes with my mood. Learning and teaching are pretty steadfast though....Pitchpinepottery Throwing, watching the clay change color as it dries, trimming, carving, opening the kiln to a glaze firing. The entire process holds promise, mystery and magic!Karen Sullivan can't pick just one favorite part of the process. Each part of the process is my favorite. But my least favorite is wedging!Jamie Schuler The entire process, because nothing is more satisfying than to start from scratch and end up with something that has been created by both earth and being at the same time.Throwing or Forming Melissayungbluth Building. The very first part of the process. I zen out the best at that stage. ☺️Dowidat.ceramics Creating at the wheel that first process of getting the creative juices going!! It's a zen moment for (me) to be in my head.Mrs.mabry1130 My favorite part of the process is definitely shaping the clay after it's got its height because you get to play with it a little. If you don't like it, you can change it. And the meaning behind it goes far beyond just shaping it.Carolclarkson Throwing!! I love the moist clay on my fingertips taking on a new shape ..amazing .Kim_keylan Throwing, it's my little zen meditation. Me, clay, wheel and nothing.2frogsstudio After I have centered and opened and bring it to a cylinder, the possibilities open to me to shape it is the magical moment. It's also the hardest part too. It's up to me to bring out the beautiful form or to destroy it to nothingness. But the cylinder and its infinite possibilities...Anotherseattleartist Throwing for sure. Followed closely by opening a glaze or luster kiln ?Muddyduckpottery I love throwing. But I can't repeat too many forms at a time, or I get boredGingerbarrheafey Throwing a ball of clay into a shape and then trimming the pot. Period. Dislike glazing tremendously.Mhewryk32 Throwing! Love the feel of it and all the techniques behind it. Love how much faster you can accomplish certain forms compared to how long it would take to hand build the same form.omelettrees.studio At least for the half of us, the throwing is the favourite part of the process. Cleaning up the vessel with the metal kidney right at the end to form a clean shape is completed with a fair amount of satisfaction, so much so the only real trimming needed after that is simply to turn out a foot at the bottom. Here's one made earlier today, just about to be cut and lifted from the wheel. (embed:)Pathwaypottery The creating!Martha H Working in porcelain which is so finicky you must work fast concept in mind ...and because of it's memory it is challenging( it's just so silky and it's like touching your soul) but oh so satisfying.Jim M Adding coil upon coil is my fav part of the process:-)Jane N creating the vessel. That initial getting clay centered and coning and getting the initial shape. That feel of the clay in my fingers, and using my arms and hands to make something. Just so satisfying.Trimming and Carving Mageluj My favorite moment is when I trim or draw on a leather hard piece. It's meditative.Mellumbceramics Definitely turning or trimming... especially when it's a super smooth clay body. It's addictive!tangible_goodsThere is something so satisfying about trimming when the clay is just right.Mrserinb24 Trimming! I love to take a rough bowl and carve and trim until it's just perfect!Im_glazed_ceramics Tooling for sure. It's like cutting away all the unwanted clay of a piece and bringing out it's true beautyBetsyhcroft I love trimming. It's like shaving away excess weight.Laurielandrypottery Carving with the wire stylus. It is my Zen.Janaevalle Trimming and textureAnniebilities_pottery Mixing clay on the wheel and trimming away the slip to reveal the marble design.. my favRachel Kirby Turning - so you start with something half decent but by the time you've trimmed it (in my case this takes a while :-)) it turns into something more beautifulGlazing and Decorating Tmleventry I love glazing and adding new designs to pieces!Indiagavarri I love to paint each piece!! ?Lori W Decorating! Especially slip-trailing. So luscious,Reg F . as an amateur I am probably not "qualified" to take part - never the less - I love the painting part and feel that not enough potters see pottery as suitable canvas...Laura S I love applying texture to a freshly rolled slab of clay! Random patterns often reveal a beautiful surprise once a hand-built piece is cut out and assembled.Kiln Opening Jerichostudiopottery Opening my kiln to find the glazes have outshone my hopes and expectations of what they will become.Palmtreepots When that kiln door is open and it becomes Christmas time all over againPineapple.pottery Because I'm pretty new to this with no wheel or room to make own glazes it's still opening a lustre fire. Close second (soon to become first) is seeing the underglaze change colour into what I wanted on painting as i figure out how they act compared to paint. (Very different I've found!)Theclayrabbit Opening the glaze kiln....???????(Well, MOST of the time! Occasionally it's a shock!)?Veronstanza Cuando las cosas salen del horno y nada se quebró ... se siente bien eso ?Which translates roughly to “When things come out of the kiln and nothing broke ... it feels good” Yes, the MudTalk Podcast is now bilingual! Sorry to all of you Spanish speakers for my terrible pronunciation.Other Terraforms Teaching/problem-solving with others. So much fun.Artbygretamichelle Right now my favorite part is applying terra sig to my pots knowing that when they get into the gas and they get the soda they transform. Tomorrow something else may grab me as I explore new techniques and new ways to speak through the clay.Tiltedkilnworks I'm a handbuilder. So when I cut open a closed form and it breathes a breath. My piece comes alive. It's surreal ?Stonecropstudio Although I'm not a big producer I love seeing the pieces line up at the end of each procedure. I guess it's the old printmaker in me working in editions!Thats_my_art_teacher Signing the pot! It lets my hands know they're done!My Favorite Responses Winkingcat I like the progression of clay work. I like the feeling of raw clay being kneaded, the zen of watching a shape take form on the wheel, the form being perfected as its trimmed, (loading) the kiln and wondering what bisque will survive, choosing a specific glaze for each item as if you're dressing it up, and the great crescendo of opening the glaze kiln, and the delight of people seeing your work. I do it for the wheel, I am blessed to be a part of the rest!Thanks for the great descriptions WinkingCat! I love how you express your feelings for each part of the process. I really like how you refer to working with clay as a progression. There are so many separate little processes that go togetherMaggie T Clay invokes creative thought . When you start with a cut of clay and finish with a vessel that serves you, it is an accomplish(ment). Using my imagination to create is my favorite part. All else is learned thanks to all who have gone before us. Potters who stand out are those we wish we could pick their brains to see how they come up with all.Maggie, this response made me consider my own process. Sometimes I get stuck in production mode and just want to finish pots to fill an order or refill my inventory. I forget one of the things that I love about working with clay, which is using my imagination. Even when I’m making multiples I can imagine new glazes or changing the angle of a rim slightly or try some slightly different texture. Or sometimes I just need a little time to explore.LittleRiverNCpottery I love (to) unload the glaze firing. It's all about the journey and once it's all done you get to look back and see where you want to go next!I love the way LittleRiverNCPottery thinks about unloading the kiln. Not only do you get that sense of satisfaction when all the work of this process comes together in something tangible, but you get to look back and see what worked or what didn’t, and then do it even better next time.And finally,Noahkildoo_ceramics Watching the soda hit pots that are 2400 degreesThis response is a little more specific than some of the other responses. Not everyone fires their pots to 2400 degrees. Even fewer use soda when they fire. But this is one reason I love pottery so much. There are so many different options for making, finishing and firing a pot. I’ve only fired with soda a handful of times. But you pretty easily tell which of my pots were fired this way. It just adds a unique twist to what I normally make.NoahKildoo’s response also makes me think about a part of making pots that I feel fortunate to have experience on a number of occasions now: wood firing. I’m lucky to live in an area that has at least 5 wood kilns within an hour of my house. And since potters are usually the most welcoming and generous group of people on the planet I’ve been invited to a number of firings.In fact, during the last firing of the Notre Dame wood kiln, there were pots sent, and potters visiting, from all over the United States. Wood firing can be an incredible community event. The process, from prepping wood to loading and firing the kiln, requires a huge amount of work. Many firings span multiple days. Potters work shifts around the clock to keep the kiln firing. There are often visitors as well. It is a great place to meet and get to know fellow clay lovers. And that’s really just an indirect part of the process.I grew up splitting wood with my dad so the wood prep always brings a smile to my face, and a workout for my muscles. Prepping pots and loading the kiln is still a learning process for me where I get to learn from legendary wood firers. The firing is also an exciting time, especially for the pyromaniacs that some potters seem to be. Processing an assortment of variables to keep the temperature rising or holding, executing the plan, and trying to keep your eyebrows and clothing from melting off is a pretty good time. And the heat! Sometimes I just like to think of the awesome amount of energy contained inside those walls. It’s like a bomb exploding in super slow motion, over a few days. And of course, opening the kiln is a thrill as well. There are so many variable and so much randomness that produce a lot of surprises, both amazing and terrible.  So, if you’ve never had this chance, figure out a way to try it, or at least, visit a firing in progress sometime. I’ll try to include a few photos or videos in the show notes.So, as I was reading through all the responses, I started to think about what I like about certain parts of the process. I love how quickly a pot can be made on the wheel. I love the way clay changes as it dries. There are so many things that can be done in the different states between fresh out of the bag and bone dry. I love the sense of accomplishment when I fill every space of a bisque load. Kiln tetris! I love the anticipation when I’m glazing pots and thinking about how they will change in the kiln. I love when my garage is cold but I get to unload pots that are still a little warm. I love taking and editing photographs to make the pots look their best. I love getting feedback on social media when I post new work. I love the validation I feel when someone hands me their hard earned cash for something I’ve created. I love taking part in this whole process and being part of an amazing community that has been making pots for thousands of years.While I was getting this podcast ready to record, it inspired a new shirt design. If you didn’t already know, I have a small but growing collection of pottery related shirts that I’ve designed. You can order them online and they can be shipped almost anywhere in the world. To see my latest design, which is related to the topic of this episode, go to potterymakinginfo.com/shop. I’m going to make it possible to order them from a couple different places including Amazon and my Etsy shop. I’ll put links in the show notes at expertclay.com.I also started to come up with more questions while thinking about some of these great responses. For example, what does your favorite part say about you or your personality? Has your favorite part changed? Does it depend on the form? What is your least favorite part of the process and why? Is there something you could change about your least favorite part of the process to make it more enjoyable?I won’t try to answer these questions now. Perhaps you’ll find them on a future MudTalk Monday. Or, even better, share your answer with the rest of us now! Remember, you can share a written or verbal response at expertclay.com/mtpThank you for listening and supporting this podcast. In the next episode we’ll hear about what you are most proud of as a potter. Until then, stay muddy.

What is your favorite part about making pottery? Throwing or building? Carving? Glazing? Firing? With so many different ways to make pots there were some great responses and insights into what part other potters like best and why they like it. <h2>Resources</h2> <a href="http://www.potterymakinginfo.com/shop/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pottery Shirts!</a> (scroll down to see the new design) <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/vERK8MReL4w9RWx42" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Photos from the 2017 Notre Dame Wood Firing</a> <h2>Transcript</h2>Here we are, episode 9! In this episode we are going to hear about your favorite part of the pottery making process. Working with clay, especially making functional pots, requires certain steps. But I bet if you really looked at the details, every potter has their own unique way of doing things and it was interesting to hear why people liked a certain part of the process. To start with we’ll hear from potters that couldn’t pick just one part of the process. Next, we’ll hear why a majority of people like the throwing or forming part of the process. Then we’ll hear about trimming, carving, glazing and decorating. At the end we’ll hear about opening the kiln and a few very specific or different parts of the process. <h3>Everything</h3>Let’s start with the people that love everything about making pottery. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lucia_c/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lucia_c</a> It's all so beautiful the shaping the trimming the glazing.. each part is magic ✨✨✨ <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chcceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chcceramics</a> I love making.. but I always feel as though my favorite part changes with my mood. Learning and teaching are pretty steadfast though.... <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pitchpinepottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pitchpinepottery</a> Throwing, watching the clay change color as it dries, trimming, carving, opening the kiln to a glaze firing. The entire process holds promise, mystery and magic! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/karen.sullivan.9484?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Karen Sullivan</a> can't pick just one favorite part of the process. Each part of the process is my favorite. But my least favorite is wedging! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jamie.schuler.90?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jamie Schuler</a> The entire process, because nothing is more satisfying than to start from scratch and end up with something that has been created by both earth and being at the same time. <h3>Throwing or Forming</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/melissayungbluth/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Melissayungbluth</a> Building. The very first part of the process. I zen out the best at that stage. ☺️ <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dowidat.ceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dowidat.ceramics</a> Creating at the wheel that first process of getting the creative juices going!! It's a zen moment for (me) to be in my head. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mrs.mabry1130/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mrs.mabry1130</a> My favorite part of the process is definitely shaping the clay after it's got its height because you get to play with it a little. If you don't like it, you can change it. And the meaning behind it goes far beyond just shaping it. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/carolclarkson/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Carolclarkson</a> Throwing!! I love the moist clay on my fingertips taking on a new shape ..amazing . <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kim_keylan/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kim_keylan</a> Throwing, it's my little zen meditation. Me, clay, wheel and nothing. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/2frogsstudio/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2frogsstudio</a> After I have centered and opened and bring it to a cylinder, the possibilities open to me to shape it is the magical moment. It's also the hardest part too. It's up to me to bring out the beautiful form or to destroy it to nothingness. But the cylinder and its infinite possibilities... <a href="https://www.instagram.com/anotherseattleartist/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anotherseattleartist</a> Throwing for sure. Followed closely by opening a glaze or luster kiln ? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/muddyduckpottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Muddyduckpottery</a> I love throwing. But I can't repeat too many forms at a time, or I get bored <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gingerbarrheafey/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gingerbarrheafey</a> Throwing a ball of clay into a shape and then trimming the pot. Period. Dislike glazing tremendously. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mhewryk32/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mhewryk32</a> Throwing! Love the feel of it and all the techniques behind it. Love how much faster you can accomplish certain forms compared to how long it would take to hand build the same form. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/omelettrees.studio/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">omelettrees.studio</a> At least for the half of us, the throwing is the favourite part of the process. Cleaning up the vessel with the metal kidney right at the end to form a clean shape is completed with a fair amount of satisfaction, so much so the only real trimming needed after that is simply to turn out a foot at the bottom. Here's one made earlier today, just about to be cut and lifted from the wheel. (embed:) <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pathwaypottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pathwaypottery</a> The creating! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/digitalartlady?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Martha H</a> Working in porcelain which is so finicky you must work fast concept in mind ...and because of it's memory it is challenging( it's just so silky and it's like touching your soul) but oh so satisfying. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jim.mouck?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jim M</a> Adding coil upon coil is my fav part of the process:-) <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jane.neville.982?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jane N</a> creating the vessel. That initial getting clay centered and coning and getting the initial shape. That feel of the clay in my fingers, and using my arms and hands to make something. Just so satisfying. <h3>Trimming and Carving</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mageluj/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mageluj</a> My favorite moment is when I trim or draw on a leather hard piece. It's meditative. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mellumbceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mellumbceramics</a> Definitely turning or trimming... especially when it's a super smooth clay body. It's addictive! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tangible_goods/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">tangible_goods</a>There is something so satisfying about trimming when the clay is just right. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mrserinb24/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mrserinb24</a> Trimming! I love to take a rough bowl and carve and trim until it's just perfect! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/im_glazed_ceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Im_glazed_ceramics</a> Tooling for sure. It's like cutting away all the unwanted clay of a piece and bringing out it's true beauty <a href="https://www.instagram.com/betsyhcroft/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Betsyhcroft</a> I love trimming. It's like shaving away excess weight. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/laurielandrypottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Laurielandrypottery</a> Carving with the wire stylus. It is my Zen. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/janaevalle/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Janaevalle</a> Trimming and texture <a href="https://www.instagram.com/anniebilities_pottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anniebilities_pottery</a> Mixing clay on the wheel and trimming away the slip to reveal the marble design.. my fav <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rachel.kirby.925?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rachel Kirby</a> Turning - so you start with something half decent but by the time you've trimmed it (in my case this takes a while :-)) it turns into something more beautiful <h3>Glazing and Decorating</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tmleventry/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tmleventry</a> I love glazing and adding new designs to pieces! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/indiagavarri/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Indiagavarri</a> I love to paint each piece!! ? <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lori.keenan.watts?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lori W</a> Decorating! Especially slip-trailing. So luscious, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/reg.fallah?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Reg F</a> . as an amateur I am probably not "qualified" to take part - never the less - I love the painting part and feel that not enough potters see pottery as suitable canvas... <a href="https://www.facebook.com/laura.silberman.58?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Laura S</a> I love applying texture to a freshly rolled slab of clay! Random patterns often reveal a beautiful surprise once a hand-built piece is cut out and assembled. <h3>Kiln Opening</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jerichostudiopottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jerichostudiopottery</a> Opening my kiln to find the glazes have outshone my hopes and expectations of what they will become. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/palmtreepots/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Palmtreepots</a> When that kiln door is open and it becomes Christmas time all over again <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pineapple.pottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pineapple.pottery</a> Because I'm pretty new to this with no wheel or room to make own glazes it's still opening a lustre fire. Close second (soon to become first) is seeing the underglaze change colour into what I wanted on painting as i figure out how they act compared to paint. (Very different I've found!) <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theclayrabbit/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Theclayrabbit</a> Opening the glaze kiln....???????(Well, MOST of the time! Occasionally it's a shock!)? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/veronstanza/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Veronstanza</a> Cuando las cosas salen del horno y nada se quebró ... se siente bien eso ? Which translates roughly to “When things come out of the kiln and nothing broke ... it feels good” Yes, the MudTalk Podcast is now bilingual! Sorry to all of you Spanish speakers for my terrible pronunciation. <h3>Other</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/terraforms/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Terraforms</a> Teaching/problem-solving with others. So much fun. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/artbygretamichelle/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Artbygretamichelle</a> Right now my favorite part is applying terra sig to my pots knowing that when they get into the gas and they get the soda they transform. Tomorrow something else may grab me as I explore new techniques and new ways to speak through the clay. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tiltedkilnworks/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tiltedkilnworks</a> I'm a handbuilder. So when I cut open a closed form and it breathes a breath. My piece comes alive. It's surreal ? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stonecropstudio/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stonecropstudio</a> Although I'm not a big producer I love seeing the pieces line up at the end of each procedure. I guess it's the old printmaker in me working in editions! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thats_my_art_teacher/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Thats_my_art_teacher</a> Signing the pot! It lets my hands know they're done! <h3>My Favorite Responses</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/winkingcat/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Winkingcat</a> I like the progression of clay work. I like the feeling of raw clay being kneaded, the zen of watching a shape take form on the wheel, the form being perfected as its trimmed, (loading) the kiln and wondering what bisque will survive, choosing a specific glaze for each item as if you're dressing it up, and the great crescendo of opening the glaze kiln, and the delight of people seeing your work. I do it for the wheel, I am blessed to be a part of the rest! Thanks for the great descriptions WinkingCat! I love how you express your feelings for each part of the process. I really like how you refer to working with clay as a progression. There are so many separate little processes that go together <a href="https://www.facebook.com/maggie.trz?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Maggie T</a> Clay invokes creative thought . When you start with a cut of clay and finish with a vessel that serves you, it is an accomplish(ment). Using my imagination to create is my favorite part. All else is learned thanks to all who have gone before us. Potters who stand out are those we wish we could pick their brains to see how they come up with all. Maggie, this response made me consider my own process. Sometimes I get stuck in production mode and just want to finish pots to fill an order or refill my inventory. I forget one of the things that I love about working with clay, which is using my imagination. Even when I’m making multiples I can imagine new glazes or changing the angle of a rim slightly or try some slightly different texture. Or sometimes I just need a little time to explore. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/littleriverncpottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LittleRiverNCpottery</a> I love (to) unload the glaze firing. It's all about the journey and once it's all done you get to look back and see where you want to go next! I love the way LittleRiverNCPottery thinks about unloading the kiln. Not only do you get that sense of satisfaction when all the work of this process comes together in something tangible, but you get to look back and see what worked or what didn’t, and then do it even better next time. And finally, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/noahkildoo_ceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Noahkildoo_ceramics</a> Watching the soda hit pots that are 2400 degrees This response is a little more specific than some of the other responses. Not everyone fires their pots to 2400 degrees. Even fewer use soda when they fire. But this is one reason I love pottery so much. There are so many different options for making, finishing and firing a pot. I’ve only fired with soda a handful of times. But you pretty easily tell which of my pots were fired this way. It just adds a unique twist to what I normally make. NoahKildoo’s response also makes me think about a part of making pots that I feel fortunate to have experience on a number of occasions now: wood firing. I’m lucky to live in an area that has at least 5 wood kilns within an hour of my house. And since potters are usually the most welcoming and generous group of people on the planet I’ve been invited to a number of firings. In fact, during the last firing of the Notre Dame wood kiln, there were pots sent, and potters visiting, from all over the United States. Wood firing can be an incredible community event. The process, from prepping wood to loading and firing the kiln, requires a huge amount of work. Many firings span multiple days. Potters work shifts around the clock to keep the kiln firing. There are often visitors as well. It is a great place to meet and get to know fellow clay lovers. And that’s really just an indirect part of the process. I grew up splitting wood with my dad so the wood prep always brings a smile to my face, and a workout for my muscles. Prepping pots and loading the kiln is still a learning process for me where I get to learn from legendary wood firers. The firing is also an exciting time, especially for the pyromaniacs that some potters seem to be. Processing an assortment of variables to keep the temperature rising or holding, executing the plan, and trying to keep your eyebrows and clothing from melting off is a pretty good time. And the heat! Sometimes I just like to think of the awesome amount of energy contained inside those walls. It’s like a bomb exploding in super slow motion, over a few days. And of course, opening the kiln is a thrill as well. There are so many variable and so much randomness that produce a lot of surprises, both amazing and terrible.  So, if you’ve never had this chance, figure out a way to try it, or at least, visit a firing in progress sometime. I’ll try to include a few photos or videos in the show notes. So, as I was reading through all the responses, I started to think about what I like about certain parts of the process. I love how quickly a pot can be made on the wheel. I love the way clay changes as it dries. There are so many things that can be done in the different states between fresh out of the bag and bone dry. I love the sense of accomplishment when I fill every space of a bisque load. Kiln tetris! I love the anticipation when I’m glazing pots and thinking about how they will change in the kiln. I love when my garage is cold but I get to unload pots that are still a little warm. I love taking and editing photographs to make the pots look their best. I love getting feedback on social media when I post new work. I love the validation I feel when someone hands me their hard earned cash for something I’ve created. I love taking part in this whole process and being part of an amazing community that has been making pots for thousands of years. <a href="http://www.potterymakinginfo.com/shop/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>While I was getting this podcast ready to record, it inspired a new shirt design. If you didn’t already know, I have a small but growing collection of pottery related shirts that I’ve designed. You can order them online and they can be shipped almost anywhere in the world. To see my latest design, which is related to the topic of this episode, go to <a href="http://www.potterymakinginfo.com/shop/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">potterymakinginfo.com/shop</a>. I’m going to make it possible to order them from a couple different places including Amazon and my Etsy shop. I’ll put links in the show notes at <a href="http://expertclay.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">expertclay.com</a>. I also started to come up with more questions while thinking about some of these great responses. For example, what does your favorite part say about you or your personality? Has your favorite part changed? Does it depend on the form? What is your least favorite part of the process and why? Is there something you could change about your least favorite part of the process to make it more enjoyable? I won’t try to answer these questions now. Perhaps you’ll find them on a future MudTalk Monday. Or, even better, share your answer with the rest of us now! Remember, you can share a written or verbal response at <a href="https://expertclay.com/mtp/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">expertclay.com/mtp</a> Thank you for listening and supporting this podcast. In the next episode we’ll hear about what you are most proud of as a potter. Until then, stay muddy.

009 – Your Favorite Part of the Process

Resources Expert Clay Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr Share your thoughts with us! Transcript Episode 10! We made it to the double digits! When I started this podcast I wasn’t even sure I would do a second episode, much less put together 10 so I feel like this is a small accomplishment. Thanks so much for subscribing, downloading and listening. And thanks to those of you who have sent in a message! In this episode we are going to hear about what you are most proud of as a potter or ceramic artist. There were a nice variety of answers, some that I hadn’t even considered. First we’ll hear from those that are proud of their progress and learning, then from those who take pride in their finished work. We will also hear a few responses about starting a business or making the “leap” and then the rest of the things that people are proud of. At the end I’ll share a couple of my favorite responses and tell a little bit about what I take pride in. Let’s start with the folks who are proud of their progress and learning. Progress and Learning Mgwalsho  I'm most proud of my learning. I am a brand new Potter and I'm proud of how fast I have learned. I also am proud of my creative glaze techniques and how fast I can produce a quality piece of art. Artbygretamichelle How far I've come and how much I've learnt in such a short time. I started in 2012, moving from painting to clay. Now I work with porcelain and soda fire in the kiln I converted myself. Pineapple.pottery Being self taught comes with a LOT of mistakes and a steep learning curve, and I'm just at the beginning but am proud I have just kept looking forward! Claybylaura I'm pleased that the learning never stops. As a potter, there is always something new -- a technique, glaze combination or shape to try. Leka_visualartist I am proud (to) keep learning after 21 years of study Winesellersgirl I learned how to make a plate!! Muddyduckpottery Taking risks, learning from failures and mistakes, being able to dust off and try again. Ceramicsbyjames People are starting to become impressed with my work before they realize my age. Bluelizardman21 I just started lessons (almost age 65) and my first pot was a rush! Loving learning this physical art form! Sunshine0902 Tried throwing on the wheel for first time last year and since then i am in love with it. Bought wheel , clay and tools and i have to say this is my calling i feel natural making pots and i am proud of my ability to create something beautiful from mud ? Lynn F T How far I've come... Kerry D My progress from throwing to glazing! Still so much to learn and loving it! ? I love the enthusiasm and energy of people that are learning something new. Now let’s hear about those who are most proud of their finished work. Finished Work Potterybyyvonne I'm not sure it is one piece of pottery. I make my own line of work, but I also work with customers to create their perfect piece. I get great satisfaction out of creating that perfect mug, lotion bottle, bowl, or dog dish that make people smile each day they use it. Thordargreybeard Of making things that will last, that may one day be items displayed in my children's homes. Haiybai making my biggest project yet :)).. took me 3 entire weeks just to make the slabs ?? Matkipottery I love how happy a good piece makes me feel! But I'm most proud of the pieces that others have loved.... There were a few responses about starting or continuing a pottery business. I referenced “making the leap” earlier which, to me, means quitting your “normal” job to pursue a creative career like working with clay. Business or “Making the Leap” _avonlea__ Leaving my retail job and getting a new job as tech at portland community college for the ceramic department. As well as becoming an apprentice. Octopusceramics I'm proud that I'm setting up my own pottery business at such a young age, and that I've been able to achieve over 7,000 followers on Instagram in less than 200 days! Sallyannesadler Opening a studio at 53. Art.craft.home I'm most proud of the 5 year plan that turned into 10 years but resulted in the building of my very own studio. Mimiepoterie Of rerouting my life and becoming who I always aspired to be. I feel so happy and complete when I create clay forms. Earthartam Just entered my 18th year supporting myself with my pottery. Lucky and blessed! Avrilsartworks Learning how to survive on very little ?? Benjamin W Making a living as a studio artist, 16 years of hard work and struggle along with a ton of perseverance. And now we’ll hear some other things that people are proud of that don’t quite fit into the other categories. Other Things to Be Proud Of Marianwilliamspottery Most proud? Maybe my passion to keep trying, learning, making, working,creating and loving it so. Bhugs11 Trying ... and not getting upset when a loved piece breaks. ? Laurielandrypottery Kohler inviting me to exhibit. Studiobri The fact that I can give back. Art Therapy in the studio is gratifying. ? Dtaylorsatm Just as applause is exciting for an actor, I love these words when sharing my pottery creations, "Oh, I love that, how much?" Lazarito_64 Been able to make vases on the wheel. ☺ Theclayrabbit My proudest day was two days ago when I revisited a gallery that has some of my work, I took a selection of new work in a big box ? incase he wanted to see and the lovely guy said 'Can I have ALL of them?' X 11 Sculptures ? yes, my proudest day so far ?????? CJniehaus I'm most grateful for evolving and making those changes through clay. I've been in clay for many years, but I was stuck for a while in my ideas, thoughts and practices. As a non traditional MFA student, I was able to see more possibilities and grow in ways I couldn't do on my own. I'm not quite to my destination yet, but I'm excited by the glimpses I see as I move forward! Thekingandtheflower I am happy to have found a woman that I can share my love for clay with, and I am especially proud of watching her grow as an artist. She constantly steps out of her comfort zone to expand her skills at my encouragement while at the same she challenges me when I'm not doing the best I can. She keeps me honest in my art, making sure I'm not being lazy or sloppy, encouraging me to be diligent with my talent. _lizi_lu The commitment. .....................It's like being an athlete. You could be naturally inclined to something, good at it, but even that natural athlete has to practice their sport. And I'm proud of all the practice I put into pottery. Alison.skate.pots I have not started selling my pots yet. A few years ago, when my daughters were 10yrs and 13yrs old and wanted more pocket money, I helped them create a ceramic business selling Christmas baubles, which they made throughout the year in our garage. For 3 years they sold out (to customers in Australia and overseas) and made themselves a very nifty 5 grand each year. They then donated some of the proceeds to The Hunger Project. I was pretty proud of that. Being teens, they've moved on to other interests now. Marcia G-K Taking criticism from my teacher seriously. That's often hard to do, but so worth it in the long run. Martha H Ceramic Artist! I feel potters are always making the same things but a ceramic porcelain artist uses the clay like a painter uses a brush ... Cathy G I'm proud I am able to listen,see, hear ideas from magazines,books,galleries,fellow students,Pinterest and then absorb and process it into creations of my own ideas that are not copies of another's, but truly my own. Favorites These last few responses were some of my personal favorites. L Mosley pots still making pots - 50 years now Even though this response is only 6 words, I think it is pretty powerful. 5 decades! The thing I like about this response is that it could be about any of us eventually. No matter if you make pots full time to put food on the table or if you only get to it every other weekend or when you sign up for a class. I was recently talking to Dick Lehman about someone he knows that is retiring and I asked him if he would ever retire from making pots. Basically, he said that making pots is what he loves to do and there isn’t anything else he wants to try that would require him to stop making pots. In this stage of his career his schedule can be more flexible so if he wants to take a week-long trip or pursue other interests for a little while, he can. And being a potter allows him to pursue other interests such as photography and writing. I think one of the great things about pottery is there is always something new to try or learn. It’s not something that you’ll completely figure out and be finished with. So if our health allows us, we can keep making pots for decades. Kt_ceramics I am so proud of learning how to throw. I am still learning (can't seem to get even walls up yet) but the fact that I am able to center a hunk of clay on a moving disk is so amazing to me. Never before did I think I will be able to do that. And I've fallen in love with it. I'm also proud of being able to glaze. That is by far THE coolest thing I've done as an artist. I am so excited to continue to learn more about ceramics! Kt Ceramics, I’m proud of you too. It is awesome to hear about people that are excited about learning new things and have a passion for clay. I agree that centering clay on a spinning disk is pretty amazing. And I’m also proud of all the things I’ve learned while working with clay. Even though I’ll never finish learning everything about pottery I’m excited to learn as much as I can. It is also great to see great responses  from so many different potters including the 50 year veterans and the beginners as well. Our last response is from: ChristineCherry_ I'm proud that after 30 years in primary teaching I've taken the big risk and left education to start making my own pottery. My journey (so) far has been a big (but exciting) learning curve. Christine, I really appreciate this response on a personal level. In the next few years I hope to do something similar. When both of my kids are in school and if my wife gets another teaching job I hope to leave my teaching position and make pots full time. In my situation I don’t feel the risk is as large as other people have taken. We have been living on mostly my teacher’s salary for a few years. So even if I don’t sell a single pot we should be okay with my wife’s paycheck. And over the past few years I’ve been selling at local shows, figuring things out, and building a small following so when I go full time I won’t be starting from nothing. I applaud those of you who DO take much bigger risks to pursue your passion. Especially if it is something that requires as much work as making pots. As for my own achievements, I am proud of many things. Like many of you, I’m proud of how much I’ve improved. I’ve also won a few small awards which are great encouragement to keep growing and a boost to my self esteem. I’m proud of the websites I’ve created and this podcast that I’ve started. Not so much that I think it is really good, but because it was something outside my comfort zone and challenged me in a new way. I think I’m most proud of the quality of work that I’m making now. I’ve started to develop a little bit of a personal style and I have started to develop some details in my work that I really like. I wouldn’t say that my pots are the best ever but they have reached a level that makes me feel good to put them out into the world. I was trying to think of something useful to share, some kind of action step. I’ll share two ideas that fit well with the theme of this episode. First, remember how far you’ve come. One way I do this is to set aside one of my pots once in a while to track my progress. I keep a pot in my studio which I made in college when I was first learning. It is terrible. It is about the size and shape of a softball with a sharp-edged handle and a tiny pouring spout, not even a spout, just a place where I turned out the rim. It weighs about 5 pounds and the glaze ran down onto the shelf so it got all chipped and cracked when it was removed. If I ever feel like I’m in a slump or I start to doubt my work I look at that pot. It helps me realize that I’ve already made a lot of progress and know that I can make more progress in the future. Another tip I would suggest is to keep track of these proud moments. Whenever you accomplish something or win an award or reach a milestone or participate in an event, make a note of it. Not only will it be a great source of encouragement and celebration, it also makes putting together a resume a lot easier. You may think to yourself, what will I ever need a resume for? And you may never actually need one. But someday you may need one to submit work to a show or event or join a group or even apply to a job that comes along. It also makes you look professional if you keep an updated version on your website. If people know you are serious about making pots it will probably increase the chances that they will do business with you. That’s all I have for this episode. And now that we’ve finished 10 episodes I guess we’ll shoot for 10 more. On most of the other podcasts I listen to, the hosts are always telling their listeners to leave a rating and review. Apparently this helps other people find the show on itunes and stitcher and everywhere else. So if you want to go do that, that would be amazing. I don’t think I’ve ever done it myself but it probably isn’t that hard. If you would rather do something else to help the show you could share a link with someone you think may enjoy listening. You can find links to episodes on the Expert Clay social media accounts and share them easily. And don’t forget, YOU can be a part of the show. Go to expertclay.com/mtp to share your own thoughts or stories and you may hear them on a future episode. In episode 11 we’ll hear your stories about meeting other potters. So, until then, take pride in what you do and stay muddy.

