The Maker's Playbook: Recent Episodes
Rebecca Ickes Carra
A podcast where we talk all about what it's really like to make a living from the things you make. Featuring candid interviews with other ceramicists and makers, as well as helpful business tips to make your side-hustle into a life-giving, viable business.
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Many makers treat consistency as the goal and cyclical creative rhythms as something to fix — but Shalya Marsh, of Shalya Marsh Studios, has built a three-decade career on making, unmaking, and remaking herself: sculptor to potter, employee to entrepreneur, solo maker to (almost) business owner with an assistant. Her conversation digs into whether "balance" is really the wrong word for what most working makers experience, and whether cyclical bursts of energy — not steady daily habits — might be the more honest model for a sustainable creative practice. Shalya shares how she draws a personal boundary between the designs she keeps for herself and the ones she eventually releases as tools for other makers, and how a single "launch dirty" moment reshaped both her business and her sense of urgency around sharing new work. It's a reminder that protecting your creative practice and running a business aren't the same job — and that giving yourself permission to work in fits and starts might be exactly what keeps you making for the long haul.
Take the Maker Archetype Quiz and find out what working rhythm works best for you by clicking here!
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You already know what it feels like to open a cupboard, see a mug, and know exactly who made it before you ever check for a signature. That's the instinct artists have always had. So why does the word "branding" make so many of us tune out? Jessie, one half of the duo behind Inkpot Creative, breaks it down: That same kind of recognition (built on purpose) is all branding actually is. Consistency matters more than any single logo. Niching down doesn't mean turning people away. Instead, it can create the version of your business that feels most like you, which is usually the one that finally lets people trust you enough to pay you what you're worth.
Come join us for a masterclass on branding with Jessie & KP of Inkpot Creative inside of The Community on July 21st. Learn more and join at makersplaybook.com/community
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As makers, we're told to define our ideal audience and nail our strategy before we ever start — but what if the real strategy reveals itself only after you've already begun? Robin Corradino of Rob Ceramics joins to unpack how she built a thriving wholesale and consignment-based business almost by accident, never doing a single craft market until years into selling her work. Her approach challenges the conventional wisdom around audience-building entirely: by simply making what she loved and paying close attention to who responded — and where those orders were coming from — her path revealed itself gradually instead of through any grand plan. It's a reminder that strategy doesn't have to come first; sometimes the most sustainable business decisions come from trusting the slow burn and letting your people find you.
Looking for support in building your own creative life? Come join over 100 other makers from around the world, having these very discussions, inside of The Community. Click here to learn more.
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Most of us have been told (or have told ourselves one way or another) that building a successful creative business means picking a lane and staying in it. But what happens when the lane you've built starts to feel more like a cage, and the work that once lit you up becomes just another obligation you can't motivate yourself to do? Christina Orthwein's journey from production potter to sculptor to jewelry maker and back again is a raw and honest look at how the pressure to monetize our work can quietly separate us from the reason we started making in the first place. The real tension isn't whether to niche down or stay flexible, but instead learning to trust that the creative restlessness pulling you toward something new might actually be pointing you somewhere worth going.
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Many of us assume that when demand for our work finally arrives, we're supposed to rise to meet all of it — that suddenly the rules of supply and demand apply to us the same way they apply to everyone else. What if deliberately not scaling up isn't leaving opportunity on the table, but is actually the thing that makes the work worth wanting in the first place? In her conversation with Debi Stoliar of Curiosibee Ceramics,, we explore what it looks like to hold two seemingly contradictory truths at once: taking your craft seriously as a future business while protecting the joy that makes it worth making at all. The most powerful business decision you might ever make could simply be deciding not to grow beyond what you genuinely love doing.
Check out Debi's work at: https://www.curiosibee.com/
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We spend so much energy measuring success by how visible or "full time" our craft looks from the outside, but the version of making that actually sustains you might look completely different from what you think it should. Over the last 5 years, since we first interviewed Camille Beckles (of Camille at the Wheel), on our debut episode here at the Maker’s Playbook, Camille has had the opportunity to say yes to the most exciting, challenging, and community-driven ceramics opportunities of her career. And it's her full-time job that gave her the freedom to do it. When survival isn't on the line, your art gets to be whatever you want it to be. Could releasing the pressure to monetize everything (and leaning into what genuinely sustains you) actually be the most serious thing you can do for your creative practice?
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For fifteen years, the first piece of advice out of my mouth to anyone asking about self-employment has been the same: keep the outside income as long as you possibly can. And for fifteen years, I wasn't doing it.
Until now.
In this solo episode, I'm sharing a significant personal update — what led me to take an outside job after fifteen years of running my own businesses, what burnout actually feels like versus just being really tired, and the surprising freedom that comes from detaching your creativity from your ability to pay the bills.
Plus the one question every maker should ask themselves before they spend another minute stressing about Instagram.
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Most of us have been told — implicitly or explicitly — that success as a maker means growth: more followers, more orders, more revenue. But what if the real question isn't how big can this get, but what do I actually want from this? Taylor Friese of Maker Bakery built a waitlist that stretches years into the future not by chasing a bigger audience, but by getting radically clear about who she makes work for and why — and letting that clarity do the marketing for her. And when you get clear on what you actually want — not what success is supposed to look like, but what you want — the right people tend to show up, ready to wait in line for it.
Looking for support in building your own creative life? Come join over 100 other makers from around the world, having these very discussions, inside of The Community. Click here to learn more.
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If you've ever Googled "how to price my art" or "how to grow a creative business" hoping someone would just hand you the right answer — this episode is for you. Rebecca digs into why making confident business decisions as an artist or maker isn't about finding the perfect formula. It's about treating your art business like a science experiment: forming a hypothesis, testing it, analyzing what actually happens, and adjusting from there. Whether you're a full-time maker relying on your craft sales to pay the bills, or a side-hustle artist still holding onto that day job, this episode will help you stop waiting for permission and start making decisions that actually move your creative business forward.
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Most of us assume that building a creative business takes years of groundwork before the work can speak for itself — but what happens when the work takes off before you've had time to figure out the business? Aaron Raymond of Redacted Ceramics went from renting a wheel for a week to running a full-time pottery business in under two years, and his story raises a quiet but important question: does the conventional wisdom about "paying your dues" actually hold up? As Aaron shares, a clear creative vision — one rooted in the Portuguese tile work he encountered while living abroad — combined with a willingness to use technology as a tool rather than a shortcut, allowed him to develop a style so distinctive that it found its audience almost before he was ready for it. The real lesson here may be that sustainability isn't about how long you've been at it, but about knowing your limits, protecting your hands, and resisting the pressure to scale past what the work can actually bear.
Check out Aaron's work here: https://redactedceramics.com/
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As makers with hobbies turned side-hustles, many of us get wrapped up in the ultimate goal and dream of quitting our day jobs to pursue pottery full time—but what if that pressure to monetize everything is actually stealing the joy from the very thing we fell in love with? Matt Robinson's experience first burning out on wedding photography taught him that the freedom to experiment, fail, and follow creative whims only exists when your livelihood isn't riding on what you make. Through six years of pottery alongside a flexible full-time job, Matt has learned that constantly trying new forms and glazes, worrying less about having only one “voice,” and posting to Instagram only when the spirit moves isn't a failure to build a "real" business—it's the luxury of keeping pottery as the side hobby, not the thing that pays the bills. Perhaps the real privilege isn't escaping the nine-to-five, but rather finding work that gives you enough time, energy, and financial security to make whatever you want, whenever you want, and releasing the financial pressure of needing every piece to sell.
Looking for support in building your own creative life? Come join over 100 other makers from around the world, having these very discussions, inside of The Community. Click here to learn more.
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When you see someone juggling multiple jobs in their creative field, it's easy to assume it's because none of them could fully support them on their own—but what if having options is actually the most strategic business decision you could make? What happens when you intentionally build each avenue to be viable as a standalone career, then choose to keep them all anyway? In Part Two of this “Where are they now?” interview, Hope shares why she brought each of her four ceramic-related jobs to the cusp of full-time viability before deciding that she actually wanted all of them, for different reasons. We discover that sometimes building multiple income streams isn't about hedging your bets—it's about creating the security to make choices based on what you want rather than what you need. Could the freedom to say no to work that doesn't serve you—whether that's declining partnerships, stepping away from draining platforms, or choosing projects that energize rather than deplete you—be the real prize of building a multi-faceted creative career?
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So many of us carry the weight of what we thought our creative careers were supposed to look like—especially when formal education told us exactly what success should be. What happens when you realize that the dream you've been chasing (full-time solo artist, full-time influencer, the one perfect job) isn't actually what you want anymore? As Hope Limyanksy shares her journey from trying to fit into expected molds to embracing four different ceramic-related jobs, we discover that sometimes the path to sustainable creative work means giving different parts of yourself to different places rather than pouring everything into one all-consuming career. Could the freedom to choose multiple paths—instead of forcing yourself into just one—be what finally lets you build a creative life that actually serves you?
Looking for support in figuring out these big questions for your own unique life? Come join other makers from around the world who are having these very same nuanced conversations, with pragmatic support alongside inside of The Community.
Hope Limyansky is on Instagram @limyanskystudios
Looking for support in building your own creative life? Come join over 100 other makers from around the world, having these very discussions, inside of The Community. Click here to learn more.
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We're bombarded with messages telling us we're missing some secret key to business success—especially at the start of a new year—but here's the truth:
There's nothing fundamentally new about running a successful business, no matter what year it is. What if the real problem isn't that you're lacking some proprietary system or special knowledge, but that you've been convinced you need to keep searching for answers instead of trusting what you already know? The basics of business haven't changed in decades: tell people your work exists, get better at reaching the right people, and keep showing up consistently—and while educational resources can help, the courses promising to 3x your sales or unlock secret formulas are preying on your imposter syndrome rather than addressing the real work of building genuine connections with your customers.
Instead of chasing the next shiny solution that promises to make everything easier, what if you gave yourself permission to trust that the sustainable, incremental progress you're already making—even when it feels slow or uncomfortable—is exactly what building a real creative business actually looks like?
I'm putting together a new free resource to help you trust yourself. To be the first to receive it, sign up for our email newsletter here: https://www.makersplaybook.com/newsletter
Looking for support in building your own creative life? Come join over 100 other makers from around the world, having these very discussions, inside of The Community. Click here to learn more.
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For many makers, opportunities to focus solely on creative exploration—without the pressure to produce work for sale or prove our worth through finished pieces—feel impossibly rare or reserved for those along a traditional academic path. When you discovered your craft later in life, already juggling mortgages and responsibilities you can't simply walk away from, where do you turn for intentional study and community that actually fits your reality? Craft schools exist outside traditional academia, offering experiences from weekend workshops to multi-week residencies that welcome makers at every stage—and in celebration of Haystack Mountain School of Crafts' 75th anniversary, Perry Price shares what makes these singular learning experiences so transformative.
In this episode: Perry Price @haystack_school
Looking for support in building your own creative life? Come join over 100 other makers from around the world, having these very discussions, inside of The Community. Click here to learn more.
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Building a team is one thing—but how do you actually run a production ceramics studio day-to-day without losing the handmade quality that makes your work special?
In this second part of my conversation with Sarah Wolf of Wolf Ceramics, we dig into the operational realities of running an eight-person studio. Sarah breaks down weekly production rhythms, why cross-training her team across multiple tasks creates both flexibility and ownership, and the strategic decision to invest in a jigger jolly. We explore her approach to balancing 80% direct-to-consumer sales with custom restaurant orders, the importance of upfront honesty about lead times and capabilities, and why giving away $500 worth of samples can be a smart long-term investment. Sarah also shares the story of 2023's financial crisis—when stagnant sales forced her to consider layoffs—and the difficult decision to invest $10,000 in rebranding and ads when money was tightest. Her transparency about hiring for character over ceramic skills, the real value of building a mailing list, and why Instagram consistency isn't actually her secret to success offers practical permission for makers navigating their own growth. Whether you're trying to figure out your own production systems or simply curious what sustainable scaling actually looks like, this conversation provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the real work of building a craft-based business.
Looking for support in making your own long-game decisions? Click here to discover the amazing group of makers inside of The Community and learn about the additional perks of membership.
In this episode: Sarah Wolf @wolfceramics
Full Show Notes & Resources can be found at makersplaybook.com/podcast
Looking for support in building your own creative life? Come join over 100 other makers from around the world, having these very discussions, inside of The Community. Click here to learn more.
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What if you could grow your business and build a team without becoming a factory—creating a business that values craft, flexibility, and the humans behind the work?
In this conversation, Sarah Wolf of Wolf Ceramics shares her journey from studying geochemistry to building an eight-person ceramics studio in Hood River, Oregon. She opens up about the early years working from her parents' basement, the vulnerable decision to hire her first team members, and how the pandemic unexpectedly accelerated her growth. Sarah reveals the real financial details behind major business moves—from signing her first commercial lease to buying a house that needed a mortgage workaround—and why learning to set clear boundaries actually created more freedom for everyone on her team. Whether you're considering your first hire or wondering if sustainable growth is even possible in ceramics, Sarah's story offers both permission and practical wisdom for building a business that works for your life.