<h2>Resources</h2> Expert Clay Social Media: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/expertclay/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/expertclay/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/ExpertClay" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://expertclay.tumblr.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tumblr</a> <a href="https://expertclay.com/mtp/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Share your thoughts with us</a>! <h2>Transcript</h2> Episode 10! We made it to the double digits! When I started this podcast I wasn’t even sure I would do a second episode, much less put together 10 so I feel like this is a small accomplishment. Thanks so much for subscribing, downloading and listening. And thanks to those of you who have sent in a message! In this episode we are going to hear about what you are most proud of as a potter or ceramic artist. There were a nice variety of answers, some that I hadn’t even considered. First we’ll hear from those that are proud of their progress and learning, then from those who take pride in their finished work. We will also hear a few responses about starting a business or making the “leap” and then the rest of the things that people are proud of. At the end I’ll share a couple of my favorite responses and tell a little bit about what I take pride in. Let’s start with the folks who are proud of their progress and learning. <h3>Progress and Learning</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mgwalsho/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mgwalsho</a>  I'm most proud of my learning. I am a brand new Potter and I'm proud of how fast I have learned. I also am proud of my creative glaze techniques and how fast I can produce a quality piece of art. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/artbygretamichelle/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Artbygretamichelle</a> How far I've come and how much I've learnt in such a short time. I started in 2012, moving from painting to clay. Now I work with porcelain and soda fire in the kiln I converted myself. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pineapple.pottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pineapple.pottery</a> Being self taught comes with a LOT of mistakes and a steep learning curve, and I'm just at the beginning but am proud I have just kept looking forward! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/claybylaura/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Claybylaura</a> I'm pleased that the learning never stops. As a potter, there is always something new -- a technique, glaze combination or shape to try. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/leka_visualartist/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Leka_visualartist</a> I am proud (to) keep learning after 21 years of study <a href="https://www.instagram.com/winesellersgirl/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Winesellersgirl</a> I learned how to make a plate!! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/muddyduckpottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Muddyduckpottery</a> Taking risks, learning from failures and mistakes, being able to dust off and try again. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ceramicsbyjames/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ceramicsbyjames</a> People are starting to become impressed with my work before they realize my age. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bluelizardman21/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bluelizardman21</a> I just started lessons (almost age 65) and my first pot was a rush! Loving learning this physical art form! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sunshine0902/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sunshine0902</a> Tried throwing on the wheel for first time last year and since then i am in love with it. Bought wheel , clay and tools and i have to say this is my calling i feel natural making pots and i am proud of my ability to create something beautiful from mud ? <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lynn.f.topp?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lynn F T</a> How far I've come... <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kerry.dinkgreve?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kerry D</a> My progress from throwing to glazing! Still so much to learn and loving it! ? I love the enthusiasm and energy of people that are learning something new. Now let’s hear about those who are most proud of their finished work. <h3>Finished Work</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/potterybyyvonne/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Potterybyyvonne</a> I'm not sure it is one piece of pottery. I make my own line of work, but I also work with customers to create their perfect piece. I get great satisfaction out of creating that perfect mug, lotion bottle, bowl, or dog dish that make people smile each day they use it. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thordargreybeard/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Thordargreybeard</a> Of making things that will last, that may one day be items displayed in my children's homes. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/haiybai/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Haiybai</a> making my biggest project yet :)).. took me 3 entire weeks just to make the slabs ?? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/matkipottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Matkipottery</a> I love how happy a good piece makes me feel! But I'm most proud of the pieces that others have loved.... There were a few responses about starting or continuing a pottery business. I referenced “making the leap” earlier which, to me, means quitting your “normal” job to pursue a creative career like working with clay. <h3>Business or “Making the Leap”</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_avonlea__/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">_avonlea__</a> Leaving my retail job and getting a new job as tech at portland community college for the ceramic department. As well as becoming an apprentice. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/octopusceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Octopusceramics</a> I'm proud that I'm setting up my own pottery business at such a young age, and that I've been able to achieve over 7,000 followers on Instagram in less than 200 days! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sallyannesadler/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sallyannesadler</a> Opening a studio at 53. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/art.craft.home/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Art.craft.home</a> I'm most proud of the 5 year plan that turned into 10 years but resulted in the building of my very own studio. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mimiepoterie/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mimiepoterie</a> Of rerouting my life and becoming who I always aspired to be. I feel so happy and complete when I create clay forms. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/earthartam/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Earthartam</a> Just entered my 18th year supporting myself with my pottery. Lucky and blessed! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/avrilsartworks/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Avrilsartworks</a> Learning how to survive on very little ?? <a href="https://www.facebook.com/benjamin.watkins.526?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Benjamin W</a> Making a living as a studio artist, 16 years of hard work and struggle along with a ton of perseverance. And now we’ll hear some other things that people are proud of that don’t quite fit into the other categories. <h3>Other Things to Be Proud Of</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/marianwilliamspottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Marianwilliamspottery</a> Most proud? Maybe my passion to keep trying, learning, making, working,creating and loving it so. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bhugs11/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bhugs11</a> Trying ... and not getting upset when a loved piece breaks. ? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/laurielandrypottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Laurielandrypottery</a> Kohler inviting me to exhibit. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/studiobri/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Studiobri</a> The fact that I can give back. Art Therapy in the studio is gratifying. ? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dtaylorsatm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dtaylorsatm</a> Just as applause is exciting for an actor, I love these words when sharing my pottery creations, "Oh, I love that, how much?" <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lazarito_64/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lazarito_64</a> Been able to make vases on the wheel. ☺ <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theclayrabbit/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Theclayrabbit</a> My proudest day was two days ago when I revisited a gallery that has some of my work, I took a selection of new work in a big box ? incase he wanted to see and the lovely guy said 'Can I have ALL of them?' X 11 Sculptures ? yes, my proudest day so far ?????? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cjniehaus/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CJniehaus</a> I'm most grateful for evolving and making those changes through clay. I've been in clay for many years, but I was stuck for a while in my ideas, thoughts and practices. As a non traditional MFA student, I was able to see more possibilities and grow in ways I couldn't do on my own. I'm not quite to my destination yet, but I'm excited by the glimpses I see as I move forward! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thekingandtheflower/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Thekingandtheflower</a> I am happy to have found a woman that I can share my love for clay with, and I am especially proud of watching her grow as an artist. She constantly steps out of her comfort zone to expand her skills at my encouragement while at the same she challenges me when I'm not doing the best I can. She keeps me honest in my art, making sure I'm not being lazy or sloppy, encouraging me to be diligent with my talent. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_lizi_lu/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">_lizi_lu</a> The commitment. .....................It's like being an athlete. You could be naturally inclined to something, good at it, but even that natural athlete has to practice their sport. And I'm proud of all the practice I put into pottery. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alison.skate.pots/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alison.skate.pots</a> I have not started selling my pots yet. A few years ago, when my daughters were 10yrs and 13yrs old and wanted more pocket money, I helped them create a ceramic business selling Christmas baubles, which they made throughout the year in our garage. For 3 years they sold out (to customers in Australia and overseas) and made themselves a very nifty 5 grand each year. They then donated some of the proceeds to The Hunger Project. I was pretty proud of that. Being teens, they've moved on to other interests now. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mamaglee?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Marcia G-K</a> Taking criticism from my teacher seriously. That's often hard to do, but so worth it in the long run. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/digitalartlady?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Martha H</a> Ceramic Artist! I feel potters are always making the same things but a ceramic porcelain artist uses the clay like a painter uses a brush ... <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cathy.gurley.14?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cathy G</a> I'm proud I am able to listen,see, hear ideas from magazines,books,galleries,fellow students,Pinterest and then absorb and process it into creations of my own ideas that are not copies of another's, but truly my own. <h3>Favorites</h3> These last few responses were some of my personal favorites. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lmosleypots/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">L Mosley pots</a> still making pots - 50 years now Even though this response is only 6 words, I think it is pretty powerful. 5 decades! The thing I like about this response is that it could be about any of us eventually. No matter if you make pots full time to put food on the table or if you only get to it every other weekend or when you sign up for a class. I was recently talking to Dick Lehman about someone he knows that is retiring and I asked him if he would ever retire from making pots. Basically, he said that making pots is what he loves to do and there isn’t anything else he wants to try that would require him to stop making pots. In this stage of his career his schedule can be more flexible so if he wants to take a week-long trip or pursue other interests for a little while, he can. And being a potter allows him to pursue other interests such as photography and writing. I think one of the great things about pottery is there is always something new to try or learn. It’s not something that you’ll completely figure out and be finished with. So if our health allows us, we can keep making pots for decades. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kt_ceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kt_ceramics</a> I am so proud of learning how to throw. I am still learning (can't seem to get even walls up yet) but the fact that I am able to center a hunk of clay on a moving disk is so amazing to me. Never before did I think I will be able to do that. And I've fallen in love with it. I'm also proud of being able to glaze. That is by far THE coolest thing I've done as an artist. I am so excited to continue to learn more about ceramics! Kt Ceramics, I’m proud of you too. It is awesome to hear about people that are excited about learning new things and have a passion for clay. I agree that centering clay on a spinning disk is pretty amazing. And I’m also proud of all the things I’ve learned while working with clay. Even though I’ll never finish learning everything about pottery I’m excited to learn as much as I can. It is also great to see great responses  from so many different potters including the 50 year veterans and the beginners as well. Our last response is from: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/christinecherry_/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ChristineCherry_</a> I'm proud that after 30 years in primary teaching I've taken the big risk and left education to start making my own pottery. My journey (so) far has been a big (but exciting) learning curve. Christine, I really appreciate this response on a personal level. In the next few years I hope to do something similar. When both of my kids are in school and if my wife gets another teaching job I hope to leave my teaching position and make pots full time. In my situation I don’t feel the risk is as large as other people have taken. We have been living on mostly my teacher’s salary for a few years. So even if I don’t sell a single pot we should be okay with my wife’s paycheck. And over the past few years I’ve been selling at local shows, figuring things out, and building a small following so when I go full time I won’t be starting from nothing. I applaud those of you who DO take much bigger risks to pursue your passion. Especially if it is something that requires as much work as making pots. As for my own achievements, I am proud of many things. Like many of you, I’m proud of how much I’ve improved. I’ve also won a few small awards which are great encouragement to keep growing and a boost to my self esteem. I’m proud of the websites I’ve created and this podcast that I’ve started. Not so much that I think it is really good, but because it was something outside my comfort zone and challenged me in a new way. I think I’m most proud of the quality of work that I’m making now. I’ve started to develop a little bit of a personal style and I have started to develop some details in my work that I really like. I wouldn’t say that my pots are the best ever but they have reached a level that makes me feel good to put them out into the world. I was trying to think of something useful to share, some kind of action step. I’ll share two ideas that fit well with the theme of this episode. First, remember how far you’ve come. One way I do this is to set aside one of my pots once in a while to track my progress. I keep a pot in my studio which I made in college when I was first learning. It is terrible. It is about the size and shape of a softball with a sharp-edged handle and a tiny pouring spout, not even a spout, just a place where I turned out the rim. It weighs about 5 pounds and the glaze ran down onto the shelf so it got all chipped and cracked when it was removed. If I ever feel like I’m in a slump or I start to doubt my work I look at that pot. It helps me realize that I’ve already made a lot of progress and know that I can make more progress in the future. Another tip I would suggest is to keep track of these proud moments. Whenever you accomplish something or win an award or reach a milestone or participate in an event, make a note of it. Not only will it be a great source of encouragement and celebration, it also makes putting together a resume a lot easier. You may think to yourself, what will I ever need a resume for? And you may never actually need one. But someday you may need one to submit work to a show or event or join a group or even apply to a job that comes along. It also makes you look professional if you keep an updated version on your website. If people know you are serious about making pots it will probably increase the chances that they will do business with you. That’s all I have for this episode. And now that we’ve finished 10 episodes I guess we’ll shoot for 10 more. On most of the other podcasts I listen to, the hosts are always telling their listeners to leave a rating and review. Apparently this helps other people find the show on itunes and stitcher and everywhere else. So if you want to go do that, that would be amazing. I don’t think I’ve ever done it myself but it probably isn’t that hard. If you would rather do something else to help the show you could share a link with someone you think may enjoy listening. You can find links to episodes on the Expert Clay social media accounts and share them easily. And don’t forget, YOU can be a part of the show. Go to <a href="https://expertclay.com/mtp/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">expertclay.com/mtp</a> to share your own thoughts or stories and you may hear them on a future episode. In episode 11 we’ll hear your stories about meeting other potters. So, until then, take pride in what you do and stay muddy.

010 – What Are You Most Proud Of?

The MudTalk Podcast shares thoughts from potters and ceramics about a new topic each episode. Topics include pottery, ceramics, art, creativity, running a business, and success.

Resources bclayjamaica.wordpress.com Online Groups of Potters and Ceramic Artists Pottery Making Info's extensive listFacebook: pottery heads, Ceramics Worldwide, Potters Network, Clay buddies, Clay Prints(There are many more groups on Facebook which can be found using the search box.)Ceramic Arts Daily/Network Message Board TranscriptWelcome. After a small delay, we are back with episode 11. It’s about meeting other potters. Thanks for giving us a listen. Pottery can be an isolated activity. But I’ve found it’s a lot more fun with friends! Being around other potters can also spark new ideas, challenge you, and just give you someone that you can talk to. This particular MudTalk Monday discussion didn’t produce as many comments so it may be a little shorter. I’m also not going to sort the comments into categories like other episodes. At the end I will share my favorite responses and a few ideas to help you meet other potters and ceramic artists for those of you that want to meet more members of the awesome clay community. Let’s get started.Rootandrocks I am focused in ceramics in a school that supports me but does not have a ceramics department. Whenever I meet another ceramicist it is exciting to find out about their inspirations, techniques. I love to compare notes and generally geek out about clay. The few people that work in clay at my school band together to share our love for it.Flowerpottery I find the ceramics community in general to be so generous with information and technique. It's rare that you meet someone who is not willing to share info. Far too many generous people to name. It's one of the things that makes our community so great.Bluelotuspottery I have not met many in person but I have meet many many online. clay buddies has been a godsend to me. And I look forward to meeting some of them in person in the future. I am also getting to know many on instagram.Flowergurl4eva I met Hollis Engley, and Mitch Lyons. Both were encouraging, and not afraid to share. Hollis invited my hubby and I into his studio, and showed us part of his creative process. Mitch said come up and visit sometime. They were both genuine.Cal_pot I got drunk with Wayne Higby #goals Honnoria At the airport in Las Vegas I thought I saw Brian Hopkins and asked if it was him. We had a very nice conversation. When we arrived in Buffalo he helped me with my VERY LARGE box. 50# of stuff in that box. It was great having a friendly helpful face there in the middle of the night.Judy F All the clay artists I have met enjoy exchanging techniques and glazing info. We love to pick each other's brains and solve problems.Marsmelk Our Baltimore Clayworks teacher Sam Wallace took six of his long-term students on a visit to his native Jamaica in 2015. Visited potters Isaiah The Flower Pot Man and David Pinto. Great trip! More here: bclayjamaica.wordpress.com Ideas to meet other pottersWe’re going to do something a little different here at the end. I’ll share some of my favorite responses AS the ideas to meet other potters.Piperpottery Instagram and #etsymudteam- I realize these are in-person meetings, but I don't have a huge local pottery community so the virtual communities I'm a part of have really helped me out in terms of slogging thru the less inspiring times in life. The contacts I've made on Instagram are also helping me grow as a potter.Idea 1: Meet Potters and Ceramic Artists OnlineThis is probably the easiest thing to do. Technology can bring us together like never before. You can often find groups of potters on many social media platforms. You can also find potters through hashtags or looking at who other potters are following. I’ll share some links in the show notes if you want to find potters online.Milagrosrviale Once I went as tourist to Jerusalem, and I visited a potter there, he worked with Terra sigillata. I wanted to know everything and he shared all his techniques w me. I was very happy that he wouldn't mind sharing his knowledge.Idea 2: Look up potters for your next tripIf you are traveling to a new destination you may be able to look up some potters or ceramic artists in the area. You could search for community centers in the towns you will be visiting or ask in some of the online groups mentioned earlier to see if anyone lives or has knowledge of potters in the area.Bdeterling I attended Alabama Clay Conference when I was in grad school. Just like NCECA but on a smaller, much more intimate scale. It was a lot easier to make connections for me.Idea 3: NCECA and Other ConferencesThere are plenty of clay centered conferences around the world. NCECA is the largest that I know of and it happens every year in a different place in the US. I haven’t made it to one yet but I hope to get there soon. There are so many clay related activities, exhibitions and presentations, you are bound to connect with some like-minded potters. There are also many smaller conferences out there. You probably won’t find as many potters but you may make some deeper connections.Wildfirepotterypenn In the fall of 2015, I had the privilege of meeting Jack Troy and Carolanne Currier &amp; got a tour from them of their studios. Their generosity and sharing of information, process, &amp; facilities was incredible.Idea 4: Take a WorkshopWorkshops are a great way to gain some skills or inspiration. And you often get to meet plenty of other potters. Not just the workshop host but the other attendees as well. I’ve taken a few workshops myself over the years and I could spend days talking about the things I’ve learned and the interesting people that I’ve met. But we’ll save that for another time.Viv.ceramics When I was in high school Judi Tavill was my favorite artist and I've been following her ever since(3+ years)!! (I have a whole email chain to prove it) The crazy part is SHE came up to ME during the Bollywood dance at nceca and I recognized her after a minute! She's hilarious! I posted a pic on my account :)When I was in high school @jtceramics was my favorite artist and I've been following her ever since!! (I have a whole email chain to prove it) The crazy part is SHE came up to ME and I recognized her after a minute! Thanks for your unique advice Judi! ;) #nceca17 #portland #clay #ceramics #nceca #artists #bollywooddance A post shared by  Vivianne Siqueiros Ceramics (@viv.ceramics) on Mar 26, 2017 at 7:16pm PDT Idea 5: Contact Someone Whose Work You AdmireYou probably have favorite potters or ceramic artists that make work you really love. You may not be able to meet them face to face but there’s nothing stopping you from emailing them or messaging them. Tell them what you love about their work and see if they will answer a question for you. Even as a small time potter, I’ve been called and emailed, mostly about my glazes. I love talking about that kind of stuff so I welcome any questions or comments. A majority of the potters I’ve met seem to feel the same way. Not everyone will strike up a conversation, some may not even respond but don’t take it personally. Potters are busy people.Hopefully some of these ideas will inspire you to meet some new clay friends.I was recently at a pottery potluck where I got to meet a bunch of new potters and see some people that I hadn’t seen for a while. One of the local potters was hosting a wood fire workshop and had three guest artists and 4 workshop attendees. It was great meeting people in real life that I’ve followed on instagram for a while. It was also amazing to see some of their work in person. And it was a lot of fun hearing about how they make their pots and crazy stories and wood firing pro tips from Brett and Tim. Plus it is always great to share some good food and stand around a wood kiln.And speaking of meeting new clay friends, I’ve got some ideas for the Expert Clay blog that I could use your help with. In the future, I hope to have a featured artist series. You would send a couple paragraphs about you and your work with a couple photos. Tell your story and include some links to your website, social accounts and where your work can be purchased. Then I’ll share it on the blog, social media and other related channels to promote you.The other idea I hope to get started is an Expert Insight series. For this, I’m picturing a paragraph about one part of the process that you really enjoy or which makes your work unique. Include a photo or two. Maybe one of the process and one of a finished piece? Include some links and I’ll share it everywhere I can.If you are interested in participating, drop me a line at brandon@expertclay.com and let me know. I’ll figure out the details and let you know how to submit your stuff.And don’t be shy, if you have a story about meeting another potter or any of the other topics from past episodes go to expertclay.com/mtp and share your thoughts with us. I love to hear stories, thoughts and opinions from other clay people and I know others do as well.Our next episode will be about the person that has influenced you the most. Until then, stay muddy.

<h2>Resources</h2> <a href="https://bclayjamaica.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bclayjamaica.wordpress.com</a> <h3>Online Groups of Potters and Ceramic Artists</h3> <a href="http://www.potterymakinginfo.com/pottery-directory/organizations-communities-groups/social-media-groups/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pottery Making Info's extensive list</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/potteryheads/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pottery heads</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/4946100853/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ceramics Worldwide</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/219780908063139/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Potters Network</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/503156473036283/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Clay buddies</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/402841139758502/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Clay Prints</a> (There are many more groups on Facebook which can be found using the search box.) <a href="http://community.ceramicartsdaily.org/index.php?/index" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ceramic Arts Daily/Network Message Board</a> <h2>Transcript</h2>Welcome. After a small delay, we are back with episode 11. It’s about meeting other potters. Thanks for giving us a listen. Pottery can be an isolated activity. But I’ve found it’s a lot more fun with friends! Being around other potters can also spark new ideas, challenge you, and just give you someone that you can talk to. This particular MudTalk Monday discussion didn’t produce as many comments so it may be a little shorter. I’m also not going to sort the comments into categories like other episodes. At the end I will share my favorite responses and a few ideas to help you meet other potters and ceramic artists for those of you that want to meet more members of the awesome clay community. Let’s get started. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rootandrocks/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rootandrocks</a> I am focused in ceramics in a school that supports me but does not have a ceramics department. Whenever I meet another ceramicist it is exciting to find out about their inspirations, techniques. I love to compare notes and generally geek out about clay. The few people that work in clay at my school band together to share our love for it. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/flowerpottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Flowerpottery</a> I find the ceramics community in general to be so generous with information and technique. It's rare that you meet someone who is not willing to share info. Far too many generous people to name. It's one of the things that makes our community so great. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bluelotuspottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bluelotuspottery</a> I have not met many in person but I have meet many many online. clay buddies has been a godsend to me. And I look forward to meeting some of them in person in the future. I am also getting to know many on instagram. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/flowergurl4eva/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Flowergurl4eva</a> I met Hollis Engley, and Mitch Lyons. Both were encouraging, and not afraid to share. Hollis invited my hubby and I into his studio, and showed us part of his creative process. Mitch said come up and visit sometime. They were both genuine. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cal_pot/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cal_pot</a> I got drunk with Wayne Higby <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/goals/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#goals</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/honnoria/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Honnoria</a> At the airport in Las Vegas I thought I saw Brian Hopkins and asked if it was him. We had a very nice conversation. When we arrived in Buffalo he helped me with my VERY LARGE box. 50# of stuff in that box. It was great having a friendly helpful face there in the middle of the night. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/judy.fairchild2?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Judy F</a> All the clay artists I have met enjoy exchanging techniques and glazing info. We love to pick each other's brains and solve problems. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/marsmelk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Marsmelk</a> Our Baltimore Clayworks teacher Sam Wallace took six of his long-term students on a visit to his native Jamaica in 2015. Visited potters Isaiah The Flower Pot Man and David Pinto. Great trip! More here: <a href="http://bclayjamaica.wordpress.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bclayjamaica.wordpress.com</a> <h3>Ideas to meet other potters</h3>We’re going to do something a little different here at the end. I’ll share some of my favorite responses AS the ideas to meet other potters. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/piperpottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Piperpottery</a> Instagram and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/etsymudteam/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#etsymudteam</a>- I realize these are in-person meetings, but I don't have a huge local pottery community so the virtual communities I'm a part of have really helped me out in terms of slogging thru the less inspiring times in life. The contacts I've made on Instagram are also helping me grow as a potter. <h4>Idea 1: Meet Potters and Ceramic Artists Online</h4>This is probably the easiest thing to do. Technology can bring us together like never before. You can often find groups of potters on many social media platforms. You can also find potters through hashtags or looking at who other potters are following. I’ll share some links in the show notes if you want to find potters online. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/milagrosrviale/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Milagrosrviale</a> Once I went as tourist to Jerusalem, and I visited a potter there, he worked with Terra sigillata. I wanted to know everything and he shared all his techniques w me. I was very happy that he wouldn't mind sharing his knowledge. <h4>Idea 2: Look up potters for your next trip</h4>If you are traveling to a new destination you may be able to look up some potters or ceramic artists in the area. You could search for community centers in the towns you will be visiting or ask in some of the online groups mentioned earlier to see if anyone lives or has knowledge of potters in the area. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bdeterling/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bdeterling</a> I attended Alabama Clay Conference when I was in grad school. Just like NCECA but on a smaller, much more intimate scale. It was a lot easier to make connections for me. <h4>Idea 3: NCECA and Other Conferences</h4>There are plenty of clay centered conferences around the world. NCECA is the largest that I know of and it happens every year in a different place in the US. I haven’t made it to one yet but I hope to get there soon. There are so many clay related activities, exhibitions and presentations, you are bound to connect with some like-minded potters. There are also many smaller conferences out there. You probably won’t find as many potters but you may make some deeper connections. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wildfirepotterypenn/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wildfirepotterypenn</a> In the fall of 2015, I had the privilege of meeting Jack Troy and Carolanne Currier &amp; got a tour from them of their studios. Their generosity and sharing of information, process, &amp; facilities was incredible. <h4>Idea 4: Take a Workshop</h4>Workshops are a great way to gain some skills or inspiration. And you often get to meet plenty of other potters. Not just the workshop host but the other attendees as well. I’ve taken a few workshops myself over the years and I could spend days talking about the things I’ve learned and the interesting people that I’ve met. But we’ll save that for another time. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/viv.ceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Viv.ceramics</a> When I was in high school Judi Tavill was my favorite artist and I've been following her ever since(3+ years)!! (I have a whole email chain to prove it) The crazy part is SHE came up to ME during the Bollywood dance at nceca and I recognized her after a minute! She's hilarious! I posted a pic on my account :) <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BSH91hWlrdj/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">When I was in high school @jtceramics was my favorite artist and I've been following her ever since!! (I have a whole email chain to prove it) The crazy part is SHE came up to ME and I recognized her after a minute! Thanks for your unique advice Judi! ;) #nceca17 #portland #clay #ceramics #nceca #artists #bollywooddance</a> A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/viv.ceramics/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Vivianne Siqueiros Ceramics</a> (@viv.ceramics) on Mar 26, 2017 at 7:16pm PDT <h4>Idea 5: Contact Someone Whose Work You Admire</h4>You probably have favorite potters or ceramic artists that make work you really love. You may not be able to meet them face to face but there’s nothing stopping you from emailing them or messaging them. Tell them what you love about their work and see if they will answer a question for you. Even as a small time potter, I’ve been called and emailed, mostly about my glazes. I love talking about that kind of stuff so I welcome any questions or comments. A majority of the potters I’ve met seem to feel the same way. Not everyone will strike up a conversation, some may not even respond but don’t take it personally. Potters are busy people. Hopefully some of these ideas will inspire you to meet some new clay friends. I was recently at a pottery potluck where I got to meet a bunch of new potters and see some people that I hadn’t seen for a while. One of the local potters was hosting a wood fire workshop and had three guest artists and 4 workshop attendees. It was great meeting people in real life that I’ve followed on instagram for a while. It was also amazing to see some of their work in person. And it was a lot of fun hearing about how they make their pots and crazy stories and wood firing pro tips from Brett and Tim. Plus it is always great to share some good food and stand around a wood kiln. And speaking of meeting new clay friends, I’ve got some ideas for the Expert Clay blog that I could use your help with. In the future, I hope to have a featured artist series. You would send a couple paragraphs about you and your work with a couple photos. Tell your story and include some links to your website, social accounts and where your work can be purchased. Then I’ll share it on the blog, social media and other related channels to promote you. The other idea I hope to get started is an Expert Insight series. For this, I’m picturing a paragraph about one part of the process that you really enjoy or which makes your work unique. Include a photo or two. Maybe one of the process and one of a finished piece? Include some links and I’ll share it everywhere I can. If you are interested in participating, drop me a line at <a href="mailto:brandon@expertclay.com">brandon@expertclay.com</a> and let me know. I’ll figure out the details and let you know how to submit your stuff. And don’t be shy, if you have a story about meeting another potter or any of the other topics from past episodes go to <a href="http://expertclay.com/mtp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">expertclay.com/mtp</a> and share your thoughts with us. I love to hear stories, thoughts and opinions from other clay people and I know others do as well. Our next episode will be about the person that has influenced you the most. Until then, stay muddy.