Applications are now open to Naomi Clement's "Finding Your Voice" mentorship program! This mentorship is all about the why behind your work. It's a five month virtual program designed specifically for makers like you who are ready to explore new creative directions and dig deeper into their work. Click here to learn more!
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Right now, for potters and artists around the world the holiday season is crazy busy - markets, commissions, shop updates, custom orders all piling up at once. But are you choosing what's right for you, or just reacting to everything coming at you? In this episode, we explore the crucial difference between making intentional decisions based on your unique goals versus automatically saying yes because you're afraid to miss out.
Rebecca shares her own journey from reactive decision-making (saying yes to every December opportunity out of fear) to choosing what actually serves her business and life. Learn how to pause before answering that market invitation or commission request, and discover the key questions to ask yourself: Do I need to? Am I doing this from fear or clarity? What does success look like for ME this season?
This conversation is especially timely as we enter Firing Season: that November/December period when makers are literally firing kilns constantly and figuratively firing on all cylinders. The challenge isn't just about working less; it's about knowing WHY you're working hard and safeguarding energy for what matters most.
So where will you be when New Year's Eve rolls around—fired up from all you accomplished, or burned out from reacting?
For support in making the best decisions for yourself, uniquely, consider joining us inside of The Community this Firing Season. Click here to join.
Applications are now open to Naomi Clement's "Finding Your Voice" mentorship program! This mentorship is all about the why behind your work. It's a five month virtual program designed specifically for makers like you who are ready to explore new creative directions and dig deeper into their work. Click here to learn more!
Love this podcast? Support an episode! Click here to learn more.
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Working as a librarian by day and making pottery in her garage studio by night, Becky wrestles with a challenge many makers face: how do you develop a distinctive artistic voice when you're working in isolation? What if the pressure to constantly produce—amplified by social media's highlight reel—is actually drowning out the quiet work of discovering what you're truly trying to say? Through Becky's journey from community studios to her home workspace, and ultimately to seeking mentorship, we see how the introspective work of noticing what you notice and allowing yourself to be vulnerable about your creative exploration can transform not just your work, but your entire relationship with your craft. When we, as makers, give ourselves permission to prioritize being curious over meeting productivity expectations, we can often discover that the creative restlessness we’ve been feeling isn't a problem to solve—it's actually pointing us toward the work we’re meant to be making…
Becky's Instagram: @hawthorn_ceramics
More information on Naomi Clement's mentorship program can be found here.
Applications are now open to Naomi Clement's "Finding Your Voice" mentorship program! This mentorship is all about the why behind your work. It's a five month virtual program designed specifically for makers like you who are ready to explore new creative directions and dig deeper into their work. Click here to learn more!
Love this podcast? Support an episode! Click here to learn more.
Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com
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Many makers struggle with the tension between creating work we love vs making work that we think will sell, especially when traditional academic instruction is often focused on concepts and what I call “Capital A Art” over the practical skills needed to make a living. What if the key isn't choosing between artistic integrity and commercial viability, but rather learning to work efficiently?
Olivia Avery's experience reveals how rigorous craftsmanship training—throwing 40-80 pots daily until she could self-evaluate and create consistent work—became the foundation that allows her to pursue intricate surface decoration while maintaining a viable business. Despite the unpredictability of markets where she might sell out of teapots one weekend and mugs the next, her willingness to price her labor-intensive, highly decorated functional work appropriately demonstrates how technical excellence and clear pricing boundaries can create space for both creative fulfillment and financial sustainability, even when it means accepting a smaller but more committed customer base.
⭐️ Looking for more support? ⭐️
Whether you're trying to figure out your pricing, navigate the art fair circuit, get out of the art fair circuit, or just want support while you experiment with new creative directions, you'll find fellow makers who truly get it (and a ton of ever growing, practical educationl resources to support you along the way) inside of our Community. Learn more about the perks of membership and come join us by visiting: makersplaybook.com/community
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As makers, we often feel pressure to create what we think will sell rather than what genuinely excites us, but what if following your authentic creative vision is actually the fastest path to finding your people and building sustainable success? Danielle Williams of Strong Roots Pottery discovered this when she finally allowed herself to explore the hair-inspired clay work that had been sitting in her sketchbook for years—her now-signature Bantu knot vases didn't just reignite her passion for making, they created such demand that she now maintains a waitlist of eager customers. By giving herself permission to make what truly resonated with her (even when it meant stepping away from "safer" planter sales), she found that following her long-held creative vision became her greatest business asset, proving that the courage to pursue your personal creative interests—rather than chasing trends or quick sales—often leads to the kind of meaningful work that sustains both your artistic soul and your bank account.
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Most makers think YouTube means teaching their craft or competing with influencers for millions of views—but what if the real power lies in creating educated, confident buyers who value your work before they ever click "purchase"? Jamar Diggs, YouTube consultant and creator of the Low Lift Club, reveals how service providers and product makers can leverage YouTube not for viral fame, but as a strategic lead generator that transforms browsers into invested customers. When makers shift from accidentally teaching their techniques to intentionally showcasing their process and educating buyers on product value, they create a sustainable system where old videos continue attracting qualified customers months or even years later—turning YouTube into a working asset rather than another exhausting content treadmill.
Jamar will be joining us in The Community on September 23rd for a masterclass called "How to Track What Matters Online." Because while we're talking about YouTube strategy in this conversation, the bigger question many of us face is: how do we actually know what's growing our business? Or put more simply: How do we know what’s working? Come join us inside of The Community for this masterclass as well as access to our ever growing library of masterclasses by clicking here: makersplaybook.com/community
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What if the pressure to grow your follower count and perfect your online presence is actually distracting you from the real relationship-building that sustains creative businesses over time? Because it’s a little bit crazy to realize how many of the most successful business opportunities often come not from your carefully crafted marketing strategy, but from the casual conversations that happen when you're just being human. Moments like helping a neighbor move boxes, chatting in another language at an art opening, or simply showing up authentically in your community.
Yvonne's experience reveals how pivoting from traditional market sales to unexpected revenue streams like embassy orders and collaborations discovered through bilingual conversations has not only increased her income but deepened her creative practice. As she navigates the seasonal rhythms of pottery—selling in winter, creating in summer, and learning to work with rather than against these natural cycles—her journey illustrates that sustainable self-employment might be less about having a perfect plan and more about staying open to the human connections and creative experiments that emerge when you're focused on the work you love rather than the metrics you think you need.
In this episode: Yvonne Rausch @_yvonnerausch
Full Show Notes & Resources can be found at makersplaybook.com/podcast
Find Community member Anne online @ceramicsbyanne
Interested in joining Anne and Yvonne inside of The Community? Learn more about the perks of membership and sign up at: makersplaybook.com/community
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The romanticized image of going full-time as a maker often glosses over one crucial reality: you'll spend as much time problem-solving your business as you do creating, and the mental resilience required might surprise you more than the financial challenges. What if the key to thriving long-term isn't just having enough savings or demand for your work, but developing the flexibility to constantly adapt when your original plans inevitably must change? Yvonne's two-year journey from part-time ceramicist to full-time entrepreneur reveals how seasonal rhythms, unexpected kiln disasters, and market changes force you to get creative with revenue streams—from embassy orders to collaborations discovered through casual conversations. Rather than viewing these constant pivots as setbacks, embracing the problem-solving nature of self-employment can lead to both stronger business foundations and deeper self-knowledge about your values, boundaries, and creative evolution.
In this episode: Yvonne Rausch @_yvonnerausch
Full Show Notes & Resources can be found at makersplaybook.com/podcast
Find Community member Debi online @curiosibee.art
Interested in joining Debi and Yvonne inside of The Community? Learn more about the perks of membership and sign up at: makersplaybook.com/community
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Could it be that we've been thinking about this all wrong? That it's not the "real job" on one side of life and the dream of making art full-time on the other, and that eventually, we have to choose? Because when we really look at it, are the most sustainable creative careers, from the artists we admire the most, actually built on either-or decisions? Jenna McNerney's journey through teaching, studio ownership, a few odd jobs in construction and even a hair salon, chronic illness diagnosis, and back to teaching again reveals how adapting to life's curveballs doesn't mean giving up on your dreams. Instead, it means getting strategic about how you pursue them. Sometimes the most rebellious thing you can do isn't quitting your day job, but rather embracing the flexibility to move between worlds as you need to, keeping your hands in clay no matter what life throws your way.
In this episode: Jena's Instagram @levelstudioarts
Full Show Notes & Resources can be found at makersplaybook.com/podcast
Find Community member Debi online @curiosibee.art
Interested in joining Debi and Jena inside of The Community? Learn more about the perks of membership and sign up at: makersplaybook.com/community
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The internet loves to talk about that magical “six figure business” milestone, but what if hitting that revenue number doesn't actually change your life the way you think it will? What if the real transformation happens when you stop chasing someone else's definition of success and start building systems that serve your actual goals—even when that means making decisions that feel uncomfortable or unconventional? In part two of our conversation, Will Donovan pulls back the curtain on what six figures really means as a business owner, how he navigates the complex world of copyright when creating fantasy-inspired work, and why strategic paid advertising became a tool only after he had proven organic growth. Turns out, sometimes the most sustainable path forward might require letting go of the romantic notions of what it means to be a "real" maker and embracing the frameworks required to build the business you need that actually supports your life.
In this episode: Will's work @donovanpottery
Full Show Notes & Resources can be found at makersplaybook.com/podcast
Find Community member Alisha @alishahagenart
Interested in joining Alisha inside of The Community? Learn more about the perks of membership and sign up at: makersplaybook.com/community
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As makers, we often start with a vision of success that's more fantasy than strategic roadmap—believing that if we just work harder at making our beautiful pieces, it will somehow lead to a sustainable business. But what if the path to actually thriving as a creative is in repeatedly narrowing your focus, rather than doing more and more? What if doing less is actually what allows you to find that magical venn diagram intersection of what you love and a specific audience who desperately wants it?
Will Donovan's journey from nearly abandoning ceramics to building a six-figure fantasy-themed pottery business reveals how iterating toward a precise target audience—rather than trying to please everyone—can transform both your creative satisfaction and your bottom line. But don’t be fooled! The need to evolve your definition of success, even when it means letting go of traditional expectations (or some of the hands-on making) is no easy process. As always, it all comes down to your unique definition of not only what success looks like, but also what type of life you actually want to live.
In this episode: Will's work @donovanpottery
Find Community member Alisha @alishahagenart
Interested in joining Alisha inside of The Community? Learn more about the perks of membership and sign up at: makersplaybook.com/community
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As makers, many of us feel pressure to choose between our creative passions and a more traditional career - but what if that's a false choice entirely? What if taking your craft seriously doesn't require abandoning a career you are equally passionate about? Melisa's journey from taking her first clay class as a 40th birthday gift to creating what she calls a "side saunter" shows us how blending our different worlds can actually make both richer. Could embracing your own pace and connecting your creative work to the career you already had be the key to building a sustainable making practice that enhances rather than competes with all of life’s other demands?
Melisa's work can be found @mwypottery
Featured in this episode: Check out our Community member, Alisha's work @alishahagenart
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Recently there's been a lot of talk around whether or not you can make a full-time living as a studio potter, and most stories you'll hear about those who are seen as "studio potters" involve teaching regularly, running workshops, providing rental space for other artists, or maintaining multiple income streams beyond just making pots. But there are a few potters out there who truly make their living from the literal things they make - and Heidi Fahrenbacher, of Bella Joy Pottery, is one of them. Heidi's journey from financial rock bottom to paying herself a steady salary reveals how facing your worst business fears head-on can actually become the foundation for a more sustainable practice. In this conversation we talk about how sustaining this kind of practice isn't about finding the perfect sales channel or mastering every platform, but about learning to simplify, set boundaries, and recover from the inevitable mistakes that come with building any creative business. Heidi’s experience reminds us that sometimes the most valuable business skill isn't avoiding problems altogether—it's learning how to bounce back from them with better boundaries, clearer priorities, and the confidence to keep making the work that lights you up.
Resources in this Episode:Heidi's Instagram
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Can you make a viable living from creating a wheelthrown mug that you charge $45 for? According to a video currently racing around the internet, the answer is no. But is that true? According to some of the past potters I've talked to here on the podcast over the last 4 years, that answer would be no, that's not true. In fact, they are making a living for their entire households.
On this episode we dig into 4 particularly important things to consider when it comes to definitive statements like this one and whether or not you can actually make a living with the work you make: 1) The early-stage career reality check, 2) The crucial Market Fit Venn Diagram we all have to find a solution for, 3) How it is actually possible to make a living from a handmade $45 mug, and 4) A tiny bit of tough love to connect it all together.
Ironically, and unplanned, the full version of the shortened video I'm referencing in this episode also mentions how the first thing you have to figure out how to do is take good photos of the work you make. If you do need help taking better photos of your work, you can now access the Maker's Photography Styling System and The Maker's DSLR Masterclass whenever you need it! Click here to learn more.