011 – Meeting Other Potters and Ceramic Artists

In this episode we will discover who has had the greatest influence in our work.Resources Sign up to be a featured maker! Jim Rohn quotes TranscriptThank you for listening. This is episode number 12. In this episode, many of you shared who has had the biggest influence on your work. This is an interesting question to me because most of us are influenced by so many different people. There were a few responses about the influence of nature and family. A couple people noted the influence of teachers or instructors. Most of the responses mentioned other potters as a dominant influence. We’ll hear those comments and at the end I’ll share a few of my favorite responses and try to pick just one person as the biggest influence for my own work. Before we get started, I just want to apologize again for any mispronunciations that I have surely made and will make. If I mess up your name, let me know. Now, let’s get to the responses.Nature Mimiho_cat,  Dowidat.ceramics, and Tselut_official all said that nature is their biggest influence.Teerraku The universeFamily Jeikobu_jeikobu My mom.Teachers / Professors Studio2ceramics Our college ceramics professor has had so much influence on our work. His compassion and generosity is something we want to always express in clay. ❤Octopusceramics Definitely my art teachers, mainly the one I have now at the studio I go to! Now that I'm on Instagram too, there are so many potters that inspire me every dayOther PottersA majority of the responses mentioned other ceramic artists and potters.Claybylaura It's hard to pick just one. I've had some incredible teachers and influencers along the way. Most recently, @amysanderspottery opened my eyes and taught me incredible hand building techniques that I use in my current creations. She is a warm, funny and very giving instructor in addition to being a fantastic clay role model!Judykepes As a kid it was Durer, as a young adult I worked for Richard Shaw and studied with Ron Nagle both of whom influenced my world view not just my art. Huge debt of gratitude to them.Jude_prevost_ceramics I have had many teachers who influenced me and watched a wide variety of ceramic artists for inspiration... My husband brings me textures and tools he creates at work that have a big influence on what I decide to create... But I took a workshop a few years ago from #judyweeden and as a handbuilder her tips and info were priceless. She taught me about timing, about leather, soft leather and how to join pieces at any stage... That by far was the biggest influence on how I treat the clay and how I work with each pieceMudsmoke Deborah Shapiro is a legend.Claritatrucco To me @tortus Jpiercepottery Without a doubt @jenallenceramics is the person that has influenced me the most!Gnome_island_studios I'm learning a lot from my fellow sculptors @redbrickceramics This weekend @tom_michelson gave me a lot to ponder. @joethrows helped me save a piece recently. In the past @medicatedlimbs and @artknok taught me a bunch, as did @ryanmccullen Sallyannesadler Soji Hamada. Marianne de Trey. Bernard Leach. Peter Lane. John Takehara. And Lucie Rie.Woodywood250 Susie bowman!Skunke1 Jean-nicolas gerrardLaura S It's hard to pick just one. I've had some incredible teachers and influencers along the way. Most recently, @amysanderspottery opened my eyes and taught me incredible hand building techniques that I use in my current creations. She is a warm, funny and very giving instructor in addition to being a fantastic clay role model!Anna R I think Lucie Rie and Diana Fayt. The first for shape the second for decoration.Maggie T ron meyersOther Tracymurphyceramicartist Myself. I'm the only one I do this for.Anyguelmann As a child and teen, my mom, the artistic polymath. As an adult, working at @etsy and watching incredible Etsy sellers make a living off of their creativity and talent.Pathwaypottery To be honest I've learned more from YouTube than I did at school. I didn't realize how much I hadn't been taught until I got out on my own.Favorites Ginger barr heafey I am surprised by my own answer...my husband. He gives an honest critique, is encouraging, and appreciates my labor of love. Thanks for making me think about this!You’re welcome Ginger. I’m glad that you shared your answer with us. And I have to agree. After thinking about it, one of my biggest influences is my wife. She says she doesn’t have a creative bone in her body. And maybe she doesn’t influence my actual pots that much. But her overall influence is amazing. She supports me and my work, in many ways. She is always encouraging but isn’t afraid to be honest if she doesn’t like something. She takes care of the family finances so I can focus on my business finances. She takes care of the kids and the housework so I have time to work on my pots after my day job if I want. I haven’t talked her into actually helping make pots or mixing glazes or loading the kiln but she will share ideas for new work or tell me why she likes or doesn’t like pots that I make or we see from other potters. She even helps me run the booth at some shows. So thanks to my wife and Ginger’s husband and all the other supportive partners out there.Glaze_thepotterystudio Hands Down, my family and life all around me. Just can(‘t) pick one. ? so many influences floating all around us!I think this is my favorite response because it’s closest to what I would say. It is natural for the people that you are closest to, to influence you the most. It has even been said by Jim Rohn that you are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with. I’m not sure of the specifics but this idea seems to make a lot of sense. Growing up I spent a lot of time with my parents. And considering my very DNA came from theirs, they have had a tremendous influence on me. Both have been very supportive of my own creative endeavours and provided me with plenty of opportunities. My dad had a pole barn while I was growing up and it was filled with woodworking tools and materials. My brother and I got to go out there a lot and build things and destroy stuff and just explore a lot of things. My mom was always engaged in some kind of creative activity from oil painting and stained glass to basket weaving and quilting. They were both always working on something and I think that has shaped my own idea of self worth being related to creating things. So in a foundational sort of way, my parents and other family members have set me on a path to create and eventually I found my way to clay.All the teachers I’ve had have influenced me to varying degrees. I’m sure my ceramics professor at Huntington University has influenced my work more than I can even imagine. Professor Coffman taught me how to throw, mix clay and glazes and fire kilns. It would be interesting to see if my work would be much different if someone else had taught me with their own spin on the basics.As for directly influencing my work, I’d have to say that other potters have had a lot of influence. As I’ve mentioned before I’ve incorporated into my own work some things that I appreciate in work by potters that live near me. Listen to episode 5 if you want to hear more about that. I’m also inspired by plenty of potters online. Sometimes it’s not even an exact technique or a certain design element. Sometimes I just look at all the amazing work on Instagram and Pinterest and think, “Look at the detail on the bottom of that mug, I should put a little more effort into mine instead of just a plain clay foot.If I had to pick just one person with the most influence, at this point, I would have to flip a coin with Dick Lehman on one side and Justin Rothshank on the other. You may not be able to tell at first glance if you looked at my work alongside Dick or Justin’s. At least I hope it’s not too obvious. But I probably wouldn’t be making antique world map mugs or maybe not even using decals at all if it weren’t for Justin. I learned the technique from him years ago during classes and workshops and then I’ve had a chance to see how far he has taken the technique in his own work. He didn’t teach me just the technique, he has inspired me to think about how the decals can be part of the whole surface, all the way around. I also like his loose throwing style. I still throw relatively tight forms to begin with but I like to add a little “wonk” to make each piece a little different.Dick has had a similar influence. I’ve started to experiment with a little more texture on my pots after seeing some of his techniques. He has also inspired me to develop some glaze combinations that work well on texture and really add a lot of interest to the surface. Some of his wood and soda fired pots are just unbelievable. I don’t fire in these environments a lot but I like to put glazes together that will add a certain randomness to the surface. I also am fascinated with the way he can tell a story with his work and include such organic forms and gesture. I still like I’m focusing most of my attention on the details of function so I haven’t advanced that far yet. But I do think about it a lot.So, these two guys have been the biggest influence on my work so far. But with technology, I feel like there have been, and will be, many potters that influence my work that I haven’t even met in person. Too many to name right now. Maybe we’ll have to have a topic about your favorite potters of instagram.And speaking of influence, if you didn’t listen to the last episode, I have a couple ways that you may be able to connect with some other potters and clay artists. On the Expert Clay blog we will start a featured maker series. If you are interested in sharing about yourself and your work send a note to brandon@expertclay.com so I know you’re interested and I’ll send you the details. By the time you are listening to this episode, I hope to finalize a place to send your information.I’ll also be starting an Expert Insight series. This will be a little different and will highlight part of the process that you really enjoy or that makes your work unique. And I’m open to other ways to allow other people to participate and share their thoughts and work. So let me know if you have some good ideas.Remember, you can leave a review for the MudTalk Podcast on itunes or the Play Store. You can also share your thoughts at expertclay.com/mtp about any of the topics that have been covered.Thanks for listening and thanks especially to all of you who shared your biggest influence. In the next episode we'll discover what kind of clay many of you use and why you use it. Until then, stay muddy.

In this episode we will discover who has had the greatest influence in our work. <h2>Resources</h2> <a href="https://expertclay.com/become-featured-maker/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sign up to be a featured maker!</a> <a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/271873" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jim Rohn quotes</a> <h2>Transcript</h2>Thank you for listening. This is episode number 12. In this episode, many of you shared who has had the biggest influence on your work. This is an interesting question to me because most of us are influenced by so many different people. There were a few responses about the influence of nature and family. A couple people noted the influence of teachers or instructors. Most of the responses mentioned other potters as a dominant influence. We’ll hear those comments and at the end I’ll share a few of my favorite responses and try to pick just one person as the biggest influence for my own work. Before we get started, I just want to apologize again for any mispronunciations that I have surely made and will make. If I mess up your name, let me know. Now, let’s get to the responses. <h3>Nature</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mimiho_cat/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mimiho_cat</a>,  <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dowidat.ceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dowidat.ceramics</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tselut_official/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tselut_official</a> all said that nature is their biggest influence. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/teerraku/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Teerraku</a> The universe <h3>Family</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jeikobu_jeikobu/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jeikobu_jeikobu</a> My mom. <h3>Teachers / Professors</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/studio2ceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Studio2ceramics</a> Our college ceramics professor has had so much influence on our work. His compassion and generosity is something we want to always express in clay. ❤ <a href="https://www.instagram.com/octopusceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Octopusceramics</a> Definitely my art teachers, mainly the one I have now at the studio I go to! Now that I'm on Instagram too, there are so many potters that inspire me every day <h3>Other Potters</h3>A majority of the responses mentioned other ceramic artists and potters. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/claybylaura/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Claybylaura</a> It's hard to pick just one. I've had some incredible teachers and influencers along the way. Most recently, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/amysanderspottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@amysanderspottery</a> opened my eyes and taught me incredible hand building techniques that I use in my current creations. She is a warm, funny and very giving instructor in addition to being a fantastic clay role model! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/judykepes/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Judykepes</a> As a kid it was Durer, as a young adult I worked for Richard Shaw and studied with Ron Nagle both of whom influenced my world view not just my art. Huge debt of gratitude to them. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jude_prevost_ceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jude_prevost_ceramics</a> I have had many teachers who influenced me and watched a wide variety of ceramic artists for inspiration... My husband brings me textures and tools he creates at work that have a big influence on what I decide to create... But I took a workshop a few years ago from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/judyweeden/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#judyweeden</a> and as a handbuilder her tips and info were priceless. She taught me about timing, about leather, soft leather and how to join pieces at any stage... That by far was the biggest influence on how I treat the clay and how I work with each piece <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mudsmoke/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mudsmoke</a> Deborah Shapiro is a legend. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/claritatrucco/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Claritatrucco</a> To me <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tortus/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@tortus</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jpiercepottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jpiercepottery</a> Without a doubt <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jenallenceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@jenallenceramics</a> is the person that has influenced me the most! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gnome_island_studios/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gnome_island_studios</a> I'm learning a lot from my fellow sculptors <a href="https://www.instagram.com/redbrickceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@redbrickceramics</a> This weekend <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tom_michelson/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@tom_michelson</a> gave me a lot to ponder. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/joethrows/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@joethrows</a> helped me save a piece recently. In the past <a href="https://www.instagram.com/medicatedlimbs/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@medicatedlimbs</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/artknok/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@artknok</a> taught me a bunch, as did <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ryanmccullen/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ryanmccullen</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sallyannesadler/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sallyannesadler</a> Soji Hamada. Marianne de Trey. Bernard Leach. Peter Lane. John Takehara. And Lucie Rie. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/woodywood250/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Woodywood250</a> Susie bowman! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/skunke1/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Skunke1</a> Jean-nicolas gerrard <a href="https://www.facebook.com/laura.silberman.58?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Laura S</a> It's hard to pick just one. I've had some incredible teachers and influencers along the way. Most recently, @amysanderspottery opened my eyes and taught me incredible hand building techniques that I use in my current creations. She is a warm, funny and very giving instructor in addition to being a fantastic clay role model! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/anna.marie.562329?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anna R</a> I think Lucie Rie and Diana Fayt. The first for shape the second for decoration. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/claybabe?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Maggie T</a> ron meyers <h3>Other</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tracymurphyceramicartist/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tracymurphyceramicartist</a> Myself. I'm the only one I do this for. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/anyguelmann/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anyguelmann</a> As a child and teen, my mom, the artistic polymath. As an adult, working at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/etsy/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@etsy</a> and watching incredible Etsy sellers make a living off of their creativity and talent. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pathwaypottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pathwaypottery</a> To be honest I've learned more from YouTube than I did at school. I didn't realize how much I hadn't been taught until I got out on my own. <h3>Favorites</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gingerbarrheafey/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ginger barr heafey</a> I am surprised by my own answer...my husband. He gives an honest critique, is encouraging, and appreciates my labor of love. Thanks for making me think about this! You’re welcome Ginger. I’m glad that you shared your answer with us. And I have to agree. After thinking about it, one of my biggest influences is my wife. She says she doesn’t have a creative bone in her body. And maybe she doesn’t influence my actual pots that much. But her overall influence is amazing. She supports me and my work, in many ways. She is always encouraging but isn’t afraid to be honest if she doesn’t like something. She takes care of the family finances so I can focus on my business finances. She takes care of the kids and the housework so I have time to work on my pots after my day job if I want. I haven’t talked her into actually helping make pots or mixing glazes or loading the kiln but she will share ideas for new work or tell me why she likes or doesn’t like pots that I make or we see from other potters. She even helps me run the booth at some shows. So thanks to my wife and Ginger’s husband and all the other supportive partners out there. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/glaze_thepotterystudio/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Glaze_thepotterystudio</a> Hands Down, my family and life all around me. Just can(‘t) pick one. ? so many influences floating all around us! I think this is my favorite response because it’s closest to what I would say. It is natural for the people that you are closest to, to influence you the most. It has even been said by Jim Rohn that you are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with. I’m not sure of the specifics but this idea seems to make a lot of sense. Growing up I spent a lot of time with my parents. And considering my very DNA came from theirs, they have had a tremendous influence on me. Both have been very supportive of my own creative endeavours and provided me with plenty of opportunities. My dad had a pole barn while I was growing up and it was filled with woodworking tools and materials. My brother and I got to go out there a lot and build things and destroy stuff and just explore a lot of things. My mom was always engaged in some kind of creative activity from oil painting and stained glass to basket weaving and quilting. They were both always working on something and I think that has shaped my own idea of self worth being related to creating things. So in a foundational sort of way, my parents and other family members have set me on a path to create and eventually I found my way to clay. All the teachers I’ve had have influenced me to varying degrees. I’m sure my ceramics professor at Huntington University has influenced my work more than I can even imagine. Professor Coffman taught me how to throw, mix clay and glazes and fire kilns. It would be interesting to see if my work would be much different if someone else had taught me with their own spin on the basics. As for directly influencing my work, I’d have to say that other potters have had a lot of influence. As I’ve mentioned before I’ve incorporated into my own work some things that I appreciate in work by potters that live near me. Listen to episode 5 if you want to hear more about that. I’m also inspired by plenty of potters online. Sometimes it’s not even an exact technique or a certain design element. Sometimes I just look at all the amazing work on Instagram and Pinterest and think, “Look at the detail on the bottom of that mug, I should put a little more effort into mine instead of just a plain clay foot. If I had to pick just one person with the most influence, at this point, I would have to flip a coin with Dick Lehman on one side and Justin Rothshank on the other. You may not be able to tell at first glance if you looked at my work alongside Dick or Justin’s. At least I hope it’s not too obvious. But I probably wouldn’t be making antique world map mugs or maybe not even using decals at all if it weren’t for Justin. I learned the technique from him years ago during classes and workshops and then I’ve had a chance to see how far he has taken the technique in his own work. He didn’t teach me just the technique, he has inspired me to think about how the decals can be part of the whole surface, all the way around. I also like his loose throwing style. I still throw relatively tight forms to begin with but I like to add a little “wonk” to make each piece a little different. Dick has had a similar influence. I’ve started to experiment with a little more texture on my pots after seeing some of his techniques. He has also inspired me to develop some glaze combinations that work well on texture and really add a lot of interest to the surface. Some of his wood and soda fired pots are just unbelievable. I don’t fire in these environments a lot but I like to put glazes together that will add a certain randomness to the surface. I also am fascinated with the way he can tell a story with his work and include such organic forms and gesture. I still like I’m focusing most of my attention on the details of function so I haven’t advanced that far yet. But I do think about it a lot. So, these two guys have been the biggest influence on my work so far. But with technology, I feel like there have been, and will be, many potters that influence my work that I haven’t even met in person. Too many to name right now. Maybe we’ll have to have a topic about your favorite potters of instagram. And speaking of influence, if you didn’t listen to the last episode, I have a couple ways that you may be able to connect with some other potters and clay artists. On the Expert Clay blog we will start a featured maker series. If you are interested in sharing about yourself and your work send a note to <a href="mailto:brandon@expertclay.com">brandon@expertclay.com</a> so I know you’re interested and I’ll send you the details. By the time you are listening to this episode, I hope to finalize a place to send your information. I’ll also be starting an Expert Insight series. This will be a little different and will highlight part of the process that you really enjoy or that makes your work unique. And I’m open to other ways to allow other people to participate and share their thoughts and work. So let me know if you have some good ideas. Remember, you can leave a review for the MudTalk Podcast on itunes or the Play Store. You can also share your thoughts at <a href="https://expertclay.com/mtp/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">expertclay.com/mtp</a> about any of the topics that have been covered. Thanks for listening and thanks especially to all of you who shared your biggest influence. In the next episode we'll discover what kind of clay many of you use and why you use it. Until then, stay muddy.

012 – Who Has Influenced Your Work?

ResourcesClay companies mentioned: Standard Ceramic Laguna Clay Sheffield Pottery New Mexico Clay Amaco Aardvark Clay Highwater Clays Valentine Clays Plainsman Clays Continental Clay Keane Ceramics Potclays  TranscriptWelcome to episode 13. Now we are getting down to the nuts and bolts. Or should I say the alumina and silica? Because this episode is all about clay. What clay do you use and why do you use it? There was a lot of discussion on this topic which is unsurprising. If you have a bunch of people that are passionate about clay, one of the best topics to talk about is probably clay! Hopefully this episode will give you some things to think about if you want to try a new clay or just need a change.And remember, if there is something you want to remember or explore, you can find the show notes for this episode, and every episode, at expertclay.com. Just click on “podcast” in the menu and find the right episode. One cool thing about the show notes is that all the names are actually links to the social media account of the person that left the comment so you can get in touch with somebody if you have questions or want to start a secret bmix fanclub or something.So let’s get to the discussion. Most of the comments are grouped by the manufacturer of the clays mentioned. I saved a few of my favorite responses for the end. I’ll also share 5 things to consider when choosing a clay.Standard Ceramics EricaBodinePottery Standard Ceramics 112 Speckled Brown. I love how I can push this clay body to limits other clays won't tolerate. Need a piece finished in a short time? This clay will make you happy. I love the results the manganese gives. I had someone ask me once if I put glitter in my clay. ?✨?Elanpottery Standard 182 I love the white canvas it provides while still being sturdy for functional ware and easy to throw with.Rdceramics Standard 182 no grog. It's very nice to throw with, good for carving and is a great canvas for my glaze selectionWhimandvigor Love Standard's 153. It's an absolute workhorse: works for throwing and handbuilding, fires beautifully, reclaims well.Stiff.clay.studio I flip flop between Standard 181 and Loafers Glory. Both take glaze like a dream and are delightful to throw with. I've even accidentally mixed them together in a slop bucket and the reclaim was fabulous too!SharonMerchantivy My favorite is Standard 378 because of the richness the color and the speckles add to my glazes after firing. Unfortunately, I don't have a local supplier now that I've moved to MS and am about to start the search for a different clay.Laguna Mudandyarn I'm a HUGE fan of Laguna Clay's speckled stoneware! I just love letting a good chunk of the natural clay show on pots so you can feel the texture and see the beauty of it!HomemadeTastesBetterOnHandmade Was using primarily Laguna BMix/Wood, but since our studio has become a Laguna Clay distributor, it's been hard to resist trying other clays. Currently using Laguna/Miller 850 in production, and testing out darker clays, too. Also trying BMix/grog for some wood ash firings.Claybylaura I use a low fire white Laguna Clay right now. I like playing with Amaco underglaze and Glaze combinations on the textured surface of my pieces with a 'bright' color palette. These all seem to play nice together. ( I switched from a different low fire clay about a year ago when I started having problems with glaze popping off a finished piece -- even long after flring).Cedarhillchick Cone 10 B-Mix. It is good for hand building, looks great fired in a gas kiln or wood fired kiln. Also like Ann's wood &amp; soda clay from NM Clay.Laurieandwilliam ^6 B mix, red clay, Speckled Buff. All laguna, beautiful throwing properties. Those 3 cover pretty much any mood I'm in!Gnome_island_studios My all time favorite sculpture clay was Coconut Crackle from #leslieceramics but they discontinued it. Sad. So now BMix and Cassius Basaltic.Fiddlequick The community studio i use just discontinued what i use (B Clay) so now trying Dover with sand. We'll see.Kt_ceramics I use Bmix (no grog). I like the smoothness. The grog hurts my hands too and a small allergic reactionPathwaypottery B mix, cone 5. I like how it fires almost white. It is easy and consistent.Studio4art We work with children in a hands on art studio. We use b-mix ?5. It is smooth, and easy to manipulate for our creators as young as 2, and the white body takes underglazes well.ChadanTomlinCreations I love working with cone 5 bmix. I just love how smooth and buttery is throws. I haven't really experimented with many other clay though. But I don't see myself switching from bmix any time soon.Sheffield Pottery Judypeterson 63B from Sheffield Pottery for the last 20 years! Cone 6New Mexico Clay Muddypawspottery I use two different clays ...a white one that is a great throwing body called wh8 from New Mexico clay and a black clay called chocolate that they started to make after I sent them samples of a discontinued clay I loved and needed. It's so smooth and once I add my slip I can draw on these pieces like I do with my white clay. Both stand up well to the dry Arizona climate and attachments do esp well with the wh8. I've used other companies clay but New Mexico clay is the best and they have superior customer service as well.Amaco Britnyballpottery When I had an actual studio in undergrad I mixed my own clay. Porcelain with just a little bit of grog for stability. Now that I have my own home studio and lack the ability to mix my own I've been buying Amaco white stonewareAardvark TheHipsterLemon Love the beautiful black body provided by aardvark's Cassius, absolutely gorgeous clay body.Octopusceramics Mid fire Nara porcelain ?? it's so beautifully white without feeling or acting like a finicky porcelainAnnameiceramics Coleman porcelain cone 10 reduction. I like how celadon glazes turn beautifully.Mas.paloma Coleman ?10 (fired at ?6), Cassius Ballistic (favorite, but stains too much - anyone have any tips for removing/finger guards?) and trying out Nara5 tomorrow!Highwater kristihillstudiosI love dark, iron rich clay bodies. Right now my two favorites are Ellen Buff and Brownstone from Highwater.Madmadepottery I have tried 7 of Highwater clays. Currently I'm obsessed with orange stone and half and half because they have a firing range of cone 6-10. I can fire them in my electric kiln (cone 6) at home, or at a local art school in the gas reduction kiln (cone 10) I guess I like having options! I used to use speckled brownstone but was cautioned that the manganese particles could be bad for your health.Valentines Clay (UK) Merskata Audrey Blackman porcelain, it is good for throwing.Plainsman Stonecropstudio Fairly new to pottery world. Am using P300 cone 6 "porcelain" produced by Plainsman in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Fine textured and fluid to throw, fires to a lovely white that takes underglaze colours brilliantly. What would I change? It's expansion rate is pretty high; I'm always anxious about possible crazing in glazes.Other Ceramica_carol_tsai Here in Brazil this is a big drama. Clay body offered here have low quality.Ketner I love our studio recycle. It is such a beautiful color and the grog causes the glaze to be speckled. It is also pretty easy to throw. I'd change the overall regularity. The recycle can sometimes have chunks and lumps in it.Mike W Since i have chosen to do "Alternative Firing".. My choice of clay is White Stoneware. The clay is great for Raku, Horsehair, Blackware, Saggar and Barrel Fired ceramics.Maryan P Right now I use a cone 6-9 white stoneware paper clay from Spain. It's buttery, strong, and very forgiving. Fires beautifully. Shows color well. Easy to mend if mishaps occur.Cathy G I have been making pottery and taking classes for a year and I have used hazelnut,brown,raku stoneware,b-mix,and porcelain. Most of these have been set by the teacher for the class, but I have chosen porcelain over other clay twice now. I love the way you can smooth and fold around,stretch to breaking and challenge it to behave and not crack. I hand build and I like to push limits. Here is my teapot at bisque.Noahkildoo_ceramics I like to use native Pennsylvania clay, I love the grit and sand of throwing natural clay.Marianwilliamspottery BRT for handbuilding- can't fault it; white raku for sculptures; Lumina porcelain is the most amazing clay-a dream to throw!Ritalayman I'm new at pottery. The last clay I bought was a tan speckled. It's beautiful but is hard to throw (at least for me). I plan on using porcelain next.Earthartam I use many different kinds, mostly from Georgie's in Portland OR, because I like variety.LadyTokioBlue I love the red and white Clay's from school (because I am still looking for a shop to buy clay from.) I like the red more actually, it stays hydrated longer and it is just smoother all around to wedge.BrettRobertsCeramics I have used continental mid fire white and have recently started using standard creamy white stoneware cone six. Teaching high school I like to have a versatile clay for my students that I also like aesthetically. I like the lighter color clays for the color response for the students but I often find myself wanting to go drastically different such as terra-cottas or cinnamon colored clays. There is just simply too many options in the world of clayArtbygretamichelle I'm a porcelain and stoneware gal. Mostly porcelain. It started out as a challenge accepted kind of thing. I read when I started out that porcelain was this diva clay which got my back up. Now however, we have come to love each other: the smoothness, the way it throws or handbuilds, the way it accepts surface treatments and glazes...beautiful. I use DL porcelain ^10 from potclays and Norma's porcelain ^10 and frost porcelain ^6 from Laguna. Would love to try some Helios, Coleman or Limoge if I could get my hands on them. I would change the way frost cracks so easily and make it easily available here.Anna R I use a mix of clays depending on what I am making. Sculpture or functional and different firings. So stoneware,porcelain, raku and white or buff.Favorites Muddyhands789 I use a recipe that I formulated during undergrad. It is a white stoneware that has high grog &amp; sand because I am heavy-handed while throwing. It also has Lincoln Fireclay in it for the possibility of atmospheric firings, and can is stable from ^6 - ^14. My clay body fires out bright white with dirty speckles of iron in an electric kiln, and blushes beautiful oranges &amp; peaches in salt &amp; wood kilns. I have the recipe sent to Laguna to be mixed &amp; sent back in 50lb dry mix bags, so that all I have to do is add water. It's perfect everytime!Thanks MuddyHands for this very detailed reply. This seems to be a brilliant option if you can make it work. Of course, developing your own clay recipe will probably take a lot of time and testing but you can get just the right characteristics. Another great idea to save time is to have someone else mix the clay for you. I bet shipping clay in dry powder form is much cheaper than shipping it moist but that means you have to take the time to add water yourself. So, just like choosing any commercial clay, there are plenty of things to consider. Maybe for some of you, this option is something that will fit your situation better than what you are doing now.Pottermiller There isn't enough space on Instagram to answer that question. Currently working in 5 bodies because glazes do different things on different bodies..... it's not a one size fits all solution.This is very true. Instead of trying new glazes, you could try a new clay and quite possibly double your color palette. Though for some, it’s tricky to use more than one clay body in a small space or with limited resources, it’s a lot of fun to try new clays.MudworksP.A. Sheffield Pottery mixes a clay for us here at MudWorks. We get it screened, and delivered in batches of five tons at a time. It is beige in color and works well for throwing and handbuilding. When I decided twenty plus years ago to open a studio that offered classes I made the decision to have only one clay type so as not to have scraps of different colors and cone temps being mixed together. I wanted to make functional pieces, so I chose a midrange beige and then developed my glazes to work with that clay. Haven't changed my mind since, though I've been tempted to experiment with other clays! Til now, I've stuck with this.Thanks Mudworks for this response which shows some of the benefits to using just one clay.Tombhala I love all the clay! Throw any type at me and I will try it out:) from porcelain to grogzilla to super short local clay straight out the earth. The action is the reward! Give thanks everyone, every time you sit at the wheel it is a gift of experience, an opportunity to surrender to the clay, listen and learn. You are a potter and not a politician, and that is a good thing. Stay muddy!Stay muddy indeed, Tombhala! I love the attitude of experimentation. Sometimes I wish I could just try all the different clays. See how they throw, how my glazes change on each one, how they look in different firing environments. I also agree that it is a gift to sit at the wheel and work with clay. There are a lot less interesting things that you could be doing. Thank you for your inspiring comment.Here’s a random thought for today: As I was reading through the comments, one of my first thoughts was: “I wonder if I could guess what region of the country or world most of you are from, just based on the clay that you use?” It seems like clay is regional. I assume mostly because the cost of shipping compared to the cost of the actual product. It sounds like some of you use clay that comes from outside your home region and I’m sure clay companies keep extending their reach but I wonder what the actual numbers look like?Anyway, here at the end I’ll share a few things you can consider while choosing a clay body. And, a quick side note: I’m just about to record the last few videos for my first course at expert clay. The course is an introduction to making pottery for complete beginners and the next video will be about how to choose a clay. So this is the perfect fit.I use two clays by Amaco, Warm Brown Stoneware and Buff Stoneware. Here are a few things I considered while choosing a clay that works best for me.Glaze fitMake sure your glazes fit the clay or you could get a lot of glaze faults such as crazing and shivering. The two clays I use work well with almost all my glazes.Shrinkage and absorptionIf you make functional pots you don’t want the bare clay to absorb too much water. One thing I like about my clays is that they have low absorption rates when fired to the temperature that I fire to. Firing temperature is one of the variables that affects absorption and shrinkage so check with the manufacturer to see how your clay performs at your firing temperature.Texture / grogI prefer smooth clay with little or no texture most of the time. The warm brown stoneware has a little tooth to it but I don’t mind a little bit. You have to use a clay that fits your own process. If you do a lot of intricate carving, you probably don’t want a clay with a lot of texture.ColorThe color of the clay can really affect the look of glazes. One reason I like using a lighter and a darker clay is because it’s almost like I have twice as many glazes because most of them look different on the two different clays.PricePrice can be an important factor for what clay you choose. Generally, the more expensive clay is purer or made from more expensive materials. You can buy the most expensive clay but if it doesn’t fit you or your process, it isn’t going to help you at all. One other thing to consider is the price and convenience of getting the clay to your location. Moist clay can cost a lot to ship. One of the major reasons I use two amaco clays is because the local art store has them in stock 20 minutes away. It isn’t the highest quality clay, in fact, it’s marketed more toward schools, but it is convenient to get and pretty cheap. So, since it fits my process, I'm happy to use it for many different things.Alright, that concludes our episode. And remember if you want to leave a comment, you can go to expertclay.com/mtp and share your thoughts about this episode or any episode in the past or in the future. And look for new mudtalk monday topics you can participate in soon on the Pottery Making Info social media accounts.The topic for our next episode is: what advice would you give yourself if you could talk to yourself when you were a beginner. So until then, stay muddy.Also, here is another project that I've been working on that seems to fit this episode:Order clay shirt here.