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What happens when we approach our artistic development not as lightning-bolt inspiration but as intentional practice—exploring the minute details that fascinate us while carefully choosing which external voices we allow to influence our work? Throughout her 23-year career, Martha Grover has done just that, and the iconic look of her distinct thrown and altered porcelain vessels reveals how a pragmatic approach to the mystical journey of finding your creative voice can often be the most sustainable approach. In this episode, Martha shares the realities of being a studio potter in 2025 and how that actually looks like balancing her time between many different roles. Whether it be teaching workshops, running a community studio or maintaining her own making practice, Martha demonstrates how “success” for artists today often means deciding what is enough rather than giving in to constant growth. Even when you have a 101 person waitlist. Could the clarity to set these boundaries be what allows your unique artistic voice to thrive both creatively and financially?
Resources in this Episode:Martha's Instagram
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As makers, we often believe that stability - often in the form of continuous access to the same studio and materials - is essential for building a creative business, but Eva Champagne's nomadic journey reveals a different path. Throughout our conversation, Eva shares how she's built a ceramics practice while constantly relocating - from Florida to the Virgin Islands, Bali to Montana, and numerous residencies in between - by prioritizing experience and adaptation over permanence. Despite the challenges of restarting with new materials, kilns, and glazes in each location, Eva embraces this constant reinvention as part of her creative process. Rather than seeing her nomadic lifestyle as an obstacle, she's transformed it into a strength, connecting with ceramic communities worldwide and developing a unique artistic voice that thrives on curiosity and discovery. Could insatiable curiosity and a willingness to constantly try new things be a new approach to unlocking something new for your own creative journey?
Resources in this Episode:Evas' Instagram
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As makers, we often envy others' seemingly polished creative lives without seeing the winding path they took to get there. AnnMarie Cooper's journey from gallery employee to pottery gallery owner, cohorts program manager, and shared studio founder reveals how real artistic careers evolve through countless iterations - from taking community college classes and working in an 80-square-foot backyard shed to finding her voice through unexpected owl designs. Her story reminds us that the current stage of any maker's journey was built on multiple transitions, space adjustments, and boundary-setting exercises that responded to both creative and family needs. Behind every Instagram-worthy studio or established gallery lies years of gradual growth, experimentation, and community-building that transformed initial passion into sustainable creative practice.
Resources in this Episode:AnnMarie s' Instagram
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Missed Part One? Listen here!
Having established her community studio through careful listening and intentional growth, Amy Roadman now faces the challenge many creative entrepreneurs encounter: balancing business sustainability with personal fulfillment. What happens when you're finally the boss but struggle with pricing your work, protecting your creative time, and growing at the right pace? In Part 2, Amy shares how she navigates charging what she's worth (especially when protecting her team's time), finding resources through local grants and networks, and creating a business model that honors both her lifestyle goals and financial needs. Her journey reveals that perhaps the truest measure of success isn't found in rapid scaling or maximizing profit, but in building a creative business that provides both community connection and enough personal freedom to remember why you started making in the first place.
Resources in this Episode:Amys' Instagram
As always, the options are practically endless for figuring out what version of a maker business or side-hustle works for your unique life. And, as always, if you're looking for help figuring out what version of maker business fits your specific life circumstances right now, there are 100 other makers from all over the world having these very conversations inside The Community, including Amy! Click here if you want to learn more about the perks of Community membership (joining supports the creation of this very podcast!)
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Transitioning from classroom teaching to entrepreneurship - In some ways it’s a huge shift, in others, it can be all too easy to maintain the old habits of overworking and prioritizing others’ needs over your own. So many of us can struggle with finding the balance between serving our communities or caring for ourselves. Is it possible to start a business and protect your own creative needs while helping others? What would that even look like? Amy Roadman's journey of launching a community pottery studio reveals how listening closely to student feedback (from class scheduling to glaze options) transformed her teaching approach and business model while preventing burnout. Her story reminds us that rapid growth and 100s of thousands of internet followers isn’t always necessary for success. Instead, perhaps the deliberate practice of slow growth can produce a small business that sustains the life you actually want to have.
Be sure you've subscribed to this podcast wherever you're listening so you don't miss out on Part Two!
Resources in this Episode:Amys' Instagram
As always, the options are practically endless for figuring out what version of a maker business or side-hustle works for your unique life. And, as always, if you're looking for help figuring out what version of maker business fits your specific life circumstances right now, there are 100 other makers from all over the world having these very conversations inside The Community, including Amy! Click here if you want to learn more about the perks of Community membership (joining supports the creation of this very podcast!)
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Here on the podcast, we often talk about the delicate balancing act between creative fulfillment and business sustainability - a struggle that can feel overwhelming without guidance. What if finding the right mentor could be the pivotal moment that transforms your creative practice and career trajectory? When Lisa Orr sought out Betty Woodman as a mentor, it completely shifted her perspective on materials, giving her permission to pursue colorful earthenware despite the stoneware-dominated ceramics world of the 1980s. Through her journey from studying with established potters to international research and eventually becoming a mentor herself, Lisa reveals how these relationships provided not just technical knowledge but practical business skills alongside the confidence to challenge current assumptions. Could the difference between struggling in isolation as an artist and building a sustainable decades-long pottery career be found in actively seeking mentorship and finding your creative community?
Resources in this Episode:Lizas' Instagram
Looking for your own creative community? THE Community is the place to be! With over 100 makers from all over the world, The Community is where you can dive deeper into any of the topics we’ve started talking about here on the podcast. Whether it’s the debate back on episode #509 about choosing between Etsy or your own website, or trying to sort out what type of side-hustle or full-time business works for your own personal life after hearing so many different kind of stories here on the podcast, if you’ve been listening along and find yourself wishing for more at the end of an episode, The Community is that more. Learn about more of the perks of membership by visiting makersplaybook.com/community or send me a message and I can put you in touch with one of our members to get an insider’s perspective.
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Many of us learn to accept the aches and pains of making as just part of the creative journey, assuming sore wrists and "potter's back" are inevitable companions to our craft. What if the physical discomfort of creating could be significantly reduced through simple awareness and intentional adjustments to how we work? Elizabeth Schlatter, creator of The Aligned Potter, draws on her experience to show how small changes—from joint inventory checks between tasks to understanding your unique body mechanics—can transform your making practice. Taking care of our bodies isn't just about preventing pain, but about creating a sustainable practice that allows us all to keep making what we love for decades to come.
Want to continue chatting with Elizabeth directly? The Community is the place to be! With over 100 makers from all over the world, The Community is where you can dive deeper into any of the topics we’ve started talking about here on the podcast, but especially this episode because Elizabeth is also a member of the Community herself! If you’ve been listening along and find yourself wishing for more at the end of an episode, The Community is that more. Learn about the additional perks of membership by visitingmakersplaybook.com/community or send me a message and I can put you in touch with one of our members to get an insider’s perspective.
Resources in this Episode:Elizabeths' Instagram
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As an avid podcast listener, long before I ever started this show, I was always curious about what had happened to entrepreneurs and small business owners after the interview was over. was everything still working the way they described during that interview or had things changed? On this "Where Are They Now" series, we answer that very question of some of our past podcast guests. This week, I'm sitting back down again with Kara Leigh Ford to discuss all that's changed since I last spoke with her back in January of 2021. Since then, her husband has left his corporate job to pursue his own passions, which has shifted the demands of Kara's business into being the primary source of economic support for their household. Through strategic pivots—balancing pottery-making, teaching, Patreon content, and publishing two books—Kara has discovered that success isn't always about exponential growth but intentional choices that protect joy and wellbeing. Their household has not only survived this transition but found new equilibrium, with Tom now signed to a record label and Kara experiencing greater clarity about her priorities as a maker. This chat with Kara is a great reminder that the true measure of success isn't necessarily constant expansion, but rather designing a business that supports the life you actually want to live.
Looking for more support in trying to figure out how to be create your own unique version of a creative life? The Community is the place to be. With now over 100 makers from all over the world, The Community is where you can dive deeper into any of the topics we’ve started talking about here on the podcast. Whether it’s the debate back on episode #509 about choosing between Etsy or your own website, or trying to sort out what type of side-hustle or full-time business works for your own personal life after hearing so many different kind of stories here on the podcast, if you’ve been listening along and find yourself wishing for more at the end of an episode, The Community is that more. Learn about more of the perks of membership by visiting makersplaybook.com/community or send me a message and I can put you in touch with one of our members to get an insider’s perspective.
Resources in this Episode:Kara's Instagram
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As makers transitioning from hobby to business, we often forget the most powerful perk of self-employment: you're the boss who makes the rules, not just the employee doing all the work. What if setting clear boundaries, creating a sustainable schedule, and giving yourself permission to evolve creatively are actually your responsibilities as a good boss to yourself? As Amy Brummond shares her journey of artistic evolution, we see how honoring her creative restlessness not only reignited her passion but actually strengthened her business when customers responded enthusiastically to her new work. Could the courage to follow your changing creative voice—even when it means risking established success—be what ultimately creates the sustainable making practice that allows you to thrive both creatively and financially?
Looking for more support in trying to figure out how to be your own boss? The Community is the place to be. With now over 100 makers from all over the world, The Community is where you can dive deeper into any of the topics we’ve started talking about here on the podcast. Whether it’s the debate back on episode #509 about choosing between Etsy or your own website, or trying to sort out what type of side-hustle or full-time business works for your own personal life after hearing so many different kind of stories here on the podcast, if you’ve been listening along and find yourself wishing for more at the end of an episode, The Community is that more. Learn about more of the perks of membership by visiting makersplaybook.com/community or send me a message and I can put you in touch with one of our members to get an insider’s perspective.
Resources in this Episode:Amys' Instagram
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Most of us dream of turning our craft into a thriving business, but what happens when achieving "the dream" — the large following, sold-out shop updates, and steady sales — still doesn't translate into a sustainable living? When former full-time potter Megan Sward faced this reality, she discovered that the gap between making work you love and building a viable business involves far more than just mastering your craft. What if the key to longevity isn't just about making better pots, but about developing a clear strategy for everything from production methods to pricing to self-care? The surprising truth is that thoughtful planning and honest self-assessment may matter more than pure creative talent when it comes to building a sustainable making practice.
Resources in this Episode:Megans' Instagram
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There is an underlying current of anxiety about keeping up with the latest trends and strategies, especially when it comes to running your business online (and even more especially when it comes to social media). But what if the real secret to success isn't about chasing every new thing, but rather embracing the "boring" parts of business? Trying every new trending strategy often leads to scattered efforts and minimal results, not to mention most definitely leads to burn out. Embracing the boredom of consistency and repetition however, while perhaps not as exciting as the latest viral strategy, are often the key ingredients to building a sustainable creative business. And giving yourself permission to be boring might just be the most revolutionary thing you can do, not only for your business, but for your life.
For a similar conversation check out episode 313 on the Myth of Growth.
Want to keep this conversation going? Come join the over 100 fellow makers from all around the world inside of The Community!
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When I last spoke with Sarah Wells Rolland, The Village Potters in Asheville, North Carolina was 13 years into it’s incredible, communal existence. And frankly (at least from my perspective) was a well oiled machine. With a residency program, community classes, a gallery, and 17 kilns it wasn’t on my short list wondering “gee, I wonder where they are now?” That is, until Hurricane Helene hit. And absolutely everything changed.
Introducing: Where are They Now? A new series on The Maker's Playbook podcast where we check back in with past guests to see where this journey of making a living from the things they make has taken them.
The Village Potter's GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/b08bbe30
Sarah's Instagram: @sarahwellsrolland
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The ways in which our decisions in life are so interconnected it feels endless. The same is equally true in business, especially a ceramics business. And there's no way you stay in business, as a fully self-employed household with kiddos, while offering a $20 mug without thinking through all of that interconnectedness. My chat with Isaac Shue on this week's episode perfectly highlights how every step of our making process can also inform the endless steps of our small business (or side-hustle).
Resources in this Episode:Isaac's Instagram
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When it comes to the topic of money, for many of us, it stirs up less than happy feelings. But in many ways, money is just data. Yes, it has an outsized effect on our lives and the decisions we do (or can) make, and that’s annoying as stepping on Legos. But, as much as we can feel a variety of emotions around money, finances are actually just neutral data points for us to track, recognize, and use to make decisions. In this conversation with part-time potter and full-time finance professional, Seanin Rosario, we talk about the basics of some immediate, quick actions you can take to get your side-hustle or small business finances more organized and how to at least start tracking your income and expenses.
Resources in this Episode:Seanin's Instagram
If you're looking for more support in building your own Financial System, join us inside of The Community for a custom Masterclass with Seanin. Learn more and join by visiting makersplaybook.com/community
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I had thought this solo episode would be some nice big grandiose end of year recap for you. I also, had intended it to actually air in 2024, but alas… here we are, kicking off 2025 with it. The plan was lists of what worked and what didn’t in our ceramics business this year and a nice, reflected wrap-it-all-up and make-it-make-sense so you can apply the lessons we learned to your own life in whatever way works for you. The kind of thing you perhaps have come to expect from these Launch episodes. But... that’s not exactly what this episode is going to be...
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A self-described “failed production potter” Sue McLeod still very much makes her living from ceramics. Yet, she doesn’t make her living from actually making pots… As is true with any industry, we often forget just how many different supporting and tangentially related sub-topics and professions there are available to us. And, at least for me, when we start to see those, a whole myriad of options opens up to how we just might make this crazy dream - of making a living from the things we make - actually work.
Resources in this Episode:Sue's Instagram
The next 6 months is the make it or break it time for the Maker’s Playbook! Please consider supporting the creation of this show by becoming a sustaining member. Click here to make a contribution of whatever amount you are comfortable.