013 – What Clay Do You Use?

Resources Start with Why by Simon Sinek - mentioned in the podcast (affiliate link)Leave a message: share your thoughts about the podcast! Expert Clay Blog TranscriptAnd we’re back. Finally. If you’ve been following along you may have noticed that there has been a long wait for this episode. I thought over the summer I would have more time... but then I got really busy for a while. Mostly doing awesome things. I’ll probably post some of the awesome things on my instagram @artbyfuzzy. You can check it out there so I don’t have to bore you with the details here.Anyway, thanks for your patience! This is episode 14 of the MudTalk Podcast and it’s a great one. The topic is: Advice You Would Give Yourself As A Beginner. There were an enormous amount of responses so I trimmed out quite a few that were similar to others. Sorry if your comment didn’t make the cut.As always, you can check the show notes at expertclay.com. One thing to note before we get started is that the advice offered here was aimed at someone else so some of it may not fit your business, personality, style or situation.There was a variety of advice. We’ll start with some very general advice and then hear some encouraging words. There was also advice to keep learning and stay focused. At the end we will hear some really practical advice and then a couple of responses that were MY favorite.General AdviceSo let’s start with some general advice, mostly short and sweet.Pradnyagulwani Let go…Tara_bane Let it go and it will flowVeralucile_ Slow downTerraforms There's no accounting for taste.Jay.decker You don't know if you've gone far enough, until you've gone too far.Nicolaashley1101 Practice, practice and practiceS.hellybelly Cut your nails.Stewartcampbell61 Listen to everyone, ask questions, then do it your way.Crazikaren Go for the moneySheri_mccullah Start younger with the Arts.Sarahbethpottery The 'perfect pot' is overratedEncouragement / Positive AttitudeThere were plenty of responses full of encouragement and reminders to have a positive attitude.Fibromyalgia_fitness If I knew Im going to get all I want, I would never stress and had lots of fun. Stress has made me sick but fun could make me more healthy to enjoy my blessings.Clay_lady Enjoy the journey of crafting pottery and people you meet along the way.Yuvikabader Be patient. As the old Indian saying goes, do the work and don't worry about the outcome. Love these conversations. And this virtual clay community you have created :) thanks!Highleycrafted Have more confidence in yourself and go for it.Anni_s_t Have fun and try bolder stuffDtaylorsatm Believe in yourself now! Don't listen to the naysayers! Recognize your limits, but excel in the possibilities.Musingaboutmud You think it's fun now? Just you wait... ???it only gets better.Judykepes Don't let your negative inner voice rule your thinking- you will look back at your stuff 20 years later and say" wow, that sh**s pretty cool, wonder why I thought it all sucked"Angeltilpottery Be patient!Airingout_clay Don't stop. Do what you love.Redboatstudio "Patience is a virtue make yourself rich" Very true working with clay :)Melliferapottery You will get there, so enjoy the ride!smileygirlartis t It seems like progress is slow now, but be diligent, be patient, and you'll improve faster than you thought you could! Don't be afraid to experiment, don't be afraid to cut something in half, don't be afraid to try new glazes. You got this!Dsummrs Stop being so critical of yourself and make stuff every day!East2westpottery You WILL make a better version of the last thing you made. Keep making.Earthartam Yes, go for it! It all turns out great! Oh wait...that's what my younger self told herself.Ceramic_amateur Don't get emotionally invested in a piece until it is fully complete and set in placeHillbippieclayco You'll solve one problem and another will arise. Keep solving ✌️Artbygretamichelle Just keep throwing stuff.Bluee_pottery Your teacher doesn't always know what your capable of, you can do a lot more than they think you can so just go for itHnilebo You can always try again and again and again and...Michellebowceramics Make space in your life to do this now... buy a pottery wheel... join a pottery club... go for it ??Kali DG Throw... often, everyday, anytime and under any circumstances.... teach your body to remember so your mind can relax... this is your happy place.Kerry D Don't stress about centering! It will happen! Keep practising! ?Learning? / ImprovingNow we’ll hear some advice about learning or improving.Flowergurl4eva Learn all you can about glazes, before spending lots of money on them.Woodywood250 Learn all you can. Absorb it like a sponge and don't ring it out!Orvietoclayart There is no substitute for putting the time into learning, exploring and experimenting.. to finding your vision and intimately getting to know the medium. Take risks they are short cuts to knowledge downloads ?Laurieandwilliam You'll ALWAYS and forever be trying to improve your skills, so relax!Teval_guner Every mistake teaches you something, so smile at the mistakes you make.Atomicselection You will get the experience exactly after the point at which it would have been useful.Wildfirepotterypenn You think you know a lot, but you know less than a drop in the bucket.Lori W Don't fuss over individual pieces; focus on gaining skill, not how many pots are on the board at the end of the day.FocusThere were a few responses about staying focused.Mepifano Don't waste time, do this and nothing else.Jh_ceramics Only make what you enjoy making, NOT what you think other people will like.Sandywithaq Pick one thing and do it well.D.nelson.oman.art Give yourself time. Time and focus are your best assets.Doris L R You don't have to make production pottery. One piece of art is original. Don't be bound by perfection. Imperfection is beauty.Practical AdviceSome of the following responses offer some practical advice.Crw_designs Great topic. So many ideas.... Don't take breaks from creating. Involve yourself more with the clay community. Don't work in your classroom; have your own space.Ericabodinepottery Work smarter, not harder. If a piece isn't working out, and it's taking you longer to fix it than it would to make a whole new piece, make the new piece. Also, sometimes there are days that just aren't clay days. You know, when nothing is working out. Those days are for working on other things. Cooking, relaxing, or just self reflection. It's a balance.Santesalvoni Don't forget to breathe. Really. Don't hold your breath. And , slow down. Take a minute to clean the slip off your wheel before thinking of your next pullCeramicbianka Cut everything in half.Bluelotuspottery That I like slab work more than wheel work.Littleblackberrycreekpots Brace yourself Effie. And don't forget to come out of the studio long enough to enjoy the other parts of your life, too. And pick some shows in places that you just want to go and see for yourself.Chadantomlincreations Use the sponge to pull! It wasn't till someone suggested I use the sponge that I finally was able to make decent pulls.Mamawikisonfromtheville How important it is to slip and score !?Christinesteinstudio Measure twice cut onceCasapangea make more piecesKathrynburnsclay Throw more pieces away.Pam E Tester tiles are worth the wait and extra effort! There are no short cuts in pottery making.FavoritesThese last few are a few that stuck out to ME. This part could be a lot longer because there were so many responses that I really loved. But here are 3 of my favorites.Claybylaura Relax and learn from your mistakes! I've learned to enjoy the process as much as the finished product. As a beginner, I wanted to keep everything I made. Now, if the end-result of my effort is flawed and not worth keeping (even after firing), I try to learn from the experience and let go (trash) of the bad result.Goddessoffire The path you take is right one for you. No matter what path you take.And a similar idea was shared byLittlepotteryshop When I first started out I would look at my more accomplished classmates' work and question my own. I've learned to never compare your work or your path in life to anyone else's. Be inspired, take chances, and take your time and things will evolve beautifully just as they are meant to!I like the idea that even though we are all working with clay, we are all different. Sometimes I feel like everyone else is telling us, hey, you have to do this or that. You have to have a bunch of instagram followers, you have to fire to a certain temperature, you have to throw 1000 pots per day, you have to use certain glazes, you have to focus on one thing, you have to charge a certain amount for your work, you have to spend more time with your family, you have to do this for the rest of your life, you have to do certain events, you have to get into galleries… and the list goes on. Most of the time people are just offering friendly advice which is actually really nice of them. The problem is that they don’t see things from your perspective. They usually don’t know your situation or your background or your dreams. That’s why it’s important to be careful about comparing yourself to other people. It’s okay to do things your way. I’ve just listened to the audiobook Start with Why by Simon Sinek. One of the things I took away from it was that you have to figure out what you actually want. For example, you may want to get your work into galleries. But why? Do you want to get your work in front of others? Do you want validation that your work is good? Do you want to sell more work? Once you figure out what you really want, can you actually get it by doing something else that fits your situation better? Something to think about as you listen to all the advice out there.So now, I’ll do just the opposite and tell you some things you HAVE to do! Okay, not really. But I’m going to try to think through what I would tell myself as I was just starting to make pottery and why.I think the first thing I would tell myself is: Improve your skills. There isn’t really a downside to improving your skills, just investing the time to do it. And the upside can be enormous. The most obvious thing is making better work. More comfortable handles, pots that aren’t so heavy and clunky, better function, better surfaces… improving your skills will just allow you to make better things. But the thing that would benefit ME most is the efficiency. The more skilled I have become, the more efficient I can make things. I can make a bowl in half the time it took me as a beginner. If I start adding up all the pots I’ve made, being more efficient sooner in my journey could have saved a lot of time.Another benefit of improving my skills to an adequate level is that it is a lot easier to explore different ideas, forms and styles. I could focus more on my own style sooner if I had the skills to do everything I wanted. So, what would this look like? For me, as a wheel thrower, I would just make a lot more pots on the wheel. Instead of throwing a bunch of random forms I would have thrown 20 of the same form and recycled 19 after really studying why I liked one the best. I could have also done exercises just to practice a certain skill. How tall of a cylinder can I make from a certain amount of clay? How thin can I make the walls before it collapses? I think if I would have focused a little more on this kind of stuff right away I would have had more confidence in my work and been able to explore more things sooner. But of course, hindsight is 20/20 and I don’t have any regrets. And one of the great things about working with clay, even as a beginner, is the chance to explore and try new things, and just have a good time.Another thing I would tell myself is to start a business as soon as I started selling my pots. This would have helped me keep track of my expenses and income a lot better and probably could have had some tax benefits. Plus it was a lot easier than I thought to start a business. Basically, I had to fill out a few forms, pay a couple small fees and then I opened a business account at the local credit union.One more thing that I would consider telling myself is to start an email list or work on my online presence right from the beginning. Now, I’m mostly including this just because I hear a lot of other people say this. And there isn’t really a downside to doing it other than investing the time. More followers means a bigger audience and a bigger audience usually means better odds to make sales. But I’m still not sure that I would have followed this advice myself. I sell most of my work at local shows. Plus I’m a little more private when it comes to social media. So I’m still finding my own path when it comes to this area.So what about you? Do you have anything you would tell yourself when you were a beginner? You can leave a message at expertclay.com/mtp. You can also check out the Expert Clay Blog where you will find the latest series of articles about Making the Most of Your Time in the Pottery Studio. As I’m recording this, I also have the next article almost finished so be on the lookout for that.Thanks for taking the time to listen. Our next episode is another good one: How to Price Your Work. Until then, stay muddy.

014 – Advice for Pottery Beginners

Resources Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/BTQ-5Malakj/?taken-by=potterymakinginfo YouTube video: https://youtu.be/Uu_qFDanGPY https://youtu.be/Uu_qFDanGPY Potters network discussions about pricing: https://www.facebook.com/groups/219780908063139/search/?query=pricing Article: 13 Things to Consider While Pricing Your Pots Pottery shirts(!): https://potteryshirts.com Transcript And we’re back! After a break that was much too long you are now listening to episode 15 of the MudTalk Podcast. And boy, let me tell you, this is quite an episode! In my opinion it has been packed with some of the most helpful thoughts I have read yet. But that may be because pricing my work is something that I’m still trying to figure out. So get excited if you are in the same boat. But first, a couple news items. I just want to give a huge thank you to everyone who has listened and shared or done anything to support the MudTalk Podcast in any way. Just before recording this episode, I took a quick look at the stats. In July there were over 1800 downloads and then in august we had over 2500 downloads. We’re at  over 8000 total downloads since episode 1 was published in February. That blows me away. Thank you so much just for giving this thing a chance and especially to all of you who have shared your thoughts. I know the last few episodes have had some long breaks in between. But I hope to get back into a more regular schedule. I’ve had some big things going on this summer. One upcoming event I’ll be participating in is the Michiana Pottery Tour on September 29th and 30th, 2018. If you are located in or near southern Michigan or Northern Indiana, it is a great event full of talented potters and ceramic artists. Get a map and find out more at michianapotterytour.com. I’m itching to get into the responses so I’ll save the next announcement for the end of the episode. Stay tuned for that. So, pricing our work… The elephant in the pottery studio so to speak. It can be a little uncomfortable, maybe even stressful. There are so many variables and everyone has a unique situation so there doesn’t seem to be a one formula fits all solution. Hopefully some of these comments will give you some ideas to make pricing your work a little easier. Instead of sorting the responses like I usually do, I’m just going to read them in approximate order of when they were made. But at the end I’ll share a list of 11 things that you can consider as you price your work. So let’s get to some of the responses to the question: How do you price your work? Billy H Number (of) hours plus material and add a little extra because its handcrafted Kate P There was a very good thread on Potters Network recently about pricing which would be worth looking up. Lots of sensible formulas and ideas. I’ll put a link in the show notes to the Potters Network group on Facebook and some of the pricing discussions. Kimberly W I’d love to hear everyones formulas on how to price their items. I love making pottery so much I have trouble putting a price on it. Plus I look at other peoples sites and sometimes have to take a second look (be)cause the pricing isn’t anything like mine. When i started selling my stuff, The advice I got was: Charge enough first off so your not always changing your prices and make sure to charge enough because its a competitive field and we need the pricing scale to stay constant. Its a place to start, but a clearer formula would be nice. _avonlea__ The going market price (for example a lot of mugs go for $30-$40) along with personal thoughts about the piece, time, and material. Then add 10%-20% that way if it shows in a gallery setting it's the same price as outside the gallery. Clients then know that's the price regardless of gallery Dallasbradbury shared a youtube video from Make Something. In the video you are encouraged to come up with a day rate, at minimum $500 per day. Then figure out your prices based on your day rate plus cost of materials. There will be a link to the video in the show notes. Hunter_maypottery @acr_art I price my work this way so that my online prices roughly match gallery prices. Prices of pieces may vary based on firing process, glaze, and clay body. Since some take more time and cost me more resources than others. Annaugustinpottery I use a base price of $12 per pound of wet clay and adjust upwards from there. So a basic 3# bowl starts at $36 and that's for a bowl that's not footed. I factor in how many times I handled the pot - footing, carvings, etc. Also, I consider glaze. If I use something other than my normal glazes I might have to account for any additional costs. ?I keep my prices the same across all selling platforms. Dtaylorsatm There are several warehouse pottery dealers in my area. I am a small batch clay crafter, therefore i price a little below their price to add my creations to the retailers selections. Indefatigable2 I am the same..time, material and creativity...but then how I feel in the moment really affects it too Bcoffman_art Everyone says people appreciate high priced items because they see it as quality. If you live in the "Walmart" Midwest, that isn't true at all. I have to sell at a lower pric point to even make a sale. It's all about context when selling. Pinezenpottery I just can't figure this one out. But I am a total newbie. My friend @snewceramics has impressed upon me the importance of not under pricing my work because it devalues my efforts AND the efforts of other makers to make a living. She also feels that pricing too low eliminates your ability to get wholesale opportunities that can make money. It's really hard as someone just starting out because I just don't feel confident enough to price too high. So I started pricing a mug at $22-$25. This last firing I decided to jump it to $33/mug because a lot more work went into each mug. (and 3 is my favorite #) ? this past Saturday I bought one of Mariko's @foragestudios Wonder Woman mugs for $75 and I wouldn't even blink to spend that much again on a mug she makes. But as another clay person I can appreciate all the work that went into making that mug a piece of art that also happens to carry my morning coffee to my mouth. Theclayteapot I'm a newbie and haven't actually sold anything yet, but I am working in that direction. I'm a logical thinker so I needed to create something I could remember and that seemed fair. Here's what I've come up with (it may change): charge a base price for any object. Larger size - add $5, trimming add $5, additional glazes used $5, (or $5 each depending on design), carving or other decorations add $5, handles, etc add $5. You see where this is going. Quick to add up in my head. So a regular mug with 2 layered glazes and a trimmed foot would end up being $25 if the base price was $10 (for a new potter). I'm not looking to make a lot of money, this is my hobby. Hope that helps, I'd love feedback on my idea. Foragestudios I think a lot about pricing and what goes into things.. it's no use trying to compete with Walmart etc, but if you put more one on one love time into say, a one dipped wonder in a souvenir shop then yes.. more than 25 should be your starting line for sure! Plus, if you are giving up to 50 to a gallery you need to seek a price out that makes it worth it just to get up in the morning!! Right?! When I started off I looked at where I wanted to be pricewise, and then looked at my work to see where it was in comparison..when in doubt, ask friends in the business and even gallery owners! Sometimes I find we sort of get blinded by the task and can't see or evaluate straight!! Enjoy your coffee!!! Canmorepottery Ideally, I'd like to figure out my hourly wage! By now, 8 years in, I have a pretty good idea of a mug's worth when I see it. (I see underpriced cups often!) But more creative pieces are really tough. A good mug should never be less than $25. Hmpottery Pricing is the difficult part and there are a few things I consider. Pricing equals valuing our own art. And I am my own worst critic. But I feel if we don't believe in ourselves and our Pottery, our buyers won't either. The value of our pieces is reflected in the $ we put on it. I also feel that a person's experience, time, and money invested in perfecting their craft should be counted and respected. As I have taken classes, gotten more creative and my own style started emerging, I increased my prices. I have learned to be more confident in my skill, and really believe the value I am putting on my own pottery. Twistedwoodpro I am a newer potter and at first I just made stuff and gave it away ??I knooow I knooow ? but it made my heart happy n that was payment enough. Now I have a website up n I specialize in necklace Pendants (so unlike mugs ... I've had a harder time with pricing) I do "one offs" at about $35-$55 depending on complexity and glazes/Time (because I still usually make 3 just in case there is a casualty when sanding or firing) lol! My standard rate has been $25-$35 per piece n that includes a tediously handcrafted wire necklace and quality closure. My close friends n family say it's to cheap for what I actually do, however I think it's more important to share the beauty and get my "stuff" out there and shown to the wonderful world ??? (I sure don't know what's best or right for everyone, but I would say, follow your heart and your dreams if you live with happiness n love, you'll never be wrong ?) Ibtis_pottery where I live ppl are not much into pottery, sometimes I'm the only Potter in the market, my prices have to be low, as I love making pottery I always have loads of it, mostly functional. From the start I decided on my prices by just looking at a piece n say to myself, well I think it should be this much, so I ended up by selling dinner plates for $ 18 , side plates $8 , cereal bowl or soup bowl 13, I'm not so good with handles so I make hand less cups usually smallish $8 platters are around $ 30. I might add a very few dollars if I took more time to decorate or special glaze, I do not make much from selling specially if my kiln is taking time off, then I must pay for firing Favorite Piperpottery I believe I'm currently using a dart ? board and a blindfold... Okay, this may not be the most serious response. But I love it because it helps us see how difficult pricing our work can be. Claybylaura This is a GREAT question and I look forward to seeing what other people say. I confess my method is not totally scientific. I take into consideration time and materials AND I also try to account for my creativity. I have one or two lower priced items that I consider advertising. I believe I need to have an item that any potential customer can afford; then I try to make them a repeat customer. It does not work every time -- but in the long run, has led to future sales. Sometimes I research a little to see what other people charge for items. For me, this is one of the hardest parts of the clay making/selling process. I love this comment from Clay By Laura. She considers a number of variables and has thought through why she prices things a certain way. But even after all that, it’s still not easy. Final Thoughts So, what do you think? Do you have some new ideas to work with when you price your pots? Hopefully you have a little more clarity. I don’t consider myself qualified enough to offer advice on pricing your work but I will say this: Your work and process and situation are not the same as anyone else. So don’t feel like you HAVE price your work a certain way. Figure out what works for you. There were a few resources mentioned and I’ll have a link for those in the show notes. Go to expertclay.com and click on PODCAST in the top menu to find the list of episodes and you can click on each episode to read the notes. Here’s another resource you can get your hands on. I’ve written an article at expertclay.com that lists 13 things for you to consider while you price your pots. You can read the article to get a little more detail but the list includes things like:  Expenses Your Time Financial Goals Creativity / Uniqueness Your Experience or Expertise Your Market Your Customers Price of Similar Products The Pottery Community The Economy The Purpose of the Piece You are Pricing Supply and Demand Your Overall Philosophy   Go to expertclay.com and click on BLOG in the menu to read more about each idea. Pottery Shirts And now for the big announcement before we close this episode. Okay, maybe not big… but something pretty cool. If you didn’t already know, I’ve designed some pottery shirts and have sold them through instagram and potterymakinginfo.com for a little while now. But now I have launched a site dedicated to nothing but pottery shirts. Find it, of course, at potteryshirts.com. Now you can get a better selection of shirt styles and colors than before. I still need to make a few small fixes and organize some things but you can order yourself a new shirt as you listen to this. And I’m currently working on a new design made just for the listeners of this podcast. I should have it ready by the time you listen to this so go see if you can find the new design. If you need a hint, just listen to the very end of every MudTalk podcast episode. Head over to potteryshirts.com and take advantage of a special site-launch discount. Yes, for a limited time you can save a few dollars on every shirt that you order to celebrate the new site. Remember, every purchase helps support this podcast, potterymakinginfo.com and expertclay.com. Thanks again for all your support. In our next episode, we’ll find out what one skill you would like to increase the most. Good luck pricing your pots and until next time, stay muddy.