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Check out Sue’s Glaze Classes here: suemcleodceramics.com
If you feel you’ve gotten even just $5 worth of value from listening to our episodes, would you please consider making a small contribution to sustain this show? Every little bit helps us to continue to bring these stories to your headphones! Click here to choose a one-time donation of any amount or become a sustaining member with a subscription that allows you to submit questions to our guests in advance!
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Described as the most supportive guy on the internet by numerous people, today’s interview with Bill Schwenzer feels long overdue. Better known as Aliveguy Pottery, we talk about his career transition from corporate quality control to clay, his commitment to thoughtful encouragement online and his unique approach to delayed gratification all while continuing to push himself outside of his comfort zone and not get too bogged down in analyzing.
Resources in this Episode:Bill's Instagram
The podcast needs your help! Please consider making a one-time or recurring donation to support the continuing creation of this show by visiting makersplaybook.com/podcast-support. Thank you so much in advance!
If you feel you’ve gotten even just $5 worth of value from listening to our episodes, would you please consider making a small contribution to sustain this show? Every little bit helps us to continue to bring these stories to your headphones! Click here to choose a one-time donation of any amount or become a sustaining member with a subscription that allows you to submit questions to our guests in advance!
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I reached out to chat with Stanley after seeing his “Thoughts and Prayers” series - a powerful body of work creating strong visuals on the actual effects of a bullet striking a form. A series, he actually made more than a year ago. And yet, only recently and quite suddenly, has gotten quite a lot of recognition. We talk about how the series came about and what’s happened in the year since, as well as the time he’s taking to figure out the next steps, instead of letting the internet push him into a constant state of urgency. Not to mention, the decision to use a platform to express a message and what may or may not happen if that message changes. In other words: Do you keep making the work you know people want, or… Do you change?
Come join the nearly 100 other makers talking all about these big subjects, and more, inside of The Community. Becoming a member also helps support the creation of this show! Learn more about all the perks of membership by visiting: makersplaybook.com/community
Resources in this Episode:Stanley's Instagram
Stanley's Website
If you feel you’ve gotten even just $5 worth of value from listening to our episodes, would you please consider making a small contribution to sustain this show? Every little bit helps us to continue to bring these stories to your headphones! Click here to choose a one-time donation of any amount or become a sustaining member with a subscription that allows you to submit questions to our guests in advance!
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If you weren’t learning how to carve intricate designs in sourdough bread in 2020, odds are, you might have been learning how to make pottery. And while this is true for today’s guest, Tim Clark, that wasn’t all. Tim also was learning how to make pottery and navigate the rest of life after a spontaneous tear of the retina left him half blind. There seems to be quite the thru line for many of us finding pottery as a therapeutic thing, but Tim has taken this one step farther, in starting the Blindfold Challenge to help raise awareness and frankly, a bit of money, for an amazing cause called the Fun Eye Fund.
In this episode, we talk all about that plus how Tim has found the Blindfold Challenge cathartic in ways he didn’t expect and his new endeavors into creating art that’s accessible not only for us sighted humans, but equally enjoyable for those in the blindness community.
Resources in this Episode:Tim Clark on Instagram
The Fun Eye Fund
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How do you stay okay even when it doesn't feel like your business isn't going well? Because while we might feel pulled to log the long hours and push ourselves to "work harder" to "grind it out," in reality, we can't really come up with new, interesting, creative solutions when we're exhausted or stressed or frankly, freaking out. As foolish as it might feel to get up and go for a walk instead of "being productive" it might also be exactly that walk that brings you a clever idea to turn things around. Because as today's guest, Clare Barboza (who's been self-employed for about 25 years now), reflected, "It’s not going to stay this way. That’s what you learn as an entrepreneur. There are cycles. Nothing stays the same.”
If you're looking for support amidst the roller coaster ride of those business cycles, whether your a side-hustler or full-timer, come check out The Community by clicking here. With makers from all around the world, at every stage of business, it just might be the perspective shift you've been needing.
Guest Resources:
Clare’s Instagram : @poppybeesurfaces
If you feel you’ve gotten even just $5 worth of value from listening to our episodes, would you please consider making a small contribution to sustain this show? Every little bit helps us to continue to bring these stories to your headphones! Click here to choose a one-time donation of any amount or become a sustaining member with a subscription that allows you to submit questions to our guests in advance!
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We're quickly approaching the holiday season and makers around the world are hustling to get their listings online and take advantage of increased sales during this time of year. But what if your sales aren't going as planned? What if you haven't sold as much as you'd hoped? What if you haven't sold ANYTHING? What does it all mean? On this solo episode of the podcast, I'm talking about 2 words that get a bad reputation in the arts - sales & marketing.
Looking for help to increase your own sales? Catch the replay of the masterclass Communicate Your Value with Naomi Clement inside of The Community by becoming a member today! Click here to learn more and join.
If you feel you’ve gotten even just $5 worth of value from listening to our episodes, would you please consider making a small contribution to sustain this show? Every little bit helps us to continue to bring these stories to your headphones! Click here to choose a one-time donation of any amount or become a sustaining member with a subscription that allows you to submit questions to our guests in advance!
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Do you ever think about what happened BEFORE the Instagram photos? Or BEFORE your favorite potter hit 25 thousand followers? Off and on, many people will talk about the real-life vs. Instagram life, and there are plenty of hilarious memes floating around the internet about them, but I’d wager a bet that while many of us (myself included) are scrolling through IG, we are never actively reminding ourselves of what that maker’s life looked like before that photo…
The years of saving money, the months of trial and error, the delays because of things outside our control, and the sacrifices made because we want this crazy dream - to make a living from the things we make - so freaking badly… Well, that’s exactly what Sophia McEvoy and I sat down to talk about.
If you feel you’ve gotten even just $5 worth of value from listening to our episodes, would you please consider making a small contribution to sustain this show? Every little bit helps us to continue to bring these stories to your headphones! Click here to choose a one-time donation of any amount or become a sustaining member with a subscription that allows you to submit questions to our guests in advance!
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Our work as artists can feel disconnected with the immediate needs of the world. On this week’s solo episode, I’m peeling back the curtain on how I process that for myself. Alongside my originally planned episode of discussing a few of the various business models you can choose in order to create a business that serves your life and not the other way around.
Listen to The Launch series by clicking here.
If you're looking for a group of welcoming and supportive colleagues, fellow makers who simply get it, come join us inside of The Community. Learn more by clicking here.
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How do you go from a farm with a woodfire kiln and two potters to an industrial warehouse that already feels too small? Vision. And a bit of luck. At least, that's what worked for Alex Matisse, founder of the one and only Eastfork Pottery. On this episode, Alex shares insights into the pros and cons of growing such a large, successful business and how taking the time to get clear on a vision is the lynchpin of it all.