<h2>Resources</h2> Instagram post: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BTQ-5Malakj/?taken-by=potterymakinginfo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/p/BTQ-5Malakj/?taken-by=potterymakinginfo</a> YouTube video: <a href="https://youtu.be/Uu_qFDanGPY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/Uu_qFDanGPY</a> <a href="https://youtu.be/Uu_qFDanGPY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/Uu_qFDanGPY</a> Potters network discussions about pricing: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/219780908063139/search/?query=pricing" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/groups/219780908063139/search/?query=pricing</a> Article: <a href="https://expertclay.com/pricing-pots/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">13 Things to Consider While Pricing Your Pots</a> Pottery shirts(!): <a href="https://potteryshirts.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://potteryshirts.com</a> <h2>Transcript</h2> And we’re back! After a break that was much too long you are now listening to episode 15 of the MudTalk Podcast. And boy, let me tell you, this is quite an episode! In my opinion it has been packed with some of the most helpful thoughts I have read yet. But that may be because pricing my work is something that I’m still trying to figure out. So get excited if you are in the same boat. But first, a couple news items. I just want to give a huge thank you to everyone who has listened and shared or done anything to support the MudTalk Podcast in any way. Just before recording this episode, I took a quick look at the stats. In July there were over 1800 downloads and then in august we had over 2500 downloads. We’re at  over 8000 total downloads since episode 1 was published in February. That blows me away. Thank you so much just for giving this thing a chance and especially to all of you who have shared your thoughts. I know the last few episodes have had some long breaks in between. But I hope to get back into a more regular schedule. I’ve had some big things going on this summer. One upcoming event I’ll be participating in is the Michiana Pottery Tour on September 29th and 30th, 2018. If you are located in or near southern Michigan or Northern Indiana, it is a great event full of talented potters and ceramic artists. Get a map and find out more at <a href="https://michianapotterytour.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">michianapotterytour.com</a>. I’m itching to get into the responses so I’ll save the next announcement for the end of the episode. Stay tuned for that. So, pricing our work… The elephant in the pottery studio so to speak. It can be a little uncomfortable, maybe even stressful. There are so many variables and everyone has a unique situation so there doesn’t seem to be a one formula fits all solution. Hopefully some of these comments will give you some ideas to make pricing your work a little easier. Instead of sorting the responses like I usually do, I’m just going to read them in approximate order of when they were made. But at the end I’ll share a list of 11 things that you can consider as you price your work. So let’s get to some of the responses to the question: How do you price your work? <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BillyHaboush?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Billy H</a> Number (of) hours plus material and add a little extra because its handcrafted <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kate.pierce.393?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kate P</a> There was a very good thread on Potters Network recently about pricing which would be worth looking up. Lots of sensible formulas and ideas. I’ll put a link in the show notes to the Potters Network group on Facebook and some of the pricing discussions. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kimberly.wilbee?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kimberly W</a> I’d love to hear everyones formulas on how to price their items. I love making pottery so much I have trouble putting a price on it. Plus I look at other peoples sites and sometimes have to take a second look (be)cause the pricing isn’t anything like mine. When i started selling my stuff, The advice I got was: Charge enough first off so your not always changing your prices and make sure to charge enough because its a competitive field and we need the pricing scale to stay constant. Its a place to start, but a clearer formula would be nice. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_avonlea__/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">_avonlea__</a> The going market price (for example a lot of mugs go for $30-$40) along with personal thoughts about the piece, time, and material. Then add 10%-20% that way if it shows in a gallery setting it's the same price as outside the gallery. Clients then know that's the price regardless of gallery <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dallasbradbury/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dallasbradbury</a> shared a youtube video from Make Something. In the video you are encouraged to come up with a day rate, at minimum $500 per day. Then figure out your prices based on your day rate plus cost of materials. There will be a link to the video in the show notes. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hunter_maypottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hunter_maypottery</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/acr_art/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@acr_art</a> I price my work this way so that my online prices roughly match gallery prices. Prices of pieces may vary based on firing process, glaze, and clay body. Since some take more time and cost me more resources than others. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/annaugustinpottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Annaugustinpottery</a> I use a base price of $12 per pound of wet clay and adjust upwards from there. So a basic 3# bowl starts at $36 and that's for a bowl that's not footed. I factor in how many times I handled the pot - footing, carvings, etc. Also, I consider glaze. If I use something other than my normal glazes I might have to account for any additional costs. ?I keep my prices the same across all selling platforms. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dtaylorsatm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dtaylorsatm</a> There are several warehouse pottery dealers in my area. I am a small batch clay crafter, therefore i price a little below their price to add my creations to the retailers selections. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/indefatigable2/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Indefatigable2</a> I am the same..time, material and creativity...but then how I feel in the moment really affects it too <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bcoffman_art/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bcoffman_art</a> Everyone says people appreciate high priced items because they see it as quality. If you live in the "Walmart" Midwest, that isn't true at all. I have to sell at a lower pric point to even make a sale. It's all about context when selling. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pinezenpottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pinezenpottery</a> I just can't figure this one out. But I am a total newbie. My friend <a href="https://www.instagram.com/snewceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@snewceramics</a> has impressed upon me the importance of not under pricing my work because it devalues my efforts AND the efforts of other makers to make a living. She also feels that pricing too low eliminates your ability to get wholesale opportunities that can make money. It's really hard as someone just starting out because I just don't feel confident enough to price too high. So I started pricing a mug at $22-$25. This last firing I decided to jump it to $33/mug because a lot more work went into each mug. (and 3 is my favorite #) ? this past Saturday I bought one of Mariko's <a href="https://www.instagram.com/foragestudios/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@foragestudios</a> Wonder Woman mugs for $75 and I wouldn't even blink to spend that much again on a mug she makes. But as another clay person I can appreciate all the work that went into making that mug a piece of art that also happens to carry my morning coffee to my mouth. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theclayteapot/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Theclayteapot</a> I'm a newbie and haven't actually sold anything yet, but I am working in that direction. I'm a logical thinker so I needed to create something I could remember and that seemed fair. Here's what I've come up with (it may change): charge a base price for any object. Larger size - add $5, trimming add $5, additional glazes used $5, (or $5 each depending on design), carving or other decorations add $5, handles, etc add $5. You see where this is going. Quick to add up in my head. So a regular mug with 2 layered glazes and a trimmed foot would end up being $25 if the base price was $10 (for a new potter). I'm not looking to make a lot of money, this is my hobby. Hope that helps, I'd love feedback on my idea. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/foragestudios/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Foragestudios</a> I think a lot about pricing and what goes into things.. it's no use trying to compete with Walmart etc, but if you put more one on one love time into say, a one dipped wonder in a souvenir shop then yes.. more than 25 should be your starting line for sure! Plus, if you are giving up to 50 to a gallery you need to seek a price out that makes it worth it just to get up in the morning!! Right?! When I started off I looked at where I wanted to be pricewise, and then looked at my work to see where it was in comparison..when in doubt, ask friends in the business and even gallery owners! Sometimes I find we sort of get blinded by the task and can't see or evaluate straight!! Enjoy your coffee!!! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/canmorepottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Canmorepottery</a> Ideally, I'd like to figure out my hourly wage! By now, 8 years in, I have a pretty good idea of a mug's worth when I see it. (I see underpriced cups often!) But more creative pieces are really tough. A good mug should never be less than $25. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hmpottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hmpottery</a> Pricing is the difficult part and there are a few things I consider. Pricing equals valuing our own art. And I am my own worst critic. But I feel if we don't believe in ourselves and our Pottery, our buyers won't either. The value of our pieces is reflected in the $ we put on it. I also feel that a person's experience, time, and money invested in perfecting their craft should be counted and respected. As I have taken classes, gotten more creative and my own style started emerging, I increased my prices. I have learned to be more confident in my skill, and really believe the value I am putting on my own pottery. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/twistedwoodpro/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twistedwoodpro</a> I am a newer potter and at first I just made stuff and gave it away ??I knooow I knooow ? but it made my heart happy n that was payment enough. Now I have a website up n I specialize in necklace Pendants (so unlike mugs ... I've had a harder time with pricing) I do "one offs" at about $35-$55 depending on complexity and glazes/Time (because I still usually make 3 just in case there is a casualty when sanding or firing) lol! My standard rate has been $25-$35 per piece n that includes a tediously handcrafted wire necklace and quality closure. My close friends n family say it's to cheap for what I actually do, however I think it's more important to share the beauty and get my "stuff" out there and shown to the wonderful world ??? (I sure don't know what's best or right for everyone, but I would say, follow your heart and your dreams if you live with happiness n love, you'll never be wrong ?) <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ibtis_pottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ibtis_pottery</a> where I live ppl are not much into pottery, sometimes I'm the only Potter in the market, my prices have to be low, as I love making pottery I always have loads of it, mostly functional. From the start I decided on my prices by just looking at a piece n say to myself, well I think it should be this much, so I ended up by selling dinner plates for $ 18 , side plates $8 , cereal bowl or soup bowl 13, I'm not so good with handles so I make hand less cups usually smallish $8 platters are around $ 30. I might add a very few dollars if I took more time to decorate or special glaze, I do not make much from selling specially if my kiln is taking time off, then I must pay for firing <h3>Favorite</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/piperpottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Piperpottery</a> I believe I'm currently using a dart ? board and a blindfold... Okay, this may not be the most serious response. But I love it because it helps us see how difficult pricing our work can be. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/claybylaura/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Claybylaura</a> This is a GREAT question and I look forward to seeing what other people say. I confess my method is not totally scientific. I take into consideration time and materials AND I also try to account for my creativity. I have one or two lower priced items that I consider advertising. I believe I need to have an item that any potential customer can afford; then I try to make them a repeat customer. It does not work every time -- but in the long run, has led to future sales. Sometimes I research a little to see what other people charge for items. For me, this is one of the hardest parts of the clay making/selling process. I love this comment from Clay By Laura. She considers a number of variables and has thought through why she prices things a certain way. But even after all that, it’s still not easy. <h3>Final Thoughts</h3> So, what do you think? Do you have some new ideas to work with when you price your pots? Hopefully you have a little more clarity. I don’t consider myself qualified enough to offer advice on pricing your work but I will say this: Your work and process and situation are not the same as anyone else. So don’t feel like you HAVE price your work a certain way. Figure out what works for you. There were a few resources mentioned and I’ll have a link for those in the show notes. Go to <a href="http://expertclay.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">expertclay.com</a> and click on PODCAST in the top menu to find the list of episodes and you can click on each episode to read the notes. Here’s another resource you can get your hands on. I’ve written an article at <a href="http://expertclay.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">expertclay.com</a> that lists 13 things for you to consider while you price your pots. You can read the article to get a little more detail but the list includes things like: <ul> <li>Expenses</li> <li>Your Time</li> <li>Financial Goals</li> <li>Creativity / Uniqueness</li> <li>Your Experience or Expertise</li> <li>Your Market</li> <li>Your Customers</li> <li>Price of Similar Products</li> <li>The Pottery Community</li> <li>The Economy</li> <li>The Purpose of the Piece You are Pricing</li> <li>Supply and Demand</li> <li>Your Overall Philosophy</li> </ul> <a href="https://expertclay.com/pricing-pots/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Go to <a href="http://expertclay.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">expertclay.com</a> and click on BLOG in the menu to read more about each idea. <h3>Pottery Shirts</h3> And now for the big announcement before we close this episode. Okay, maybe not big… but something pretty cool. If you didn’t already know, I’ve designed some pottery shirts and have sold them through instagram and <a href="http://www.potterymakinginfo.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">potterymakinginfo.com</a> for a little while now. But now I have launched a site dedicated to nothing but pottery shirts. Find it, of course, at <a href="https://potteryshirts.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">potteryshirts.com</a>. Now you can get a better selection of shirt styles and colors than before. I still need to make a few small fixes and organize some things but you can order yourself a new shirt as you listen to this. And I’m currently working on a new design made just for the listeners of this podcast. I should have it ready by the time you listen to this so go see if you can find the new design. If you need a hint, just listen to the very end of every MudTalk podcast episode. Head over to <a href="https://potteryshirts.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">potteryshirts.com</a> and take advantage of a special site-launch discount. Yes, for a limited time you can save a few dollars on every shirt that you order to celebrate the new site. Remember, every purchase helps support this podcast, <a href="http://potterymakinginfo.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">potterymakinginfo.com</a> and <a href="http://expertclay.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">expertclay.com</a>. Thanks again for all your support. In our next episode, we’ll find out what one skill you would like to increase the most. Good luck pricing your pots and until next time, stay muddy.

015 – How to Price Your Pots

Resources MudTalk Monday - Instagram, Facebook Handle With Care Workshop Notes 6 Ways To Develop Self Discipline Books (affiliate links) Mastering Cone 6 Glazes (out of print) Complete Guide to Mid-Range Glazes Complete Guide to High-Fire Glazes Mastering the Potter's Wheel The Ceramic Spectrum High Performance Habits Start With Why Steal Like an Artist Seth Godin Amazon Page Transcript Hello and welcome to episode 16 of the MudTalk podcast! Thanks for listening. In this episode we’re going to hear about which skill you would like to increase the most. The original question was “If you could increase one skill or attribute overnight, what would it be?” Of course, you aren’t going to magically change yourself overnight. But what would you like to get better at? There were a lot of great answers. Even some that I wouldn’t have thought about. But there were many things mentioned that I would like to improve myself. As you can imagine, many of the responses were clay-related. So we’ll start with the clay related answers, including wedging, centering, throwing, trimming, glazing, and decorating. Then we’ll hear some more general, what I’ll call, life-skills. At the end, I’ll share some of my favorite resources that I’ve found for improving some of the skills mentioned. And remember, if you want to share your own thoughts or favorite resources, go to expertclay.com/mtp. As always, thanks for listening, subscribing, sharing and just being awesome in general. Let’s get to the responses and hear which skill you would like to increase the most. We’ll start with the clay related comments. Wedging Kathleenevil5 Clay related: wedging! ? Marian H W Spiral wedging Centering Kathy K Centering! Cyndi L A I'm with Kathy K, centering. Jenmf CENTERING!!! Jim49_ Better centering Darkfruitbat I would love to be able to center more than ten pounds of clay, but I'm weak! Lunetca Clay related, centering. Life related, work ethic. Throwing Merskata Throwing! Woolandclay Throwing! Sandyvanderwyk Throwing! Artofawen Throwing on the wheel. I love it, have taught it but never gotten past a certain level of expertise. And I second the life energy! Dtaylorsatm Wheelthrowing. So jealous of those plates and huge jars thrown on the wheel. Unbelievable skill. I'm just happy if i can center and create a small bowl. Oh, well...got to start somewhere. Czpotterys Even pulls EsterLipscomb_pottery Throwing speed! I have a space quota to meet each month and I wish I was as fast as some of the other potters I work with. There is a reason my family always called me the poky puppy. Lakinkceramics Throwing on the wheel! And fully developing my ideas before making a piece. I'm working on both of them this summer! Stonecropstudio Increase my range of throwing to include new forms! Blackbirdfarms2017 Shaping Kristacford Pulling walls and handles! Throwing Bigger Samyam1667 I would love to work on throwing large forms Mudandsticks Throwing tall cylinders @mudandsticks! Gingerbarrheafey Throwing LARGE pots. 10+#'s Handsinmudpottery tall forms Teresa.gagne22 Bigger pots. Mike W Throwing bigger pots. (bottle forms). :) Bridget_kiara Throwing taller vessels! (Taller than 7 inches) Miragrl22 @bkiara88 That is my height max also!!! What is that about???? GiselleNo5ceramics @bkiara88 @miragrl22ME TOO! ? We should start a club. 7 Below. Handles Octopusceramics Making handles Mcginnispottery Making handles _avonlea__ Handles haha Claye.by.jaye Handles handles handles ? Trimming Mgwalsho TRIMMING Ebboren Trimming! Glazing Studio2ceramics Mixing glazes Thats_my_art_teacher Mixing glazes! Alybee_ceramics Glaze consistency at cone 6 Barroceramicstudio Mixing my own glazes. Karamorrispottery Knowledge of glaze chemistry Iloveceramics2015 All of the above especially glazing? Pamelabarclaysatx Creating new glazes. Zephyrinmontana Glazing! Ugh. My Nemesis! Figuring out colors drives me crazy!? Decorating Bluelotuspottery Decorating Ladytokioblue I would like to work on my decorations. I honestly really suck at anything after throwing. Even my glaze work isn't so adventurous... I could use a whole class or workshop on decorating ????? Other Clay Related Skills Catherinedanielceramics Throwing, mixing glazes, and business know-how. Oh - that's 3 things, so Maths as well.? Elmacb Being able to finish things cleanly. Marzipana_ Technique, technique, technique!!! Andrea G If telepathy and flying can't be included, then I'd have to say sculpting. AngelaGrahamPottery Dishes Piperpottery Consistency Dowidat.ceramics Consistency I'm getting better but its like "wow out of these ten, six are consistent. I measure, use same amount of clay but form still varies a little Tarihuffaker Consistency and self-expression, both in life and clay. There were a number of people that responded with skills that weren’t related to clay. Since they can be applied to many different things I’m going to think of these as life skills. Life Skills Earthartam Self control, discipline Annelie57 Life energy! Kali Di Grassi Networking Olisny Networking. So many other potters with knowledge out there, and I'm too shy and lack confidence in my own skills to reach out. Forgottenfern Social networking. How to get my work seen by people who like, admire, and want to buy it. Claybylaura appreciation -- learning to value what is. Giselleno5ceramics Thinking before I react. Claudia_magalhaes_ceramica Focus. I'm always trying new things Zeldalune confidence Tweeter_williams Business savy. I don't want to take away from the ups and downs of learning and exploring new things - figuring it all out for myself. However, my business mind struggles and needs improvement. Allisonqpottery11 Marketing/confidence. I have hard time believing in myself or thinking my pieces are good enough to sell. I get compliments from family and friends all the time and badgering to sell but it's hard to change that mindset. Nicolahartstudios Making money! Other Veredceramics Writing! Imzarana Dancing Lionainsoma Piano Thanks to everyone who shared their thoughts on the MudTalk Monday posts on instagram and facebook. As for my own thoughts… Boy, I’m not sure if I could pick just one. I would like to try some more complex forms on the wheel, get better at making lids and spouts, and maybe explore assembling multiple pieces to make a pot. I would also like to improve my online presence and marketing, get better at networking, make more money, and help other people learn about pottery and improve their skills. And then there are some other things like running a faster 5K, learn more songs on the guitar, and do more digital illustration. But if I had to pick just one thing… I’ll have to go with self discipline to cover almost all of those things. Now, you may ask, how do I plan to get better at something like that? And I guess I would say that it goes back to Episode 3 about setting goals. Not just any old goal, but a SMART goal. Looking back at the show notes for that episode, found at expertclay.com, I can see that first, I need to specifically define what I want. So, overall, self discipline is pretty abstract and hard to measure. Maybe time management is closer to the skill that I want to improve. So to be specific, I’ll say that I want to get things done in a more systematic way and finish things at a more constant rate. Okay, now I need to break it down and focus on one thing at a time. It could be a new article every month or a certain number of hours in the pottery studio. But to really make this interesting I’m going to put out two MudTalk podcasts per month until the end of 2018. That is specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time sensitive. So next, I would set up my plan. I won’t bore you with the details of that but basically I’ll set my publish dates as the 1st and 15th of each month and then work backward to set up a schedule to keep me on track through the month. Now the cool part about this is that all of you listeners have heard my goal. So if it is a week past the publish date and you don’t see a new podcast, feel free to send me angry emails to keep me accountable. But enough about me. Let’s talk about some resources that will help you improve some of the skills that were mentioned in the comments. I'm working on an article on the Expert Clay blog with some tips for throwing taller pots. For centering large amounts of clay I’ve centered 4 or 5 pounds first, then put 4 or 5 more pounds on top of that and center the new ball of clay. Keep going until you have a large enough amount centered. Some of my favorite glaze books include Mastering Cone 6 Glazes by Ron Roy and John Hesselberth, John Britt’s Guide to High Fire Glazes and Guide to Mid Range Glazes, and Robin Hopper’s Ceramic Spectrum. There are an abundance of books and videos about throwing. I really like Ben Carter’s book Mastering the Potter’s Wheel. As for handles, I used to hate making handles. Then I made a bunch of handles and got a little better. Then I went the the Handle With Care Workshop and learned some great handle and decorating techniques from Todd Pletcher, Eric Botbyl, and Matt Schiemann. I wrote a blog post about the experience and I’ll have a link in the show notes. As for the life skills, things like energy, discipline and focus, I’ve read or listened to a plenty of books and some of my favorites off the top of my head are High Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard, Start with Why by Simon Sinek, Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon and anything by Seth Godin for marketing. I’ll have links in the show notes to all of the resources mentioned here. What I’ve found to be the best resource for networking is simply showing up. If there are pottery or art related events in your area, show up. If there are festivals or shows where another potter is displaying work, show up. Tell them you like something about their work and ask them a question. If you follow potters or groups of potters online show up in the comments. Let them know that you like something. One of my favorite overall resources is attending workshops. Not only do you get to learn from other potters in person and ask questions but it is a great opportunity for networking. All the other attendees are most likely potters and some workshops attract people from all over the country or even the world. And I’ve found that the learning isn’t always focused on one specific technique. Presenters and even other attendees will also discuss selling, marketing and some of the life skills that have been mentioned already. So if you have a chance, I would recommend attending as many workshops as you can. As you know, there are many other kinds of resources out there. I’m sure you have some favorites as well. If you want to share, go to expertclay.com/mtp to send a note. There’s really no other substitute for practicing most things. Putting in the time and working at it consistently.  So, as we wrap up this episode, I hope you have already improved some skills since you left the comments. In our next episode we’ll have one of my favorite questions: What do you do that has been the biggest contributor to your success? Until then, keep improving your skills and stay muddy.

<h2>Resources</h2> MudTalk Monday - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BT07uRKlD71/?taken-by=potterymakinginfo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/potterymakinginfo/photos/a.10151503193013457/10154528218728457/?type=3&amp;theater" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> <a href="http://artbyfuzzy.com/2016/12/20/handle-care-workshop/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Handle With Care Workshop Notes</a> <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/amymorin/2014/10/03/6-ways-to-develop-the-self-discipline-necessary-to-reach-your-goals/#addcf622bb17" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">6 Ways To Develop Self Discipline</a> <h3>Books (affiliate links)</h3> <a href="https://amzn.to/2PJRBmg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mastering Cone 6 Glazes</a> (out of print) <a href="https://amzn.to/2qB5Vzk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Complete Guide to Mid-Range Glazes</a> <a href="https://amzn.to/2PTkc8Z" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Complete Guide to High-Fire Glazes</a> <a href="https://amzn.to/2qzdHK3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mastering the Potter's Wheel</a> <a href="https://amzn.to/2PRh912" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Ceramic Spectrum</a> <a href="https://amzn.to/2yX40JU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">High Performance Habits</a> <a href="https://amzn.to/2JNfB2h" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Start With Why</a> <a href="https://amzn.to/2RIErTX" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Steal Like an Artist</a> <a href="https://amzn.to/2JN8Jlw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Seth Godin Amazon Page</a> <h2>Transcript</h2> Hello and welcome to episode 16 of the MudTalk podcast! Thanks for listening. In this episode we’re going to hear about which skill you would like to increase the most. The original question was “If you could increase one skill or attribute overnight, what would it be?” Of course, you aren’t going to magically change yourself overnight. But what would you like to get better at? There were a lot of great answers. Even some that I wouldn’t have thought about. But there were many things mentioned that I would like to improve myself. As you can imagine, many of the responses were clay-related. So we’ll start with the clay related answers, including wedging, centering, throwing, trimming, glazing, and decorating. Then we’ll hear some more general, what I’ll call, life-skills. At the end, I’ll share some of my favorite resources that I’ve found for improving some of the skills mentioned. And remember, if you want to share your own thoughts or favorite resources, go to <a href="https://expertclay.com/mtp/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">expertclay.com/mtp</a>. As always, thanks for listening, subscribing, sharing and just being awesome in general. Let’s get to the responses and hear which skill you would like to increase the most. We’ll start with the clay related comments. <h3>Wedging</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kathleenevil5/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kathleenevil5</a> Clay related: wedging! ? <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mawillia?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Marian H W</a> Spiral wedging <h3>Centering</h3> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kkeysdesign?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kathy K</a> Centering! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cyndiadame?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cyndi L A</a> I'm with Kathy K, centering. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jenmf/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jenmf</a> CENTERING!!! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jim49_/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jim49_</a> Better centering <a href="https://www.instagram.com/darkfruitbat/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Darkfruitbat</a> I would love to be able to center more than ten pounds of clay, but I'm weak! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lunetca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lunetca</a> Clay related, centering. Life related, work ethic. <h3>Throwing</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/merskata/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Merskata</a> Throwing! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/woolandclay/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Woolandclay</a> Throwing! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sandyvanderwyk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sandyvanderwyk</a> Throwing! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/artofawen/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Artofawen</a> Throwing on the wheel. I love it, have taught it but never gotten past a certain level of expertise. And I second the life energy! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dtaylorsatm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dtaylorsatm</a> Wheelthrowing. So jealous of those plates and huge jars thrown on the wheel. Unbelievable skill. I'm just happy if i can center and create a small bowl. Oh, well...got to start somewhere. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/czpotterys/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Czpotterys</a> Even pulls <a href="https://www.instagram.com/esterlipscomb_pottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">EsterLipscomb_pottery</a> Throwing speed! I have a space quota to meet each month and I wish I was as fast as some of the other potters I work with. There is a reason my family always called me the poky puppy. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lakinkceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lakinkceramics</a> Throwing on the wheel! And fully developing my ideas before making a piece. I'm working on both of them this summer! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stonecropstudio/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stonecropstudio</a> Increase my range of throwing to include new forms! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/blackbirdfarms2017/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Blackbirdfarms2017</a> Shaping <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kristacford/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kristacford</a> Pulling walls and handles! <h3>Throwing Bigger</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/samyam1667/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Samyam1667</a> I would love to work on throwing large forms <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mudandsticks/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mudandsticks</a> Throwing tall cylinders <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mudandsticks/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@mudandsticks</a>! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gingerbarrheafey/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gingerbarrheafey</a> Throwing LARGE pots. 10+#'s <a href="https://www.instagram.com/handsinmudpottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Handsinmudpottery</a> tall forms <a href="https://www.instagram.com/teresa.gagne22/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Teresa.gagne22</a> Bigger pots. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/michael.l.watts.9?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mike W</a> Throwing bigger pots. (bottle forms). :) <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bridget_kiara/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bridget_kiara</a> Throwing taller vessels! (Taller than 7 inches) <a href="https://www.instagram.com/miragrl22/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Miragrl22</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bkiara88/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@bkiara88</a> That is my height max also!!! What is that about???? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/giselleno5ceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GiselleNo5ceramics</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bkiara88/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@bkiara88</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/miragrl22/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@miragrl22</a>ME TOO! ? We should start a club. 7 Below. <h3>Handles</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/octopusceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Octopusceramics</a> Making handles <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mcginnispottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mcginnispottery</a> Making handles <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_avonlea__/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">_avonlea__</a> Handles haha <a href="https://www.instagram.com/claye.by.jaye/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Claye.by.jaye</a> Handles handles handles ? <h3>Trimming</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mgwalsho/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mgwalsho</a> TRIMMING <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ebboren/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ebboren</a> Trimming! <h3>Glazing</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/studio2ceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Studio2ceramics</a> Mixing glazes <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thats_my_art_teacher/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Thats_my_art_teacher</a> Mixing glazes! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alybee_ceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alybee_ceramics</a> Glaze consistency at cone 6 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/barroceramicstudio/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Barroceramicstudio</a> Mixing my own glazes. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/karamorrispottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Karamorrispottery</a> Knowledge of glaze chemistry <a href="https://www.instagram.com/iloveceramics2015/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Iloveceramics2015</a> All of the above especially glazing? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pamelabarclaysatx/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pamelabarclaysatx</a> Creating new glazes. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/zephyrinmontana/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Zephyrinmontana</a> Glazing! Ugh. My Nemesis! Figuring out colors drives me crazy!? <h3>Decorating</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bluelotuspottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bluelotuspottery</a> Decorating <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ladytokioblue/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ladytokioblue</a> I would like to work on my decorations. I honestly really suck at anything after throwing. Even my glaze work isn't so adventurous... I could use a whole class or workshop on decorating ????? <h3>Other Clay Related Skills</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/catherinedanielceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Catherinedanielceramics</a> Throwing, mixing glazes, and business know-how. Oh - that's 3 things, so Maths as well.? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elmacb/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Elmacb</a> Being able to finish things cleanly. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/marzipana_/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Marzipana_</a> Technique, technique, technique!!! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/agomory99?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Andrea G</a> If telepathy and flying can't be included, then I'd have to say sculpting. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/angelagrahampottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">AngelaGrahamPottery</a> Dishes <a href="https://www.instagram.com/piperpottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Piperpottery</a> Consistency <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dowidat.ceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dowidat.ceramics</a> Consistency I'm getting better but its like "wow out of these ten, six are consistent. I measure, use same amount of clay but form still varies a little <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tarihuffaker/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tarihuffaker</a> Consistency and self-expression, both in life and clay. There were a number of people that responded with skills that weren’t related to clay. Since they can be applied to many different things I’m going to think of these as life skills. <h3>Life Skills</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/earthartam/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Earthartam</a> Self control, discipline <a href="https://www.instagram.com/annelie57/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Annelie57</a> Life energy! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kali.digrassi?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kali Di Grassi</a> Networking <a href="https://www.instagram.com/olisny/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Olisny</a> Networking. So many other potters with knowledge out there, and I'm too shy and lack confidence in my own skills to reach out. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/forgottenfern/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Forgottenfern</a> Social networking. How to get my work seen by people who like, admire, and want to buy it. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/claybylaura/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Claybylaura</a> appreciation -- learning to value what is. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/giselleno5ceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Giselleno5ceramics</a> Thinking before I react. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/claudia_magalhaes_ceramica/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Claudia_magalhaes_ceramica</a> Focus. I'm always trying new things <a href="https://www.instagram.com/zeldalune/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Zeldalune</a> confidence <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tweeter_williams/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tweeter_williams</a> Business savy. I don't want to take away from the ups and downs of learning and exploring new things - figuring it all out for myself. However, my business mind struggles and needs improvement. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/allisonqpottery11/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Allisonqpottery11</a> Marketing/confidence. I have hard time believing in myself or thinking my pieces are good enough to sell. I get compliments from family and friends all the time and badgering to sell but it's hard to change that mindset. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nicolahartstudios/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nicolahartstudios</a> Making money! <h3>Other</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/veredceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Veredceramics</a> Writing! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/imzarana/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Imzarana</a> Dancing <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lionainsoma/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lionainsoma</a> Piano Thanks to everyone who shared their thoughts on the MudTalk Monday posts on instagram and facebook. As for my own thoughts… Boy, I’m not sure if I could pick just one. I would like to try some more complex forms on the wheel, get better at making lids and spouts, and maybe explore assembling multiple pieces to make a pot. I would also like to improve my online presence and marketing, get better at networking, make more money, and help other people learn about pottery and improve their skills. And then there are some other things like running a faster 5K, learn more songs on the guitar, and do more digital illustration. But if I had to pick just one thing… I’ll have to go with self discipline to cover almost all of those things. Now, you may ask, how do I plan to get better at something like that? And I guess I would say that it goes back to Episode 3 about setting goals. Not just any old goal, but a SMART goal. Looking back at the show notes for that episode, found at <a href="http://expertclay.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">expertclay.com</a>, I can see that first, I need to specifically define what I want. So, overall, self discipline is pretty abstract and hard to measure. Maybe time management is closer to the skill that I want to improve. So to be specific, I’ll say that I want to get things done in a more systematic way and finish things at a more constant rate. Okay, now I need to break it down and focus on one thing at a time. It could be a new article every month or a certain number of hours in the pottery studio. But to really make this interesting I’m going to put out two MudTalk podcasts per month until the end of 2018. That is specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time sensitive. So next, I would set up my plan. I won’t bore you with the details of that but basically I’ll set my publish dates as the 1st and 15th of each month and then work backward to set up a schedule to keep me on track through the month. Now the cool part about this is that all of you listeners have heard my goal. So if it is a week past the publish date and you don’t see a new podcast, feel free to send me angry emails to keep me accountable. But enough about me. Let’s talk about some resources that will help you improve some of the skills that were mentioned in the comments. I'm working on an article on the <a href="https://expertclay.com/blog/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Expert Clay blog</a> with some tips for throwing taller pots. For centering large amounts of clay I’ve centered 4 or 5 pounds first, then put 4 or 5 more pounds on top of that and center the new ball of clay. Keep going until you have a large enough amount centered. Some of my favorite glaze books include Mastering Cone 6 Glazes by Ron Roy and John Hesselberth, John Britt’s Guide to High Fire Glazes and Guide to Mid Range Glazes, and Robin Hopper’s Ceramic Spectrum. There are an abundance of books and videos about throwing. I really like Ben Carter’s book Mastering the Potter’s Wheel. As for handles, I used to hate making handles. Then I made a bunch of handles and got a little better. Then I went the the Handle With Care Workshop and learned some great handle and decorating techniques from Todd Pletcher, Eric Botbyl, and Matt Schiemann. I wrote a blog post about the experience and I’ll have a link in the show notes. As for the life skills, things like energy, discipline and focus, I’ve read or listened to a plenty of books and some of my favorites off the top of my head are High Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard, Start with Why by Simon Sinek, Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon and anything by Seth Godin for marketing. I’ll have links in the show notes to all of the resources mentioned here. What I’ve found to be the best resource for networking is simply showing up. If there are pottery or art related events in your area, show up. If there are festivals or shows where another potter is displaying work, show up. Tell them you like something about their work and ask them a question. If you follow potters or groups of potters online show up in the comments. Let them know that you like something. One of my favorite overall resources is attending workshops. Not only do you get to learn from other potters in person and ask questions but it is a great opportunity for networking. All the other attendees are most likely potters and some workshops attract people from all over the country or even the world. And I’ve found that the learning isn’t always focused on one specific technique. Presenters and even other attendees will also discuss selling, marketing and some of the life skills that have been mentioned already. So if you have a chance, I would recommend attending as many workshops as you can. As you know, there are many other kinds of resources out there. I’m sure you have some favorites as well. If you want to share, go to <a href="http://expertclay.com/mtp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">expertclay.com/mtp</a> to send a note. There’s really no other substitute for practicing most things. Putting in the time and working at it consistently. So, as we wrap up this episode, I hope you have already improved some skills since you left the comments. In our next episode we’ll have one of my favorite questions: What do you do that has been the biggest contributor to your success? Until then, keep improving your skills and stay muddy.

016 – Which Skill Would You Like To Increase?

ResourcesLink to instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/BUHDrs4FOPu/?taken-by=potterymakinginfoLink to FB: https://www.facebook.com/potterymakinginfo/photos/a.10151503193013457/10154547366953457/?type=3&amp;theater PotteryShirts.comHack the Entrepreneur Podcast https://hacktheentrepreneur.com/podcasts/"You have to be chasing something." http://www.stearthpottery.com/discursive-loop/archives/678 Giveaway!More info and links: https://expertclay.com/giveaway/Entry 1: SurveyEntry 2: Leave a Comment or Message TranscriptWelcome to episode 17! I have probably never met you before, but I’m glad you are listening. Thanks for your support. As a thank you to all of you who are downloading, listening and sharing I’m going to offer a small giveaway for the holiday season / end of 2018. I’ll share the details about that at the end of the episode so make sure you listen to the whole thing.In this episode we’re going to see some of the top reasons for success. The question was “What one thing that you do has been the biggest contributor to your success?” I love this question because it really gives us some insight into what is working for somebody. I also like the phrasing because it is asking for something that you make a conscious decision about, not just something good that has happened to you or something someone else has done for you.I’ve grouped related responses together to find some common ideas or themes. The first few responses are all related because they are about the way you work. So here are some things that you do that really contribute to your success.The Way You Work Jeffszarzi Incorporate my drawings on my pottery.Piperpottery Finding my styleEbboren Keep my hands on the wheel when I start centering!I think using a certain technique can really affect your work. Especially if you master it or combine certain techniques into your own style. Sometimes just remembering how you find success on a small level, such as centering, can set you up for larger successes. The next group of responses were aboutWork Ethic / Dedication Angelagrahampottery Repetition and sticking with my gut, if I think it will work, it might not at first. But stick with it!Pritpalbharaj Practice.Mcginnispottery PracticeLadytokioblue A LOT OF PRACTICE!! and more patience ?Damarisoakleypottery Practice, practice, practice:)Dallas_wooten_ceramics Just keep working!Earthartam Because I love what I do doesn't mean it's a hobby. It's a full time job with regular hours. Be dedicated to it!Drurygirl5 Being selfish with my time -(trying to remember that I can say 'no')Benjamin W DedicationThese kind of responses seemed to be the most popular. And for good reason. Most people that find success have to work at it. Working hard can help you overcome other faults or setbacks.Confidence / Belief Sweetpixels_thesudsypotter Accepting that I'm not perfect and learning not to compare my work to others in a negative light. I make art and art is subjective someone somewhere is going to love what I create.954lla Believing in my design! #L2Apottery Maridmartini Being more confidentClaybylaura relax and listen to/trust my own (creative) inner voice.It seems like a lot of us don’t have enough confidence in ourselves at times. I know I’ve struggled with fear of failure or rejection before. I just have to remind myself that if I don’t take chances, sure, I won’t fail, but I also don’t give myself a chance to succeed. Even if I take a chance 100 times and fail 99, that 1 time I succeed is still more success than I would have had without taking a chance at all.Mindset / Taking Care of Yourself Jerichostudiopottery Afternoon catnap.gonemoondancing PrayI put these two responses together because you need to take care of yourself. You are going to be more successful when you feel good and have the right mindset. Getting enough rest is important, whether it’s getting enough sleep at night or recharging during the day. Prayer or meditation, or whatever you need to do to get in the right frame of mind is worth the time it takes.Growth Casapangea curiosityJo A Keep learningGxdesigns Loving the imperfections and then improving!Thepotterslounge Never being satisfied.Ana C Working hard. Improving all the time.This was one of my favorite groups of responses. I feel like having a growth mindset can really help most of us.Flexibility Ken_bull If I make a dud pot, or cut the bottom too shallow, I modify or add to it on the wheel .. making it into an "organic" design succulent pot. ?There was only one answer in the flexibility column but I think that ability to adapt can really give us an advantage sometimes.And here are a few other responses that I didn’t categorize.Other Bridgespottery #bridgespottery good quality craftsmanship and marketing knowhowRachaellpotter Turning up to the wheel. No pun intended. ?Anita R Patience/Nintai/Paciencia. You gotta put in the time and work on things and not rush them...don't expect instant gratification...expect your patience to be tried and just know you have to keep trying, you will have to do things several times before getting something that's decent. Persevere instead of giving up and moving on to another project. Good things come with time and practice and to persevere you need patience.Man, I feel like this could be the beginning of a self help book for potters. Some of the main ideas I pulled out include confidence, dedication, work ethic, growth, flexibility, and mindset. Lots of important ideas, not just for working with clay, but any area of your life.I didn’t try to pick out any favorites this time. I mean, I love any response that identifies something that is working for you. So they are all my favorite! I did notice that there weren’t as many responses as some of the other topics and it makes me wonder why. Maybe the social media algorithms didn’t put it in front of as many people? Maybe it’s just a hard question to answer? Maybe the background image wasn’t as eye catching as some of the others. Maybe some people don’t feel successful yet?Even though there weren’t as many responses, this happens to be one of my favorite MudTalk questions so far but I have to admit that I stole it from another podcast. Jonny Nastor does a podcast called Hack the Entrepreneur which I listen to sometimes. I even stole part of my intro from his intro. He interviews people and usually asks a few standard questions, one being about the biggest contributor to each guest’s success. So thanks to Johnny! I’ll put a link to his podcast in the show notes.I’m glad I haven’t been asked the question myself because it’s hard to pick one thing. It would take some time to really think about what one thing is actually the biggest contributor. Luckily for you and me, I’ve had some time to think about it since I started looking at all the responses.It’s hard to pin down one specific thing that I do that is the biggest contributor to my success. In fact, it may actually be a couple related things. Or something I haven’t even thought about. And really, maybe the biggest contributor to my success isn’t even something I do. I mean, having a supportive family that did a fantastic job raising me is pretty important.I would say, however, the thing that I actually DO myself is that I always keep learning or growing. Maybe that is due to my drive to get better as a person. Maybe I’m just curious. I know for sure that I like to solve problems which seems to be part of the drive to learn. Some people may describe it as never being satisfied. I wouldn’t go that far for myself because I try to take the time to enjoy successes or just enjoy life in general. I think you should feel satisfied if you hit a goal or accomplish something. But I guess I do set a bigger goal or find something else to learn eventually. So I know what people mean when they say that they never want to be satisfied. In fact, Steven Tyler once sang, “Life’s a journey, not a destination” and I agree. I don’t want to ever feel like I have arrived at a place in life and feel like I have nowhere else to go. Nothing else to learn or try. This reminds me of when a fellow potter named Scott Cooper wrote a blog post a while ago that really resonated with me. Basically, he said, “You have to be chasing something.” Just always having something to chase, a reason to get out of bed in the morning or a challenge to inspire me. That continued learning has helped me develop my personal style and then keep evolving as I try new things.In just the last year I’ve learned how to create a podcast, learned how to mine cryptocurrencies, learned how to trade currencies, trained for and ran my first 10k race, set up an ecommerce store, tried a couple different techniques in the pottery studio and have added a few new forms to my inventory. When trying each one of those things I started with the mindset that I’m not going to be very good at the beginning but if I can keep improving, I may figure out how to get good at it.Then… As I was reading through the responses from everyone else I had an epiphany. It really depends on how you define success to figure out the things that make you successful. So maybe I should have asked that question first, how do you define success? Perhaps you’ll hear this question on the next MudTalk Monday!So anyway, I feel like I’ve rambled on enough, let’s get to the fun stuff. I’ve decided to have a small giveaway for the listeners of the MudTalk Podcast to show my appreciation. I started this podcast really as an experiment and a learning experience. And then people actually started listening to it! So thank you! The winner of the giveaway will get their choice of one T-shirt from potteryshirts.com. As you may know, this is the site I started to sell shirts I’ve designed. There will be two ways to enter. First, you can go to expertclay.com/mtp and leave a written or audio message. It can be a response to one of the topics we’ve covered on the podcast or a future topic, or feedback about the show or a question about the show or myself.The second way to enter is to complete a short survey about potteryshirts.com. Go to https://expertclay.com/giveaway to complete the survey. Basically, help me with a little market research so I can improve potteryshirts.com.If you do both, you will have two entries. You can enter any time during 2018. I’ll draw the winner sometime by January 7th and contact them by email. If that person doesn’t respond in 7 days I’ll draw someone else.This is for the listeners of the MudTalk podcast so I won’t post it anywhere else except for the show notes on expertclay.com. But feel free to tell other people about the podcast if you think they would be interested in participating in the giveaway.So I hope this is a fun opportunity. I wish I could send everyone a shirt to show my appreciation but we don’t have the budget here for that quite yet!Our next episode will be about balancing your time. This will be great especially for me as I keep trying to learn so much! Look for that episode around the first part of December. Until then, keep doing those things that make you successful and stay muddy.

<h2>Resources</h2>Link to instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BUHDrs4FOPu/?taken-by=potterymakinginfo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/p/BUHDrs4FOPu/?taken-by=potterymakinginfo</a> Link to FB: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/potterymakinginfo/photos/a.10151503193013457/10154547366953457/?type=3&amp;theater" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/potterymakinginfo/photos/a.10151503193013457/10154547366953457/?type=3&amp;theater</a> <a href="https://potteryshirts.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PotteryShirts.com</a> Hack the Entrepreneur Podcast <a href="https://hacktheentrepreneur.com/podcasts/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://hacktheentrepreneur.com/podcasts/</a> "You have to be chasing something." <a href="http://www.stearthpottery.com/discursive-loop/archives/678" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.stearthpottery.com/discursive-loop/archives/678</a> <h3>Giveaway!</h3>More info and links: <a href="https://expertclay.com/giveaway/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://expertclay.com/giveaway/</a> Entry 1: <a href="https://goo.gl/forms/DE5ImkALhA572fBl2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Survey</a> Entry 2: <a href="https://expertclay.com/mtp/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Leave a Comment or Message</a> <h2>Transcript</h2>Welcome to episode 17! I have probably never met you before, but I’m glad you are listening. Thanks for your support. As a thank you to all of you who are downloading, listening and sharing I’m going to offer a small giveaway for the holiday season / end of 2018. I’ll share the details about that at the end of the episode so make sure you listen to the whole thing. In this episode we’re going to see some of the top reasons for success. The question was “What one thing that you do has been the biggest contributor to your success?” I love this question because it really gives us some insight into what is working for somebody. I also like the phrasing because it is asking for something that you make a conscious decision about, not just something good that has happened to you or something someone else has done for you. I’ve grouped related responses together to find some common ideas or themes. The first few responses are all related because they are about the way you work. So here are some things that you do that really contribute to your success. <h3>The Way You Work</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jeffszarzi/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jeffszarzi</a> Incorporate my drawings on my pottery. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/piperpottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Piperpottery</a> Finding my style <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ebboren/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ebboren</a> Keep my hands on the wheel when I start centering! I think using a certain technique can really affect your work. Especially if you master it or combine certain techniques into your own style. Sometimes just remembering how you find success on a small level, such as centering, can set you up for larger successes. The next group of responses were about <h3>Work Ethic / Dedication</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/angelagrahampottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Angelagrahampottery</a> Repetition and sticking with my gut, if I think it will work, it might not at first. But stick with it! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pritpalbharaj/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pritpalbharaj</a> Practice. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mcginnispottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mcginnispottery</a> Practice <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ladytokioblue/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ladytokioblue</a> A LOT OF PRACTICE!! and more patience ? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/damarisoakleypottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Damarisoakleypottery</a> Practice, practice, practice:) <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dallas_wooten_ceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dallas_wooten_ceramics</a> Just keep working! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/earthartam/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Earthartam</a> Because I love what I do doesn't mean it's a hobby. It's a full time job with regular hours. Be dedicated to it! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drurygirl5/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Drurygirl5</a> Being selfish with my time -(trying to remember that I can say 'no') <a href="https://www.facebook.com/benjamin.watkins.526?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Benjamin W</a> Dedication These kind of responses seemed to be the most popular. And for good reason. Most people that find success have to work at it. Working hard can help you overcome other faults or setbacks. <h3>Confidence / Belief</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sweetpixels_thesudsypotter/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sweetpixels_thesudsypotter</a> Accepting that I'm not perfect and learning not to compare my work to others in a negative light. I make art and art is subjective someone somewhere is going to love what I create. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/954lla/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">954lla</a> Believing in my design! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/l2apottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#L2Apottery</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/maridmartini/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Maridmartini</a> Being more confident <a href="https://www.instagram.com/claybylaura/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Claybylaura</a> relax and listen to/trust my own (creative) inner voice. It seems like a lot of us don’t have enough confidence in ourselves at times. I know I’ve struggled with fear of failure or rejection before. I just have to remind myself that if I don’t take chances, sure, I won’t fail, but I also don’t give myself a chance to succeed. Even if I take a chance 100 times and fail 99, that 1 time I succeed is still more success than I would have had without taking a chance at all. <h3>Mindset / Taking Care of Yourself</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jerichostudiopottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jerichostudiopottery</a> Afternoon catnap. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gonemoondancing/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">gonemoondancing</a> Pray I put these two responses together because you need to take care of yourself. You are going to be more successful when you feel good and have the right mindset. Getting enough rest is important, whether it’s getting enough sleep at night or recharging during the day. Prayer or meditation, or whatever you need to do to get in the right frame of mind is worth the time it takes. <h3>Growth</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/casapangea/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Casapangea</a> curiosity <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jo.abrahams?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jo A</a> Keep learning <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gxdesigns/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gxdesigns</a> Loving the imperfections and then improving! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thepotterslounge/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Thepotterslounge</a> Never being satisfied. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/anacouper?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ana C</a> Working hard. Improving all the time. This was one of my favorite groups of responses. I feel like having a growth mindset can really help most of us. <h3>Flexibility</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ken_bull/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ken_bull</a> If I make a dud pot, or cut the bottom too shallow, I modify or add to it on the wheel .. making it into an "organic" design succulent pot. ? There was only one answer in the flexibility column but I think that ability to adapt can really give us an advantage sometimes. And here are a few other responses that I didn’t categorize. <h3>Other</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bridgespottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bridgespottery</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/bridgespottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#bridgespottery</a> good quality craftsmanship and marketing knowhow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rachaellpotter/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rachaellpotter</a> Turning up to the wheel. No pun intended. ? <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ana.ries.94?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anita R</a> Patience/Nintai/Paciencia. You gotta put in the time and work on things and not rush them...don't expect instant gratification...expect your patience to be tried and just know you have to keep trying, you will have to do things several times before getting something that's decent. Persevere instead of giving up and moving on to another project. Good things come with time and practice and to persevere you need patience. Man, I feel like this could be the beginning of a self help book for potters. Some of the main ideas I pulled out include confidence, dedication, work ethic, growth, flexibility, and mindset. Lots of important ideas, not just for working with clay, but any area of your life. I didn’t try to pick out any favorites this time. I mean, I love any response that identifies something that is working for you. So they are all my favorite! I did notice that there weren’t as many responses as some of the other topics and it makes me wonder why. Maybe the social media algorithms didn’t put it in front of as many people? Maybe it’s just a hard question to answer? Maybe the background image wasn’t as eye catching as some of the others. Maybe some people don’t feel successful yet? Even though there weren’t as many responses, this happens to be one of my favorite MudTalk questions so far but I have to admit that I stole it from another podcast. Jonny Nastor does a podcast called Hack the Entrepreneur which I listen to sometimes. I even stole part of my intro from his intro. He interviews people and usually asks a few standard questions, one being about the biggest contributor to each guest’s success. So thanks to Johnny! I’ll put a link to his podcast in the show notes. I’m glad I haven’t been asked the question myself because it’s hard to pick one thing. It would take some time to really think about what one thing is actually the biggest contributor. Luckily for you and me, I’ve had some time to think about it since I started looking at all the responses. It’s hard to pin down one specific thing that I do that is the biggest contributor to my success. In fact, it may actually be a couple related things. Or something I haven’t even thought about. And really, maybe the biggest contributor to my success isn’t even something I do. I mean, having a supportive family that did a fantastic job raising me is pretty important. I would say, however, the thing that I actually DO myself is that I always keep learning or growing. Maybe that is due to my drive to get better as a person. Maybe I’m just curious. I know for sure that I like to solve problems which seems to be part of the drive to learn. Some people may describe it as never being satisfied. I wouldn’t go that far for myself because I try to take the time to enjoy successes or just enjoy life in general. I think you should feel satisfied if you hit a goal or accomplish something. But I guess I do set a bigger goal or find something else to learn eventually. So I know what people mean when they say that they never want to be satisfied. In fact, Steven Tyler once sang, “Life’s a journey, not a destination” and I agree. I don’t want to ever feel like I have arrived at a place in life and feel like I have nowhere else to go. Nothing else to learn or try. This reminds me of when a fellow potter named Scott Cooper wrote a blog post a while ago that really resonated with me. Basically, he said, “You have to be chasing something.” Just always having something to chase, a reason to get out of bed in the morning or a challenge to inspire me. That continued learning has helped me develop my personal style and then keep evolving as I try new things. In just the last year I’ve learned how to create a podcast, learned how to mine cryptocurrencies, learned how to trade currencies, trained for and ran my first 10k race, set up an ecommerce store, tried a couple different techniques in the pottery studio and have added a few new forms to my inventory. When trying each one of those things I started with the mindset that I’m not going to be very good at the beginning but if I can keep improving, I may figure out how to get good at it. Then… As I was reading through the responses from everyone else I had an epiphany. It really depends on how you define success to figure out the things that make you successful. So maybe I should have asked that question first, how do you define success? Perhaps you’ll hear this question on the next MudTalk Monday! So anyway, I feel like I’ve rambled on enough, let’s get to the fun stuff. I’ve decided to have a small giveaway for the listeners of the MudTalk Podcast to show my appreciation. I started this podcast really as an experiment and a learning experience. And then people actually started listening to it! So thank you! The winner of the giveaway will get their choice of one T-shirt from <a href="http://potteryshirts.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">potteryshirts.com</a>. As you may know, this is the site I started to sell shirts I’ve designed. There will be two ways to enter. First, you can go to <a href="http://expertclay.com/mtp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">expertclay.com/mtp</a> and leave a written or audio message. It can be a response to one of the topics we’ve covered on the podcast or a future topic, or feedback about the show or a question about the show or myself. The second way to enter is to complete a short survey about <a href="http://potteryshirts.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">potteryshirts.com</a>. Go to <a href="https://expertclay.com/giveaway/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://expertclay.com/giveaway</a> to complete the survey. Basically, help me with a little market research so I can improve <a href="http://potteryshirts.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">potteryshirts.com</a>. If you do both, you will have two entries. You can enter any time during 2018. I’ll draw the winner sometime by January 7th and contact them by email. If that person doesn’t respond in 7 days I’ll draw someone else. This is for the listeners of the MudTalk podcast so I won’t post it anywhere else except for the show notes on <a href="http://expertclay.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">expertclay.com</a>. But feel free to tell other people about the podcast if you think they would be interested in participating in the giveaway. So I hope this is a fun opportunity. I wish I could send everyone a shirt to show my appreciation but we don’t have the budget here for that quite yet! Our next episode will be about balancing your time. This will be great especially for me as I keep trying to learn so much! Look for that episode around the first part of December. Until then, keep doing those things that make you successful and stay muddy.

017 – The Biggest Contributor to Your Success

Resources MudTalk Monday on Instagram MudTalk Monday on Facebook Make the Most of Your Time in the Pottery Studio Giveaway Details TranscriptWelcome, this is episode 18 of the MudTalk Podcast. This is the one about time management. How do you balance your time? This is a great topic for a few reasons. First of all, as potters and ceramic artists, I think maybe it’s a little tougher for some of us than for other people with a more common 9 - 5 job. We have a lot more flexibility and freedom with our schedules. It’s also tough because we have to do so many different things. Sure, we get to play with clay… but what about the shows, the photography, the listing, the marketing, the ordering, the finances, and everything else? And some of us are trying to balance clay with another job! Another reason that I think it’s hard is because time in the studio seems to go so fast. I look down at the clay and all of a sudden a couple hours have passed! The best thing that makes this a great topic for this episode is that some people have really figured out what works for them and you get to hear some great ideas and helpful tips.But before that, just a reminder, this episode is “sponsored” by potteryshirts.com because we have a giveaway happening. That’s right, you could win a free T-shirt from potteryshirts.com as a thank you for listening. Make sure you listen to the end of the episode to hear details about how you can enter.But now, let us hear some thoughts from other clay people about time management. We’ll start with the comments from people that seem to be struggling and then we’ll hear from some of you that have started to figure out what works.Struggling to Balance TimeFirst off, we haveNewSpinOnTradition For those that are making their living from clay, how do (you) divide your day between the making of work, marketing and taking photos, social media, applying for opportunities, etc. Is it a free for all, or do you try and follow an actual regimented schedule. I'm a very slow worker, so making the work seems to eat 95% of my time. I know I'm not paying enough attention to the other aspects. And trying to squeeze in time for friends and family barely happens. ??Next up, responding to How do you balance your time?Olisny I don't. ? I'm struggling...I have two kids under 6 and stay at home with them. And my studio is at home! Balancing making art, household management, business management, kid education is something I'm getting closer to figuring out. It's hard seeing people produce so much when I'm slow; I have to remind myself I'm following a lot of people online who are students without kids. ?OctopusCeramics I don't ??GlynnisLessing So easy to go into the studio and not come out all day. Still struggling with balance!PathwayPottery I don't balance very well! Feast or famine!QueerlyClay I'm supposed to balance my time?This response got me thinking. I guess nobody is forcing us to balance our time. So you don’t have to if you don’t want to. I suppose some people want, or need to, work on something for 4 days straight and then sleep for two days straight and then wake up and do something else. Some people probably don’t have a lot of close friends or family or are very introverted so they don’t worry about spending time with others. So there is no single right way to do this. But many people feel that it’s healthy or ideal to find a balance in their lives. You have to decide what is right for you.The next response covers a lot of topics along with time management.Other HarryChoePotter My goal in life is to be a potter and studio owner full time. How do you live off pottery? Not possible for me. I work full time and run a studio part time. Not enough time in the day or night. How do we stay happy? It's tough trying to market your business and create art. In Korea, pottery seems like it's a dead art. Schools don't offer pottery anymore. It's all diy based now. Artists can't make a living just from selling art. What is balance? Just surviving is tough enough. I truly wish all artists the best of luck. I'm really happy to see artists succeed. Stay true to yourself. See love in people not hate.So it seems pretty clear to me, there are some people that really struggle with balancing their time. And that’s okay. It’s not easy. But the good news is that time management is something you can get better at. Next, we’ll here some tips and ideas that seem to be working for people.Ideas and Tips DamarisOakleyPottery Very challenging, but I do look at Monday as the start of something new, new day, new week, more pottery!???I love the positive vibe! When you’re working with clay, Mondays aren’t so bad!Anita R I make reasonable goals that I'd like to achieve for each week in order to stay on track and write them down and check them off as I complete them. Sometimes it works like a charm, other times life happens and you deal with it. I make lists of things to do in ceramics, family life, exercise, and include fun stuff on those lists to attempt balance. Whatever I don't get to, I add it to the top of the following week's list.Thanks Anita. I like to make a lot of lists for myself too. Mostly to remember what I need to get done. If I don’t write things down I often forget to do them. Just ask my wife. I also like making lists because when “life happens” as Anita says, I can come back and remember where I left off and get right back into it. Lists help me stay focused. After I write something on a list I don’t have to worry about remembering to do it. I can focus all my thoughts on the thing I’m doing at the moment.Artofawen It's (balancing time is) a big challenge. I need outside motivation. I work full time and have a young child. At the end of the day if I don't have a deadline looming I'm probably not going to make it to the studioThis response really resonates with me. I feel the same way a lot. If I don’t have a show coming up or a sales season, I don’t get into the clay studio nearly as much. That outside motivation really helps me get pots made. Not just because I want to play with my kids or watch Netflix all day, sometimes I just have a lot of other kinds of work that I want to do. Like a podcast, or a website. Outside motivation helps me prioritize things.Quigley_ceramics I put my head in the sand and make make make until I bring so much work home that my husband says "Time to rent a storage unit" and I say "No! Time to sell!" I finally bring out the photo booth, spend a couple days editing and listing items on the website and Etsy. This probably happens every two months. Having a new baby has totally changed my studio time management. That's a whole post unto itself...❤️Thanks Quigley Ceramics. Many potters talk about working in cycles. I think the long production process forces, or at least encourages this. For some it works really well to focus on one part of the process for a while and complete that part, then move on to the next part of the process. Once all the pots are made, or sold, you can start the next cycle. There are definitely some advantages to this. I generally work this way because I’m making pots for an upcoming event. But alas, I feel that I never have quite enough time in the clay studio so I have a variety of pots in different states of completion. This is actually a good thing though because sometimes I have just a little bit of time to work. So I may not have time to throw a dozen mugs but I may be able to glaze the inside of a dozen mugs in the time I have. In general though, it seems efficient to work in batches or cycles.Claybylaura This is a toughie! Hours pass in the studio in the blink of an eye. For me, I need to remember to get out of the studio, stay social, exercise and enjoy friends. All of it helps keep me happy and productive when I'm immersed in the clay.Very good point Laura. Take care of yourself first and it will help you do your best work when it’s time to work.Bridgespottery I am a full time studio potter. I teach one to two mornings a week at a local studio. To balance my time I map out my week(s) on a calendar just like project management. Time dedicated to making,marketing and admin, as well as fun, off the grid clay time with no pressure. Then I balance work with home and family just like any other working person does. Like the accountant, I have busy seasons where I work early and late. It is a juggling act. I have a husband, kids in HS and animals that fight for attention. Everyone feels like they are dfl sometimes, some more than others.Well said Bridges Pottery. After a little google search, I think DFL means dead freakin’ last. But anyway, the main takeaways from this response are fantastic. A lot of people plan their schedule week by week but the key word is plan. With all the different things that potters have to do, it’s a good idea to plan all the things. Even the “non essential” things like exercise, quality time with others, and time to play or explore. Those things may not be essential to your next deadline but they are essential to YOU. Making pots isn’t like a lot of other jobs but you can still treat it as a full time job and balance it with the other parts of your life.PigeonRoadPottery I'm a full time potter. I tend to work in the studio most days from 9 to 6 with an hour break for lunch. Some days I am more disciplined than others but for the most part I treat it like a job. I only work in the studio at night when I am under deadline but I regularly do marketing and business stuff in the evenings. I also teach a class at night once a week. If I need to schedule an appointment during the day I try to make it either at the beginning or end of the work day so I can get at least 6 hours of work in. I take one full day a week off to do things with friends. It's nice to have a flexible schedule and the freedom to make my own hours.I love this response from Pigeon Road Pottery as well. Again, if making pots is your job, treat it as a job. I also like how getting into a routine can make things easier to balance your time. And making time for friends is important. It can be easy to isolate yourself if you do nothing but work in your studio.Awesome responses everyone! This is the kind of discussion that I was hoping for with the MudTalk Mondays. And it’s one of the main reasons I started Expert Clay, and even this podcast. We can explore an issue, maybe admit that we struggle with it, let other people offer some advice and tell what works for them, everyone gets better and our community gets stronger. I’m not saying this is the first great discussion we’ve had but it is a great example of what we can do as a community. So thank you to everyone who participated.Reading some of the responses reminded me of a short conversation I had a while ago with another ceramic artist. Brooke Millecchia was explaining during a video that she didn’t make a lot of pots but put more time into each one and she was fine with that. For myself, being a part time potter, it was reassuring that it’s okay not to make a million pots each week. It’s okay for me right now to only complete a cycle of pots every month. Or even less if I’m working on some other projects. I loved this quote from Brooke: “Beatrice Wood made pots until she was 104. We’ve got lots of time to make great pots.”I don’t expect to live 104 years but even if I come to an unexpected and early demise, would it really matter that I didn’t get 12 more mugs made this week or learned a new technique or got my work into that gallery? I mean, there’s something to be said about your legacy, but if my life is much shorter than I’m expecting hope, I want people to see that I cared about my family first and then cared about my work. So maybe I’m just trying to say, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. But it’s also, well, a balance to determine what kind of pressure you can stand and how important it is for you to grow or accomplish certain things. Maybe that’s the real question. What do you really want to accomplish in life? It’s all about priorities. If you really get things prioritized, it would probably be a lot easier to devote enough time to your most important things.I have one other thought about managing time but I can’t remember where I heard it. It’s not my original thought but I really agree with it. “Balance doesn’t always mean equal.” Or it doesn’t mean everything is equal.  For example, say you have a box full of clay and a box of styrofoam packing peanuts. If the boxes are the same size the clay is going to weigh a lot more. To make them weigh the same you would need a lot more packing peanuts. When we’re talking about time, you shouldn’t feel like you have to spend an equal amount of time on each part of your life. You can try, but that is going to be tough to do. Instead, think about the quality of time you spend. Do you think my kids would rather spend 2 hours with me while I work on my laptop or 30 minutes that I focus completely on them? Of course I want to spend more than 30 minutes a day with my kids but I can schedule in at least 30 minutes where they get to pick what we do and have my full attention. And of course on weekends we have opportunities to have much bigger chunks of family time. You just have to decide what “balance” means.One last resource I have for you: if you haven’t been over to the Expert Clay Blog, go check that out at your earliest convenience. I’ve written some articles that have come straight from MudTalk Monday conversations. In fact, I have a whole series of articles about how you can make the most of your time in the studio. There are definitely some ideas in there that may help you balance your time.And finally, if you haven’t heard, or you forgot, we have a giveaway going on right now until the end of 2018. One winner will get to choose a free T shirt from potteryshirts.com. You can enter two ways. First, fill out a quick survey about potteryshirts.com. It should take 2 minutes at the most. Second, leave a comment or message at expertclay.com/mtp. It could be an idea for the MudTalk Podcast, or a response to one of the topics. It could be your favorite thing that you’ve heard on the show or a question about the show or myself. It could even be something you are trying to get better at yourself or a recent accomplishment. For more details about the giveaway and links to the entries, go to expertclay.com/giveaway. Remember, you can enter both ways to double your chances and currently you have pretty good odds because there haven’t been a lot of entries yet. Feel free to tell others about the podcast as well, especially if they would be interested in winning a free shirt. And thank you all so much for your participation and support.That pretty much wraps up episode 18 of the MudTalk Podcast. Be sure to subscribe with your favorite podcast subscription service. Look for the next episode sometime in the last half of December. As we start looking toward 2019, we’ll have episode 19 about what you would be doing if you weren’t working with clay. So until then, I hope you have all the time you need. Thanks for tuning in and stay muddy.

<h2>Resources</h2> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BU9DAkEFXpQ/?taken-by=potterymakinginfo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MudTalk Monday on Instagram</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/potterymakinginfo/photos/a.10151503193013457/10154605174918457/?type=3&amp;theater" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MudTalk Monday on Facebook</a> <a href="https://expertclay.com/time-in-the-pottery-studio/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Make the Most of Your Time in the Pottery Studio</a> <a href="https://expertclay.com/giveaway/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Giveaway Details</a> <h2>Transcript</h2>Welcome, this is episode 18 of the MudTalk Podcast. This is the one about time management. How do you balance your time? This is a great topic for a few reasons. First of all, as potters and ceramic artists, I think maybe it’s a little tougher for some of us than for other people with a more common 9 - 5 job. We have a lot more flexibility and freedom with our schedules. It’s also tough because we have to do so many different things. Sure, we get to play with clay… but what about the shows, the photography, the listing, the marketing, the ordering, the finances, and everything else? And some of us are trying to balance clay with another job! Another reason that I think it’s hard is because time in the studio seems to go so fast. I look down at the clay and all of a sudden a couple hours have passed! The best thing that makes this a great topic for this episode is that some people have really figured out what works for them and you get to hear some great ideas and helpful tips. But before that, just a reminder, this episode is “sponsored” by <a href="https://potteryshirts.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">potteryshirts.com</a> because we have a giveaway happening. That’s right, you could win a free T-shirt from <a href="http://potteryshirts.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">potteryshirts.com</a> as a thank you for listening. Make sure you listen to the end of the episode to hear details about how you can enter. But now, let us hear some thoughts from other clay people about time management. We’ll start with the comments from people that seem to be struggling and then we’ll hear from some of you that have started to figure out what works. <h3>Struggling to Balance Time</h3>First off, we have <a href="https://www.instagram.com/newspinontradition/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NewSpinOnTradition</a> For those that are making their living from clay, how do (you) divide your day between the making of work, marketing and taking photos, social media, applying for opportunities, etc. Is it a free for all, or do you try and follow an actual regimented schedule. I'm a very slow worker, so making the work seems to eat 95% of my time. I know I'm not paying enough attention to the other aspects. And trying to squeeze in time for friends and family barely happens. ?? Next up, responding to How do you balance your time? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/olisny/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Olisny</a> I don't. ? I'm struggling...I have two kids under 6 and stay at home with them. And my studio is at home! Balancing making art, household management, business management, kid education is something I'm getting closer to figuring out. It's hard seeing people produce so much when I'm slow; I have to remind myself I'm following a lot of people online who are students without kids. ? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/octopusceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">OctopusCeramics</a> I don't ?? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/glynnislessing/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GlynnisLessing</a> So easy to go into the studio and not come out all day. Still struggling with balance! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pathwaypottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PathwayPottery</a> I don't balance very well! Feast or famine! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/queerlyclay/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">QueerlyClay</a> I'm supposed to balance my time? This response got me thinking. I guess nobody is forcing us to balance our time. So you don’t have to if you don’t want to. I suppose some people want, or need to, work on something for 4 days straight and then sleep for two days straight and then wake up and do something else. Some people probably don’t have a lot of close friends or family or are very introverted so they don’t worry about spending time with others. So there is no single right way to do this. But many people feel that it’s healthy or ideal to find a balance in their lives. You have to decide what is right for you. The next response covers a lot of topics along with time management. <h3>Other</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/harrychoepotter/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HarryChoePotter</a> My goal in life is to be a potter and studio owner full time. How do you live off pottery? Not possible for me. I work full time and run a studio part time. Not enough time in the day or night. How do we stay happy? It's tough trying to market your business and create art. In Korea, pottery seems like it's a dead art. Schools don't offer pottery anymore. It's all diy based now. Artists can't make a living just from selling art. What is balance? Just surviving is tough enough. I truly wish all artists the best of luck. I'm really happy to see artists succeed. Stay true to yourself. See love in people not hate. So it seems pretty clear to me, there are some people that really struggle with balancing their time. And that’s okay. It’s not easy. But the good news is that time management is something you can get better at. Next, we’ll here some tips and ideas that seem to be working for people. <h3>Ideas and Tips</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/damarisoakleypottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">DamarisOakleyPottery</a> Very challenging, but I do look at Monday as the start of something new, new day, new week, more pottery!??? I love the positive vibe! When you’re working with clay, Mondays aren’t so bad! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ana.ries.94?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anita R</a> I make reasonable goals that I'd like to achieve for each week in order to stay on track and write them down and check them off as I complete them. Sometimes it works like a charm, other times life happens and you deal with it. I make lists of things to do in ceramics, family life, exercise, and include fun stuff on those lists to attempt balance. Whatever I don't get to, I add it to the top of the following week's list. Thanks Anita. I like to make a lot of lists for myself too. Mostly to remember what I need to get done. If I don’t write things down I often forget to do them. Just ask my wife. I also like making lists because when “life happens” as Anita says, I can come back and remember where I left off and get right back into it. Lists help me stay focused. After I write something on a list I don’t have to worry about remembering to do it. I can focus all my thoughts on the thing I’m doing at the moment. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/artofawen/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Artofawen</a> It's (balancing time is) a big challenge. I need outside motivation. I work full time and have a young child. At the end of the day if I don't have a deadline looming I'm probably not going to make it to the studio This response really resonates with me. I feel the same way a lot. If I don’t have a show coming up or a sales season, I don’t get into the clay studio nearly as much. That outside motivation really helps me get pots made. Not just because I want to play with my kids or watch Netflix all day, sometimes I just have a lot of other kinds of work that I want to do. Like a podcast, or a website. Outside motivation helps me prioritize things. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/quigley_ceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Quigley_ceramics</a> I put my head in the sand and make make make until I bring so much work home that my husband says "Time to rent a storage unit" and I say "No! Time to sell!" I finally bring out the photo booth, spend a couple days editing and listing items on the website and Etsy. This probably happens every two months. Having a new baby has totally changed my studio time management. That's a whole post unto itself...❤️ Thanks Quigley Ceramics. Many potters talk about working in cycles. I think the long production process forces, or at least encourages this. For some it works really well to focus on one part of the process for a while and complete that part, then move on to the next part of the process. Once all the pots are made, or sold, you can start the next cycle. There are definitely some advantages to this. I generally work this way because I’m making pots for an upcoming event. But alas, I feel that I never have quite enough time in the clay studio so I have a variety of pots in different states of completion. This is actually a good thing though because sometimes I have just a little bit of time to work. So I may not have time to throw a dozen mugs but I may be able to glaze the inside of a dozen mugs in the time I have. In general though, it seems efficient to work in batches or cycles. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/claybylaura/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Claybylaura</a> This is a toughie! Hours pass in the studio in the blink of an eye. For me, I need to remember to get out of the studio, stay social, exercise and enjoy friends. All of it helps keep me happy and productive when I'm immersed in the clay. Very good point Laura. Take care of yourself first and it will help you do your best work when it’s time to work. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bridgespottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bridgespottery</a> I am a full time studio potter. I teach one to two mornings a week at a local studio. To balance my time I map out my week(s) on a calendar just like project management. Time dedicated to making,marketing and admin, as well as fun, off the grid clay time with no pressure. Then I balance work with home and family just like any other working person does. Like the accountant, I have busy seasons where I work early and late. It is a juggling act. I have a husband, kids in HS and animals that fight for attention. Everyone feels like they are dfl sometimes, some more than others. Well said Bridges Pottery. After a little google search, I think DFL means dead freakin’ last. But anyway, the main takeaways from this response are fantastic. A lot of people plan their schedule week by week but the key word is plan. With all the different things that potters have to do, it’s a good idea to plan all the things. Even the “non essential” things like exercise, quality time with others, and time to play or explore. Those things may not be essential to your next deadline but they are essential to YOU. Making pots isn’t like a lot of other jobs but you can still treat it as a full time job and balance it with the other parts of your life. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pigeonroadpottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PigeonRoadPottery</a> I'm a full time potter. I tend to work in the studio most days from 9 to 6 with an hour break for lunch. Some days I am more disciplined than others but for the most part I treat it like a job. I only work in the studio at night when I am under deadline but I regularly do marketing and business stuff in the evenings. I also teach a class at night once a week. If I need to schedule an appointment during the day I try to make it either at the beginning or end of the work day so I can get at least 6 hours of work in. I take one full day a week off to do things with friends. It's nice to have a flexible schedule and the freedom to make my own hours. I love this response from Pigeon Road Pottery as well. Again, if making pots is your job, treat it as a job. I also like how getting into a routine can make things easier to balance your time. And making time for friends is important. It can be easy to isolate yourself if you do nothing but work in your studio. Awesome responses everyone! This is the kind of discussion that I was hoping for with the MudTalk Mondays. And it’s one of the main reasons I started Expert Clay, and even this podcast. We can explore an issue, maybe admit that we struggle with it, let other people offer some advice and tell what works for them, everyone gets better and our community gets stronger. I’m not saying this is the first great discussion we’ve had but it is a great example of what we can do as a community. So thank you to everyone who participated. Reading some of the responses reminded me of a short conversation I had a while ago with another ceramic artist. Brooke Millecchia was explaining during a video that she didn’t make a lot of pots but put more time into each one and she was fine with that. For myself, being a part time potter, it was reassuring that it’s okay not to make a million pots each week. It’s okay for me right now to only complete a cycle of pots every month. Or even less if I’m working on some other projects. I loved this quote from Brooke: “Beatrice Wood made pots until she was 104. We’ve got lots of time to make great pots.” I don’t expect to live 104 years but even if I come to an unexpected and early demise, would it really matter that I didn’t get 12 more mugs made this week or learned a new technique or got my work into that gallery? I mean, there’s something to be said about your legacy, but if my life is much shorter than I’m expecting hope, I want people to see that I cared about my family first and then cared about my work. So maybe I’m just trying to say, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. But it’s also, well, a balance to determine what kind of pressure you can stand and how important it is for you to grow or accomplish certain things. Maybe that’s the real question. What do you really want to accomplish in life? It’s all about priorities. If you really get things prioritized, it would probably be a lot easier to devote enough time to your most important things. I have one other thought about managing time but I can’t remember where I heard it. It’s not my original thought but I really agree with it. “Balance doesn’t always mean equal.” Or it doesn’t mean everything is equal.  For example, say you have a box full of clay and a box of styrofoam packing peanuts. If the boxes are the same size the clay is going to weigh a lot more. To make them weigh the same you would need a lot more packing peanuts. When we’re talking about time, you shouldn’t feel like you have to spend an equal amount of time on each part of your life. You can try, but that is going to be tough to do. Instead, think about the quality of time you spend. Do you think my kids would rather spend 2 hours with me while I work on my laptop or 30 minutes that I focus completely on them? Of course I want to spend more than 30 minutes a day with my kids but I can schedule in at least 30 minutes where they get to pick what we do and have my full attention. And of course on weekends we have opportunities to have much bigger chunks of family time. You just have to decide what “balance” means. One last resource I have for you: if you haven’t been over to the Expert Clay Blog, go check that out at your earliest convenience. I’ve written some articles that have come straight from MudTalk Monday conversations. In fact, I have a whole series of articles about how you can make the most of your time in the studio. There are definitely some ideas in there that may help you balance your time. And finally, if you haven’t heard, or you forgot, we have a giveaway going on right now until the end of 2018. One winner will get to choose a free T shirt from <a href="http://potteryshirts.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">potteryshirts.com</a>. You can enter two ways. First, fill out a quick survey about <a href="http://potteryshirts.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">potteryshirts.com</a>. It should take 2 minutes at the most. Second, leave a comment or message at <a href="http://expertclay.com/mtp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">expertclay.com/mtp</a>. It could be an idea for the MudTalk Podcast, or a response to one of the topics. It could be your favorite thing that you’ve heard on the show or a question about the show or myself. It could even be something you are trying to get better at yourself or a recent accomplishment. For more details about the giveaway and links to the entries, go to <a href="http://expertclay.com/giveaway" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">expertclay.com/giveaway</a>. Remember, you can enter both ways to double your chances and currently you have pretty good odds because there haven’t been a lot of entries yet. Feel free to tell others about the podcast as well, especially if they would be interested in winning a free shirt. And thank you all so much for your participation and support. That pretty much wraps up episode 18 of the MudTalk Podcast. Be sure to subscribe with your favorite podcast subscription service. Look for the next episode sometime in the last half of December. As we start looking toward 2019, we’ll have episode 19 about what you would be doing if you weren’t working with clay. So until then, I hope you have all the time you need. Thanks for tuning in and stay muddy.

018 – How to Balance Your Time

Resources MudTalk Instagram link Mudtalk Facebook link T-shirt Giveaway!Free Course: Make 2019 Your Best Pottery Year TranscriptThis is episode 19! Since it’s the last episode of 2018, it’s kind of an important episode. First of all, this is your last reminder to win a pottery shirt! Listen for more details at the end of the episode. It’s also important because it’s a small milestone. I can look back and see that I put together 19 episodes in 2018. That doesn’t seem like much over the course of an entire year, but considering I didn’t even know how to make a podcast until February, I’d say that we have done okay. Thanks again for listening. I definitely wouldn’t be motivated to keep going if all of you weren’t showing support.You may not find the topic of this episode as helpful or informative as some other episodes. I really enjoyed reading all the responses though because I feel like I got to know the community a lot better. It was really interesting to see what other skills and passions you have. And sometimes it’s fun to imagine how things could be different.There were a lot more comments than some other MudTalk Mondays. Perhaps because it was an easier question to answer? There were a lot of similar answers so I tried to group some of them together.So let’s hear some of these responses to: What would you be doing if clay did not exist?Painting Dtaylorsatm PaintingShari.sutherland.art Still painting.... just wouldn't be as exciting.Stonecropstudio More painting, for my soul! And maybe woodcuts for a tactile fix?ArtbyGretaMichelle Painting in oils.Caseydepasquale Making paintings that are thick and juicy and full of #texture!Metal / Jewelry Mudbird_ceramics Making jewellery/silversmithing or painting:)PathwayPottery Metal sculptureConor.jensen Keep doing metal sculpture probablyDoubleMusePottery I'd be making jewelry and glass etching. So many things to create.Pitchpinepottery Still making! I've always wanted to try metal smithing and make jewelry.Food Poteria_oficina_ceramica I would be making food!Bdeterling @ioceramicarustica I agree! Specifically baking since it's similar to making clay and firing kilns ?Connie J Cakes probablyWood Reidthepotter WoodworkingKathrynBurnsClay Turning wood on the lathe.Ebboren Carving wood, which would probably include some trips to the ER!?LittleCharlieWheeler Leather or wood. Have to be tactile.Measa C S carve wood :DTextiles Marisol_blamey quizás bordaría alfombras! pero.... no es lo mismo! (Maybe I would embroider rugs! but it's not the same)Debra_lee2 Quilting!Sandywithaq Back to the knitting needles!GardenGateDesign Hooking more rugs now I split my time between the two and making beeswax candles . . .Monstriss KnittingDawn I CrotchetMarg F textilesGlass Maxschreifels Blow glass like a man lolJean_faith_vanderheyden Soap stone carving and or stain glass making.Anni_s_t Blowing glass..Madeleinevinkceramics Definitly glass blowing!Photography Yopanama I would be doing photographyMike W Photography.Clay_lady I'd have more time to practice piano and work on photography.Other Desoet_ceramics Nice question ? anyway i would be sculpting. Doesn't matter from what material ☺Syrihee.ceramics Architecture probably :/ and paintingBluee_pottery Rock climbingSudima DrawingOlisny Printmaking! I had a fund saving up for an etching press I instead used to buy my kiln and wheel. ?Nancybloklandpottery The garden would be the next best thingJojo.hare I'd still be making candles ?KaraMorrisPottery Writing books ?Suits._p architectureAmyThomasCeramics Midwifery ?KaroArtCeramics I'd be an illustrator, that's my plan for when my body fails meSusan H D MosaicsAnother_day_wiser I was a music performance major in college until I switched to ceramics, so probably that ?Multiple Things Paulinepotspottery Still creating - maybe get back into macrame or painting or baking - just need to keep those creative juices flowing ?Littlepotteryshop Gardening, cooking, sewing... all things I do as hobbies anyway ?I couldn't live without my creative outlets! To make money though I might be a professional organizer.Apicio72 Only drawing and cooking. And eating? of course!Gia_mcc Reading, cooking and dancing like no one is looking at me!Thistle_dew_nicely_ceramics Before clay I did tole painting, painted saws, painted canvases. Made jewelry, sewed lap quilts, paper crafts. I did lots of craft type stuff.Ingridj1957 I've tried and loved making silver jewellery in the past. If I had a lathe I'd do woodturning and make bowls again. ❤️Lauren_johnson_studio I make ceramics and I also do woodblock carving and abstract painting. It's a lot of money and work to have a clay studio so I get it in when I can take a class.Beemajabee Stamp carving, fountain pen sketches, water color, maybe go back to quilting.Marisepu Painting, doing mosaics, writing...things I used to do before I fell in love with Clay !!Laurel F My back up plan is water color, drawing, quilting. But if clay didn't exist, we wouldn't be here. There wouldn't be an earth.Lorna B I would have finished the brick paving a long time ago and finished more paintings done more mosaics and the garden would have fewer weeds There is nothing quite like clay ??Kim W Paint, knit, glass work ... gotta make something!Just Make Something Lucyfagella Make something else...#makersgonnamake.Sandysunpottery Finding another medium! When you have this internal need to create art, it doesn't go away if you don't have your favorite medium at hand ?Annelie57 Any other creative artAmymskemp Creating something...food, drawing, painting, fibers, and babies❤️Maria S A sad thought , but pray God would put another desire in my heart to creat. Have a blessed day. From this Cotton Pickin' Potter from Beautiful Beaufort SC by the Bay.Find It / Invent ItSome of you are not giving up hope.Bobbie141 Wait till it returned ...or go and find me some ?Earthartam Inventing clayExpiredin2012 Invent clayBateendje Invent it ?Tanya K I would be inventing clay!!!!!!Mental StateSome of us sound like we would be in rough shape without clay.Hnilebo Go mental!Finbarness Probaly be dying I coulndnt live without potteryTeenaMartinArt Insane asylumJane N Would be mentally in rough shapeEstrovan Crying ?Pirkitta P Perish the thought! ?Libbi H ???Other JobIt was interesting to hear about how some mentioned other occupations.Mariekennedypottery Maybe still sitting in a cubicle and collecting craft hobbies waiting until something grabbed me and wouldn't let go... Like clay did.2frogsstudio Getting a job that makes money... lolKaraleighCeramics I'd probably still be working in visual merchandising &amp; my soul would be searching for something it didn't know it needed. Thank God for pottery!!Kali D G Still be in advertising and marketing.... and suffering an ulcer.....Robinhoodgrl I would probably still work in fashion; but unhappier. I would still paint, draw and all the rest thoughDeeper MeaningsAnd some responses just required some extra thought from me.Mils0nrisas I'd have a life! ?At first I wasn’t sure about this response. But I don’t think Milsonrisas means that we don’t have a life if we work with clay. At least not in a negative way. But more that clay just consumes us and some of us devote our entire lives to it.Ceramica_agostini I'd have an easier life with less failure but also with less excitement and experience ??This was an interesting response. I suppose if I didn’t work with clay my life would be a little easier in some aspects. I would have a lot more free time. I wouldn’t have a pile of pots that suffer from glaze faults, cracks, or that are just mediocre or terrible.Ben.fields If clay didn't exist, we wouldn't exist.I think this response is valid on multiple levels and we could really dive deep. But we’ll save that for another time.So that’s it. Thanks to everyone for taking the time to respond. Some of these thoughts got me thinking. I like how so many people have other interests and skills. I would be interested to know how your other interests impact your work with clay. And I know for myself, I like to pursue some of these other interests along with clay. I know everyone is different, so do you think it would be better for YOU to try and split your time between interests? Or are you more of a person that lets one thing consume you?I know that I’m a little bit of both sometimes. I think of it as creative ADD. I get really into one thing for a while and put all my effort and thoughts into it. Then I plateau, or feel like I’ve accomplished what I want, or something else comes along. Then I get consumed by this new thing for a while. Usually I return to the original thing at some point but usually at more of a sustainable level. As new things come and go I just have to decide what I want to keep pursuing and what I want to take a break from or put on the “someday” shelf. Back in college I focused on oil painting and ceramics for my two senior projects. We lived in a tiny apartment after college so I painted. Then when we bought our own place I had room for the wheel. I tried to do both but eventually I decided that I needed to focus on one thing. Clay won. But all my painting stuff is packed up into a tub on a shelf just in case SOMEDAY I want, or need, to get it back out.That doesn’t mean I’m actually focusing on one thing though! Sometimes I like to take photos, sometimes I just like to use computers to design stuff. Quite often, it’s clay.It seemed like a major theme in all the responses was that if we weren’t working with clay we would be creating something else. I can relate to that. There is something that drives me to create. It doesn’t really matter what medium. I just need to make something. Maybe to know that I exist? Maybe to let other people know I exist? Maybe it’s just the chemicals in my body? I know that after I create something, especially if it turns out pretty well, I feel accomplished and I want to make more stuff.Another thing that makes ME happy is that many of the responses seemed to come from people who are happy. We found clay. And that is what makes us happy. We don’t have to keep wandering in the wilderness. Some people don’t even have to keep working at a job that isn’t their dream job. Even though making pots is hard work, and it doesn’t provide big paychecks like some other jobs, it is what some of us were born to do. I’m glad I can be a part of a community like that. So thank you all.And before we get to the last reminder about the t-shirt giveaway I have some year end promotional propaganda. Errr, opportunities.The biggest announcement is that I’m offering the first official course at Expert Clay which will begin December 31st. The course is called 2019, Your Best Pottery Year and I’ve set it up so we can work together to set, plan, and achieve our goals for the new year. I’m calling it a course, but I hope it ends up being more of a team project. This year it is completely free. We all know that the ceramics community is amazing and we can do awesome things when we work together. Just listen to the MudTalk Podcast as one example. I hope this course will let us help each other through critique, accountability, and encouragement. I know it won’t be for everyone, some of you are already goal achieving superheroes. But you are still welcome to join and offer advice or help. It is set up with 4 weeks of content to get our year off to a great start but the class doesn’t actually end until the end of 2019... Or until you achieve your goals for the year! The course content can be finished at your own pace at any time really but there will be opportunities for discussion which may be better if you are working at the same pace as everyone else. So if you are interested in making 2019 your best pottery year, sign up at https://expertclay.com/2019/. Again the official starting date is December 31st but you can sign up for free and get started now. Even if you hear this much later you can join in and work at your own pace.After I get this course going I hope to offer some more courses, some free, some paid. I have been working on a course for complete beginners as an introduction to start making pottery. I also have some ideas about sharing some techniques that I use myself. And of course, I’m always looking for other people to share what they know whether it be in video format or slides or articles or podcasts or whatever way you are most comfortable. Get in touch if you want to share something at Expert Clay.As for this podcast, I plan to keep going without major changes. My goal for 2019 is 20 new episodes. I have been considering the idea of an additional podcast. More of me just sharing some opinions on certain topics. And eventually I’d like to do a podcast with an interview format. But I’ll probably just stick to the MudTalk Podcast for 2019.The Expert Clay Blog is off to a solid start. There are some quality articles covering topics like throwing taller, pricing your pots, and managing your time. I hope to add some more throughout 2019 and share some videos of myself and other potters working and showing off their techniques.There are a lot of cool things planned. If you want to be notified of some of these opportunities you can join the email list at expertclay.com.But now, let’s get to the fun part. Someone will get to choose a free t-shirt from potteryshirts.com. All you have to do is fill out a survey or share a comment. Do both for two entries. And even after the last reminder, you still have a pretty good chance to win, especially if you get two entries. The last day to enter is December 31st. So get it done! And tell others to listen to the podcast so they can enter too. To get all the details and see how to enter you can go to expertclay.com/giveaway.As always, thanks so much for downloading and listening and sharing. After a quick look at the stats before I started recording, we have had over 15,000 downloads in 2018. That is amazing to me. Thank you all so much.As we start the new year we will have episode 20 of the MudTalk podcast. It will be a discussion about form vs. function. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and get to spend time with loved ones and take care of yourself. Until 2019, rejoice that we have clay and stay muddy.

019 – What Would You Do Without Clay?

Resources Facebook Discussion Instagram Discussion Make 2019 Your Best Pottery Year (free course) Transcript: Form vs. FunctionHappy New Year! Welcome to episode 20, the first episode of 2019! In this episode we will hear some great thoughts about form and function. But first, a couple updates. It took me a little longer than I had intended to get the first episode of the year finished. I have been working hard on some of my other goals that I’ve set for 2019. In fact, as I went through the process of setting some new goals this year I created a free course on Expert Clay to help you set, plan for, and achieve your own goals. The course was created to cover the first four weeks of 2019 to get your year off to a great start. But don’t worry if you missed it, all the course material is available and you can still work through it at your own pace. It will help you decide what you really want, how to set SMART goals, and then create a plan to accomplish your goals. If you are struggling to get things accomplished or make the growth that you really want, this course may be for you. Just go to expertclay.com and you’ll see some information about the course right at the top of the page.Some more good news: At the end of 2018 we had a giveaway. Robin won the free tshirt from potteryshirts.com this time but we’ll have to do more giveaways in the future. Thanks to everyone who participated!And thanks again to all of you who are listening to the podcast and spreading the word! Now, let’s hear some answers to the question: Is form or function more important in your work.First, let’s start with the potters who start with form or feel that form is most important to them.Form williambakerpotteryForm is always first for meartbygretamichelleForm. I'm aware of function but focus on the form.she_dreams_in_underglazeForm is the most important element to me, but I would find it hard to justify (to myself) making something that did not also function. Would I sacrifice a small degree of functionality in order to create a form that is more pleasing to me? Yes, without doubt - but I could never make something totally disfunctional.... for some reason the idea appalls me…sak_sakshiForm is of more importance to me .. as creating the form u like gives u immense peace !zeldaluneFormThere were also some that feel function is more important to them.Function Zained shahidFunctionpathwaypotteryI lean toward function. I like things to be useful but I am trying to explore more with form. Getting out of my comfort zone A bit!lucyfagellaFor me.. Ideas about form flow from the way a pot functions.wildfirepotterypennFunction comes first. However, if the form is not pleasing to the eyes, hands, &amp; whatever else it encounters, then function is useless... ??????ladytokioblueFor me function is more important because I only have basic knowledge of form. So in trying to make things that can be used I don't think of form... Usually because I suck as designs. ??harrychoepotterFor me it must be functional with a dash of design. Enough to make it look fab!!!! But overall I think function out wieghs form. Making somethimg useful and being a useful person is key to my life.Some claim that form and function are of equal importance don’t feel strongly enough about one or the other to choose just one.Both earthartamEqual. Sculpture is my first love, but I find people want something they can hold in their hand, use in their daily lives. So I do my best to combine the two.leslie_mbizzIt was never form vs function, it's "form follows function". If the form does not allow for the function intended, then it does not function and is only form. As artists we look for new forms to function in the ways unexpectedolisnyIn graphic design we have hammered into us that for function cannot exist without proper form. If your form sucks, you will ruin the function.claybylauraFor me form and function hold equal importance . When I'm making something new, I first think about its function and develop a form to fit those needs. The creativity happens when I meld those two ideas .2frogsstudioI am also from the school of graphic design but now a potter. Form without function and function without form cannot be the end all statement on its own. I make teapots. Without the proper form, it doesn't function. And just because it holds water and pours, its form isn't justified as a teapot. Yes, I make functional ware. One without the other is not a win.Other mimiho_cat Fluiditydowidat.ceramics Hand to handThese last few comments were my personal favorite.Favorites philosophiclay_speakingFor me, function gives me purpose, but form fills my soul.First of all, philosophiclay speaking is a fantastic instagram name. 2nd, that is a great response. Simple but thought provoking. I like the idea that form and function serve two different purposes or fill two different needs. We often think of of them working together but it’s interesting to think about each on their own.And finally our last response is fromBenjamin W Both are important, the production potter must master function to be successful. Fine art pots require both form and function to be truly successful. Nothing worse than a beautiful pot that disappoints you when you use it. Even though many universities label pottery as craft, it's still the only art we truly interact with on multiple levels thanks to its functional aspect.Benjamin I like the point about the production pottery vs. fine art pots and craft vs. art. I think these are all related to form and function. But before I start rambling too much, let’s define the terms form and function because sometimes they are so intertwined that I forget which is which.According to Mirriam Webster here are 3 definitions of form:a: the shape and structure of something as distinguished from its materialb: a body (as of a person) especially in its external appearance or as distinguished from the face : FIGUREc: an archaic definition: BEAUTYSo, I think of form as how something looks.The best definition of Function from Mirriam Webster, at least for our discussion, is:2: the action for which a person or thing is specially fitted or used or for which a thing exists : PURPOSESo I think of function as what something does. The action.So if we are thinking about pots, there are usually pretty clear actions that a pot is made for. It doesn’t take long to figure out if a pot functions in the way it is expected to or not. The main function of a mug is to contain a liquid and carry that liquid to your mouth. If your mug has a hole in the bottom it isn’t going to fulfill its purpose very well.The FORM of a pot though, can be unlimited. Even if we are trying to make all our mugs the same, if they are handmade, there will most likely be some subtle variation from mug to mug. Now think of all the different options and alterations we can make when we are trying to make something different. The interesting part, at least to me, is how much of your function are you willing to give up for your form? For example, you could make a mug with a zigzag or jagged rim. It may look really cool, but it may be a little harder to drink from without spilling liquid down your face. Are you okay with that? There’s no right or wrong answer, each potter, and their customers have to decide that for themselves.It seems like form and function are each related to one side of the art vs. craft discussion as well. I could be way off, but art seems to be more about expression or communication which is more about form. Craft, as in craftsmanship or perfecting a craft, makes me think of making something that has a certain purpose, which is the whole idea of function. But all these terms are related and it’s hard to draw any well defined lines between them.So, can you have form without function or function without form? Maybe not completely. If I was going to try, I’d probably pick one of those white styrofoam cups to show only function. There is a form involved but the sole purpose of the form is to function as well as possible. I guess every object has some kind of form. But maybe having a form is just part of the definition of an object? I could talk in circles all day.On the other hand, I think some things can be completely about form. For example, think about a sculpture. If the sculpture doesn’t DO anything other than get looked at or provoke thought or express or communicate a feeling, does it really have a physical action? I would say it is just there to get a reaction from viewers.Anyway, I feel like in my own work, function is most important to me. I want my mugs and cups and bowls to be comfortable and easy to use. Being used is the key idea. The form then comes out of the best way that I think a pot will function. I don’t set out to make a bowl or mug to sit on a shelf and be looked at. As I create a pot I think about how a handle will feel in someone’s hand or how the proportions of a bowl make it easier to pick up or fill with food. I still want to explore beauty and make unique work but most of that effort goes into surface decoration instead of changing the form of the pot too much. It makes me wonder, do simpler forms function better? Do simpler forms appeal to a wider audience? I do hope to keep exploring form and think about how I can still make pots that function well but aren’t just plain old cylinders. There are a lot of things to think about when making pots, especially the balance of form and function.Here are a couple things that I know for sure: Function is less subjective than form. Form is viewed as more valuable than function in many cases. There is an audience for all kinds of pots along the form and function spectrum.If you don’t agree, feel free to change my mind.Let’s wrap up this episode with a few quotes about form or function to inspire some more thought.There's design, and there's art. Good design is total harmony. There's no better designer than nature - if you look at a branch or a leaf, it's perfect. It's all function. Art is different. It's about emotion. It's about suffering and beauty - but mostly suffering!-Diane von FurstenbergA chair's function is not just to provide a place to sit; it is to provide a medium for self-expression. Chairs are about status, for example. Or signalling something about oneself. That's why the words chair, seat and bench have found themselves used to describe high status professions, from academia to Parliament to the law.-Evan DavisForm follows function - that has been misunderstood. Form and function should be one, joined in a spiritual union.-Frank Lloyd WrightThanks again for listening. Remember, check out the free course at expertclay.com. In the next episode, we’ll hear about what you can teach. Until then, keep making beautiful forms and pots that function well, and stay muddy.

<h2>Resources</h2> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/potterymakinginfo/photos/a.10151503193013457/10154690015343457/?type=3&amp;theater" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook Discussion</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BWFJ1uRlHgM/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram Discussion</a> <a href="https://expertclay.com/make-2019-best-pottery-year/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Make 2019 Your Best Pottery Year (free course)</a> <h2>Transcript: Form vs. Function</h2>Happy New Year! Welcome to episode 20, the first episode of 2019! In this episode we will hear some great thoughts about form and function. But first, a couple updates. It took me a little longer than I had intended to get the first episode of the year finished. I have been working hard on some of my other goals that I’ve set for 2019. In fact, as I went through the process of setting some new goals this year I created a free course on Expert Clay to help you set, plan for, and achieve your own goals. The course was created to cover the first four weeks of 2019 to get your year off to a great start. But don’t worry if you missed it, all the course material is available and you can still work through it at your own pace. It will help you decide what you really want, how to set SMART goals, and then create a plan to accomplish your goals. If you are struggling to get things accomplished or make the growth that you really want, this course may be for you. Just go to <a href="http://expertclay.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">expertclay.com</a> and you’ll see some information about the course right at the top of the page. Some more good news: At the end of 2018 we had a giveaway. Robin won the free tshirt from <a href="http://potteryshirts.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">potteryshirts.com</a> this time but we’ll have to do more giveaways in the future. Thanks to everyone who participated! And thanks again to all of you who are listening to the podcast and spreading the word! Now, let’s hear some answers to the question: Is form or function more important in your work. First, let’s start with the potters who start with form or feel that form is most important to them. <h3>Form</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/williambakerpottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">williambakerpottery</a> Form is always first for me <a href="https://www.instagram.com/artbygretamichelle/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">artbygretamichelle</a> Form. I'm aware of function but focus on the form. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/she_dreams_in_underglaze/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">she_dreams_in_underglaze</a> Form is the most important element to me, but I would find it hard to justify (to myself) making something that did not also function. Would I sacrifice a small degree of functionality in order to create a form that is more pleasing to me? Yes, without doubt - but I could never make something totally disfunctional.... for some reason the idea appalls me… <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sak_sakshi/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sak_sakshi</a> Form is of more importance to me .. as creating the form u like gives u immense peace ! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/zeldalune/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">zeldalune</a> Form There were also some that feel function is more important to them. <h3>Function</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/zainedshahid/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Zained shahid</a> Function <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pathwaypottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pathwaypottery</a> I lean toward function. I like things to be useful but I am trying to explore more with form. Getting out of my comfort zone A bit! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lucyfagella/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">lucyfagella</a> For me.. Ideas about form flow from the way a pot functions. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wildfirepotterypenn/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wildfirepotterypenn</a> Function comes first. However, if the form is not pleasing to the eyes, hands, &amp; whatever else it encounters, then function is useless... ?????? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ladytokioblue/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ladytokioblue</a> For me function is more important because I only have basic knowledge of form. So in trying to make things that can be used I don't think of form... Usually because I suck as designs. ?? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/harrychoepotter/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">harrychoepotter</a> For me it must be functional with a dash of design. Enough to make it look fab!!!! But overall I think function out wieghs form. Making somethimg useful and being a useful person is key to my life. Some claim that form and function are of equal importance don’t feel strongly enough about one or the other to choose just one. <h3>Both</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/earthartam/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earthartam</a> Equal. Sculpture is my first love, but I find people want something they can hold in their hand, use in their daily lives. So I do my best to combine the two. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/leslie_mbizz/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">leslie_mbizz</a> It was never form vs function, it's "form follows function". If the form does not allow for the function intended, then it does not function and is only form. As artists we look for new forms to function in the ways unexpected <a href="https://www.instagram.com/olisny/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">olisny</a> In graphic design we have hammered into us that for function cannot exist without proper form. If your form sucks, you will ruin the function. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/claybylaura/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">claybylaura</a> For me form and function hold equal importance . When I'm making something new, I first think about its function and develop a form to fit those needs. The creativity happens when I meld those two ideas . <a href="https://www.instagram.com/2frogsstudio/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2frogsstudio</a> I am also from the school of graphic design but now a potter. Form without function and function without form cannot be the end all statement on its own. I make teapots. Without the proper form, it doesn't function. And just because it holds water and pours, its form isn't justified as a teapot. Yes, I make functional ware. One without the other is not a win. <h3>Other</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mimiho_cat/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">mimiho_cat</a> Fluidity <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dowidat.ceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">dowidat.ceramics</a> Hand to hand These last few comments were my personal favorite. <h3>Favorites</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/philosophiclay_speaking/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">philosophiclay_speaking</a> For me, function gives me purpose, but form fills my soul. First of all, philosophiclay speaking is a fantastic instagram name. 2nd, that is a great response. Simple but thought provoking. I like the idea that form and function serve two different purposes or fill two different needs. We often think of of them working together but it’s interesting to think about each on their own. And finally our last response is from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/benjamin.watkins.526?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Benjamin W</a> Both are important, the production potter must master function to be successful. Fine art pots require both form and function to be truly successful. Nothing worse than a beautiful pot that disappoints you when you use it. Even though many universities label pottery as craft, it's still the only art we truly interact with on multiple levels thanks to its functional aspect. Benjamin I like the point about the production pottery vs. fine art pots and craft vs. art. I think these are all related to form and function. But before I start rambling too much, let’s define the terms form and function because sometimes they are so intertwined that I forget which is which. According to Mirriam Webster here are 3 definitions of form: a: the shape and structure of something as distinguished from its material b: a body (as of a person) especially in its external appearance or as distinguished from the face : <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/figure" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">FIGURE</a> c: an archaic definition: <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beauty" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BEAUTY</a> So, I think of form as how something looks. The best definition of Function from Mirriam Webster, at least for our discussion, is: 2: the action for which a person or thing is specially fitted or used or for which a thing exists : <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purpose" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PURPOSE</a> So I think of function as what something does. The action. So if we are thinking about pots, there are usually pretty clear actions that a pot is made for. It doesn’t take long to figure out if a pot functions in the way it is expected to or not. The main function of a mug is to contain a liquid and carry that liquid to your mouth. If your mug has a hole in the bottom it isn’t going to fulfill its purpose very well. The FORM of a pot though, can be unlimited. Even if we are trying to make all our mugs the same, if they are handmade, there will most likely be some subtle variation from mug to mug. Now think of all the different options and alterations we can make when we are trying to make something different. The interesting part, at least to me, is how much of your function are you willing to give up for your form? For example, you could make a mug with a zigzag or jagged rim. It may look really cool, but it may be a little harder to drink from without spilling liquid down your face. Are you okay with that? There’s no right or wrong answer, each potter, and their customers have to decide that for themselves. It seems like form and function are each related to one side of the art vs. craft discussion as well. I could be way off, but art seems to be more about expression or communication which is more about form. Craft, as in craftsmanship or perfecting a craft, makes me think of making something that has a certain purpose, which is the whole idea of function. But all these terms are related and it’s hard to draw any well defined lines between them. So, can you have form without function or function without form? Maybe not completely. If I was going to try, I’d probably pick one of those white styrofoam cups to show only function. There is a form involved but the sole purpose of the form is to function as well as possible. I guess every object has some kind of form. But maybe having a form is just part of the definition of an object? I could talk in circles all day. On the other hand, I think some things can be completely about form. For example, think about a sculpture. If the sculpture doesn’t DO anything other than get looked at or provoke thought or express or communicate a feeling, does it really have a physical action? I would say it is just there to get a reaction from viewers. Anyway, I feel like in my own work, function is most important to me. I want my mugs and cups and bowls to be comfortable and easy to use. Being used is the key idea. The form then comes out of the best way that I think a pot will function. I don’t set out to make a bowl or mug to sit on a shelf and be looked at. As I create a pot I think about how a handle will feel in someone’s hand or how the proportions of a bowl make it easier to pick up or fill with food. I still want to explore beauty and make unique work but most of that effort goes into surface decoration instead of changing the form of the pot too much. It makes me wonder, do simpler forms function better? Do simpler forms appeal to a wider audience? I do hope to keep exploring form and think about how I can still make pots that function well but aren’t just plain old cylinders. There are a lot of things to think about when making pots, especially the balance of form and function. Here are a couple things that I know for sure: <ol> <li>Function is less subjective than form.</li> <li>Form is viewed as more valuable than function in many cases.</li> <li>There is an audience for all kinds of pots along the form and function spectrum.</li></ol>If you don’t agree, feel free to change my mind. Let’s wrap up this episode with a few quotes about form or function to inspire some more thought. There's design, and there's art. Good design is total harmony. There's no better designer than nature - if you look at a branch or a leaf, it's perfect. It's all function. Art is different. It's about emotion. It's about suffering and beauty - but mostly suffering! -Diane von Furstenberg A chair's function is not just to provide a place to sit; it is to provide a medium for self-expression. Chairs are about status, for example. Or signalling something about oneself. That's why the words chair, seat and bench have found themselves used to describe high status professions, from academia to Parliament to the law. -Evan Davis Form follows function - that has been misunderstood. Form and function should be one, joined in a spiritual union. -Frank Lloyd Wright Thanks again for listening. Remember, check out the free course at <a href="http://expertclay.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">expertclay.com</a>. In the next episode, we’ll hear about what you can teach. Until then, keep making beautiful forms and pots that function well, and stay muddy.

020 – Form vs. Function

I’m a ceramic artist in Northern California. 
I have a studio on my property, I work alone with the exception of my bestie, Pearl, who is a big ol’ yellow lab. ❤️🐾

Because I spend many hours working solo, I rely on various Podcasts for mental stimulation and to learn new things.  I’ve learned all kinds of things from various podcasts....and my new favorite podcast is MudTalk! 

I LOVE the show, I love hearing other points of view, I love learning about others’ interests and opinions, and I just love the enthusiasm that the host brings, along with other listeners. 

I feel more connected to the ceramic world and appreciate other artists and their input. 

Thank you for providing this to so many of us!!

Cris (and Pearl...who has never complained about my obsession with the beauty of clay).

I’m a MudTalk Fan

MudTalk Podcast - Pottery, Ceramics, Business

We're back! After a long break, we have a new episode of the MudTalk podcast! Thanks for listening.Links and ResourcesInstagram link: https://www.instagram.com/p/BWpLXYtFaZG/Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/potterymakinginfo/photos/a.10151503193013457/10154734498508457/?type=3&amp;theater TranscriptThis is episode 21. Thank you so much for listening. In this episode, we are going to talk about what you can teach to someone else. This was actually a really interesting topic because there were a lot of different responses. There were so many that I didn’t even include them all. It was really interesting to me to see what people are confident enough to teach someone else. This is especially interesting to me as I set up expertclay.com which will allow other people to teach or share their knowledge. For example, I put together an online course about setting and achieving goals as a potter. I hope to find others who want to share what they know, whether it’s a simple tip for working with clay or a detailed course exploring a topic on a deeper level. At the end of this episode I’ll talk more about how you can make that happen if you are interested.But first, let’s get to the responses. I separated the responses into two categories. There were plenty of people who could teach others how to have a proper mindset. We’ll hear those at the end. But we’ll start with the people that could teach techniques for working with clay.Clay Techniques mappotter Lidskathrynburnsclay How to recycle clay.sandyvanderwyk Find your tool.pinkmoonceramics Underglaze painting and sgraffito tips ?terraforms Pinching textures.fancyfrogpottery To centre clay on the wheel.?butalaclay Base wall thickness for great foot ringscarolyn_sawyer Always valve grind lids...glazed or unglazed.chuck_dm3 Go into how to find textures and tools (sticks/rocks/bark/leaves/etc)cabreraceramics Make their own glazesclay_with_mi Pulling wallsartbygretamichelle Finish is everything. It makes the pot.dowidat.ceramics Carving technique I love making clay look like something elsesuzie.hawkes How to slipcastwildfirepotterypenn How to fire obvara raku ?pathwaypottery Mugslaurieandwilliam Pulling handles.andhillbippieclayco Attaching handles ?The rest of the comments were less about techniques and skills for working with clay and more about how to have a proper attitude or mindset to work with clay.Mindset vivita5 Love every pot you maketxochi7 I'm a complete newbie, so could only impart enthusiasm ???claybylaura Embrace the failures, learn and move on!ryanpaulder Breathdtaylorsatm Don't get in a hurry.artroxinabox Love what you are doing &amp; do it with your heart not only your hands ?sandywithaq If you don't like something out of the kiln, give it a couple days. If you still don't like it, it doesn't mean nobody else will.wisp.ceramics Don't get frustrated, it's just dirt.leslie_mbizz Don't try to work if you're tiredforgottenfern If you don't love it smoosh it- it's the only way you will grow.bettys_pots Make something creative with every scrap of clay. Don't make extra work for yourself by putting little bits in the reclaim bin.earthartam The joys of handbuildingshesonthepath Study wabi sabipamelabarclaysatx Make multiples. Each one you make will be just a little bit better than the last.kleesestamps Put your personality into your pots - make what you like and they will come.bentwingley Make 500 more and you'll be in good shapenichibeipotters Everything matters. From wedging till it comes out of the kiln. Never settle, always strive to get better.Susie Lawrence M indfulness with clay, connecting with your soul through clay play creating connection with Mother Earth.Libbi Hutchence To relax on the wheel and remember to breathe. Play .... lots is learnt through play. Don't forget to have fun!Thanks to everyone for those great answers. It was interesting to hear such a broad range of topics and skill levels. It reminds me that even some of the most basic things need to be learned if you are just starting out. That is a good reminder to some of us who have been working with clay for a long time. I know some of the things that I don’t even think about anymore were once unfamiliar to me and maybe even a struggle.I asked about what you can teach for a few reasons. I wanted everyone to think about something that they were confident in doing. It’s good to think positive about yourself instead of always thinking about things that you can’t do. Give yourself a pat on the back for the things that you have learned well enough to teach someone else. Especially if you can take something complex and simplify it enough to teach it. Teaching is hard work. You not only have to know the content, you have to figure out the level your student has mastered or not mastered and then figure out a strategy that will lead them to the next level of mastery.I think it’s also important to support and grow the clay community. Even as a beginner you can help someone else learn something new. It may be a simple clay technique that you just learned or it could be something to help their mindset or even a skill from outside of clay that could be useful for a potter or ceramic artist. You definitely don’t have to be an expert to teach something. I just created a whole course about setting and achieving goals. But I’m no expert on the topic. I just shared what has worked for me.So what if you have something you want to teach but you don’t know how to get started? You know the content. Maybe you even have materials and lessons ready to go. But you need to find some students, you need to give them access, and you need to deliver an experience that is worth their time or money or both. This is where I hope that Expert Clay can help out. If you are interested in finding out more about sharing your story or your knowledge go to expertclay.com. Look for a link in the menu that says Teach / Share.As for me, I feel like I’m at a place where I could teach a lot of the basics of pottery making pretty well. And this is perfect because I’m in the process of building a new pottery studio where I’ll actually have the room to teach other people. I feel like I’m starting to create my own style so I could share some of the unique things I do in my own work as well. I’ve also been working on skills that are outside of actually working with clay but will be very useful when I become a full time potter. Things like design, photography, marketing, goal setting and time management. I’m far from a pro at any of these kinds of things but since my actual profession IS teaching, I feel like I could teach the basics on some of these topics. Think about all the skills you use every day when you work with clay or run a business. I bet there are plenty of things that other people would love to learn from you.To conclude this episode, think about how you can find opportunities to teach something. If not to earn some money, or increase your status, or even to help someone else, maybe you can do it just to make the clay community a little better.As always, thank you so much for downloading, listening and sharing. Remember, I love to hear your thoughts about what you have enjoyed about the show, how it could be better and especially topics for future discussion.The next episode will hear about your favorite clay tools. Until then, keep teaching and stay muddy.

We're back! After a long break, we have a new episode of the MudTalk podcast! Thanks for listening. <h2>Links and Resources</h2>Instagram link: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BWpLXYtFaZG/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/p/BWpLXYtFaZG/</a> Facebook link: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/potterymakinginfo/photos/a.10151503193013457/10154734498508457/?type=3&amp;theater" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/potterymakinginfo/photos/a.10151503193013457/10154734498508457/?type=3&amp;theater</a> <h2>Transcript</h2>This is episode 21. Thank you so much for listening. In this episode, we are going to talk about what you can teach to someone else. This was actually a really interesting topic because there were a lot of different responses. There were so many that I didn’t even include them all. It was really interesting to me to see what people are confident enough to teach someone else. This is especially interesting to me as I set up <a href="http://expertclay.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">expertclay.com</a> which will allow other people to teach or share their knowledge. For example, I put together an online course about setting and achieving goals as a potter. I hope to find others who want to share what they know, whether it’s a simple tip for working with clay or a detailed course exploring a topic on a deeper level. At the end of this episode I’ll talk more about how you can make that happen if you are interested. But first, let’s get to the responses. I separated the responses into two categories. There were plenty of people who could teach others how to have a proper mindset. We’ll hear those at the end. But we’ll start with the people that could teach techniques for working with clay. <h3>Clay Techniques</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mappotter/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">mappotter </a>Lids <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kathrynburnsclay/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">kathrynburnsclay</a> How to recycle clay. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sandyvanderwyk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sandyvanderwyk</a> Find your tool. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pinkmoonceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pinkmoonceramics</a> Underglaze painting and sgraffito tips ? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/terraforms/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">terraforms</a> Pinching textures. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fancyfrogpottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">fancyfrogpottery</a> To centre clay on the wheel.? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/butalaclay/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">butalaclay</a> Base wall thickness for great foot rings <a href="https://www.instagram.com/carolyn_sawyer/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">carolyn_sawyer</a> Always valve grind lids...glazed or unglazed. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chuck_dm3/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">chuck_dm3</a> Go into how to find textures and tools (sticks/rocks/bark/leaves/etc) <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cabreraceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">cabreraceramics</a> Make their own glazes <a href="https://www.instagram.com/clay_with_mi/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">clay_with_mi</a> Pulling walls <a href="https://www.instagram.com/artbygretamichelle/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">artbygretamichelle</a> Finish is everything. It makes the pot. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dowidat.ceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">dowidat.ceramics</a> Carving technique I love making clay look like something else <a href="https://www.instagram.com/suzie.hawkes/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">suzie.hawkes</a> How to slipcast <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wildfirepotterypenn/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wildfirepotterypenn</a> How to fire obvara raku ? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pathwaypottery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pathwaypottery</a> Mugs <a href="https://www.instagram.com/laurieandwilliam/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">laurieandwilliam</a> Pulling handles. and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hillbippieclayco/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">hillbippieclayco</a> Attaching handles ? The rest of the comments were less about techniques and skills for working with clay and more about how to have a proper attitude or mindset to work with clay. <h3>Mindset</h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/vivita5/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">vivita5</a> Love every pot you make <a href="https://www.instagram.com/txochi7/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">txochi7</a> I'm a complete newbie, so could only impart enthusiasm ??? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/claybylaura/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">claybylaura</a> Embrace the failures, learn and move on! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ryanpaulder/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ryanpaulder</a> Breath <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dtaylorsatm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">dtaylorsatm</a> Don't get in a hurry. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/artroxinabox/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">artroxinabox</a> Love what you are doing &amp; do it with your heart not only your hands ? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sandywithaq/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sandywithaq</a> If you don't like something out of the kiln, give it a couple days. If you still don't like it, it doesn't mean nobody else will. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wisp.ceramics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wisp.ceramics</a> Don't get frustrated, it's just dirt. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/leslie_mbizz/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">leslie_mbizz</a> Don't try to work if you're tired <a href="https://www.instagram.com/forgottenfern/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">forgottenfern</a> If you don't love it smoosh it- it's the only way you will grow. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bettys_pots/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bettys_pots</a> Make something creative with every scrap of clay. Don't make extra work for yourself by putting little bits in the reclaim bin. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/earthartam/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earthartam</a> The joys of handbuilding <a href="https://www.instagram.com/shesonthepath/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">shesonthepath</a> Study wabi sabi <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pamelabarclaysatx/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pamelabarclaysatx</a> Make multiples. Each one you make will be just a little bit better than the last. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kleesestamps/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">kleesestamps</a> Put your personality into your pots - make what you like and they will come. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bentwingley/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bentwingley</a> Make 500 more and you'll be in good shape <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nichibeipotters/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">nichibeipotters</a> Everything matters. From wedging till it comes out of the kiln. Never settle, always strive to get better. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/susie.lawrence.7?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Susie Lawrence</a> M indfulness with clay, connecting with your soul through clay play creating connection with Mother Earth. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lizzie.hutchence?fref=ufi&amp;rc=p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Libbi Hutchence</a> To relax on the wheel and remember to breathe. Play .... lots is learnt through play. Don't forget to have fun! Thanks to everyone for those great answers. It was interesting to hear such a broad range of topics and skill levels. It reminds me that even some of the most basic things need to be learned if you are just starting out. That is a good reminder to some of us who have been working with clay for a long time. I know some of the things that I don’t even think about anymore were once unfamiliar to me and maybe even a struggle. I asked about what you can teach for a few reasons. I wanted everyone to think about something that they were confident in doing. It’s good to think positive about yourself instead of always thinking about things that you can’t do. Give yourself a pat on the back for the things that you have learned well enough to teach someone else. Especially if you can take something complex and simplify it enough to teach it. Teaching is hard work. You not only have to know the content, you have to figure out the level your student has mastered or not mastered and then figure out a strategy that will lead them to the next level of mastery. I think it’s also important to support and grow the clay community. Even as a beginner you can help someone else learn something new. It may be a simple clay technique that you just learned or it could be something to help their mindset or even a skill from outside of clay that could be useful for a potter or ceramic artist. You definitely don’t have to be an expert to teach something. I just created a whole course about setting and achieving goals. But I’m no expert on the topic. I just shared what has worked for me. So what if you have something you want to teach but you don’t know how to get started? You know the content. Maybe you even have materials and lessons ready to go. But you need to find some students, you need to give them access, and you need to deliver an experience that is worth their time or money or both. This is where I hope that Expert Clay can help out. If you are interested in finding out more about sharing your story or your knowledge go to <a href="http://expertclay.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">expertclay.com</a>. Look for a link in the menu that says Teach / Share. As for me, I feel like I’m at a place where I could teach a lot of the basics of pottery making pretty well. And this is perfect because I’m in the process of building a new pottery studio where I’ll actually have the room to teach other people. I feel like I’m starting to create my own style so I could share some of the unique things I do in my own work as well. I’ve also been working on skills that are outside of actually working with clay but will be very useful when I become a full time potter. Things like design, photography, marketing, goal setting and time management. I’m far from a pro at any of these kinds of things but since my actual profession IS teaching, I feel like I could teach the basics on some of these topics. Think about all the skills you use every day when you work with clay or run a business. I bet there are plenty of things that other people would love to learn from you. To conclude this episode, think about how you can find opportunities to teach something. If not to earn some money, or increase your status, or even to help someone else, maybe you can do it just to make the clay community a little better. As always, thank you so much for downloading, listening and sharing. Remember, I love to hear your thoughts about what you have enjoyed about the show, how it could be better and especially topics for future discussion. The next episode will hear about your favorite clay tools. Until then, keep teaching and stay muddy.

021 – What Can You Teach?

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