At the time of this replay, Asheville, North Carolina (where Eastfork Pottery is located) is currently beginning the slow and arduous process of recovering from the devastating affects of Hurricane Helen. If you are able, please consider donating to any of the following organizations helping with recovery efforts:
World Central Kitchen: On the ground getting meals to those affected.
CERF+: Provides emergency relief grants specifically to craft artists.
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We’re taking a quick season break but in the meantime, enjoy this chat from way back in Season 1 that I had with Katie Meili. We chat about the difficulties of mental health and how it feels when life takes unexpected turns that throw you off a path everyone else around you is on, the silver linings that brought us to clay, and the importance of having a community that supports and pushes us as artists.
Additional Resources since this episode first aired:Listen to the follow-up conversation I had with the founders of the Village Potter’s on episode #212 here.
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Leap and you’ll learn to fly… The key to success is action… The best way to predict the future is to create it… How many of these tropes have you heard? They are usually associated with that scary first step of making a change in your life to go after something you are dreaming about. And while yes, sure, there is often a moment where, regardless of preparation or planning, making a big change feels scary and you just have to finally do the darn thing - at the same time, there are also very real considerations to be made before you take that leap.
While encouraging each other to go after our dreams and make them happen is important, and while I do believe it is possible to build viable small art businesses for ourselves (clearly), these entrepreneurial tropes - leap and you’ll learn to fly - might actually be doing more damage than good. Sometimes, we leap with the best of intentions, excitement and even planning, and life doesn’t go the way we had envisioned. And frankly, that process isn’t something that gets talked about very often. Which is exactly why I was so impressed with Xioma Ortiz of Hello Xioma and creator of the Domies when she was sharing publicly about the painful decision to close her solo studio.
If you're looking for support in taking your own leap or just starting out and trying to figure out what these crazy steps are, inside of The Community is the place to be. We'll be closing out the year talking about Email Lists - How to start one, how to build one manually vs. with tech assistance, and most of all, how to help be less reliant on the ebbs and flows of social media algorithm robots. Come learn more about the perks of membership by visiting: makersplaybook.com/community
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Thinking about becoming a full time artist is a dream that lingers in the back of many people’s minds. And my assumption is, whenever any of us are dreaming about a change, we mostly think that if we took this leap, if we didn’t have to be bothered with showing up to an office for someone else Monday through Friday, we’d have more time to do the thing we love - to make. But is that what the change is really like? Is selling your work after you do take that leap to be a full time artist the same as selling your work when it’s a side-hustle? In other words, as you will soon hear from Rhianon Vichta, “What do you do when what you did for fun becomes your job?”
Whether you are dreaming of becoming a full time maker or content with your day job but perhaps want to use your time more strategically when you are in the studio, if you are looking for more support from peers and colleagues all over the world, consider joining us inside of The Community. Click here to learn more.
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So what does it mean if the work we’re making isn’t as impermanent as we think? Does it have to be in order to have value? Is there still value when it breaks?
Today, I’m thrilled to partner with the one and only Metropolitan Museum of Art to feature an episode from their own podcast - Immaterial: 5,000 Years of Art, One Material at a Time. Each episode examines a material of art - like clay, stone, or even trash and what they can reveal about history and humanity. On today's episode, you're about to hear the story of Stone I recently listened to from their Season 2 launch. The discussion about what happens when the unbreakable not only breaks but shatters had me constantly thinking about every message I’ve ever sent to someone who’s favorite mug has broken. And I wonder how we all might think a little differently about our less than permanent items after listening to this episode of Immaterial: 5,000 Years of Art, One Material at a Time…
Find more fascinating stories from Immaterial by clicking here.
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As I reflected on what we're doing differently for this market season compared to last year's, I realized a trend that I've also seen after teaching over 200 makers inside our MPSS photography course and journeying along side nearly 100 makers inside of The Community for the past 3 years. And while I don't really believe in magic silver bullets to assured success, this one trait just might be the determining factor from those that do continue to find success vs. those that, understandably, give up.
The Launch is our near real-time series that takes you behind-the-scenes on Francesco and I's own ceramics business, Carra Terra. To catch up on all Launch episodes, click here.
I'm working on a new free PDF resource for researching, preparing and attending in-person markets! To be the first to get this handy checklist, be sure you've signed up for our email list by visiting makersplaybook.com/newsletter
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What does it even mean to “be an artist?” Does it mean you are making work you like to make? Is that art? Does it mean someone else considers you to be whatever their definition of “artist” is? Does it mean not having another job? Or can you be an artist and do something else? Does doing something else actually better allow you to be an artist? Putting it more succinctly, how do you become an artist?
On today’s episode I virtually sit down with Isaac Scott, one of NCECA’s 2024 Emerging Artists, to discuss his own journey in becoming an artist - from first discovering clay, making production work, transitioning to fine art, and ultimately, continuing to figure out how to keep showing up. Because, spoiler alert, perhaps the answer to all of those questions is found in simply (or not so simply) to keep showing up.
Episode Resources:
You can find Isaac's 2024 NCECA Emerging Artist presentation here.
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If you’re side-hustling your ceramics, are you anxiously awaiting the day you can quit the day job? But what if the day job was actually providing you with the chance to learn to be better at your craft? And no, I’m not talking about a job associated with what you make. I mean a day job totally different than what you dream about making, a job in an office, in a “traditional” employment structure, absolutely not at all associated with the art world. What if that job was actually helping inform how you might be able to dream even bigger about what you could do with your own making business? It might sound crazy, but that’s exactly what Nicole Bernard of NB Makes has been able to find through her communications career. Nicole is balancing a long list of worlds she moves between - from a communications career to growing NB Makes to sitting on boards that make major decisions about funding and somehow also finding the time to commit to a running group. Nicole is taking what she learns from one space and applying it to another - from business to art and art to business. And I think this holistic approach just might be the breath of fresh air so many of us multi-passionate people have been looking for.
If you are looking for support from fellow makers consider joining us inside of The Community. Click here to learn more.
Alternatively, Nicole is also part of an incredible online community called Kaabo Clay. You can learn more about Kaabo by clicking here.
Guest Resources:Nicole's Instagram - @nb.makes
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Do you ever think about completely changing your life? Like literally, everything - Your job, where you live, what your day to day looks like, maybe even your identity in a way… Or maybe you have done that already, and you are living the dream you had 5 or 10 years ago, but now, as it turns out, it’s not actually the dream? Just even thinking about saying that out loud feels crazy because you worked so hard to get where you are right now. How could you ever change that? Why would you? Should you? Well first off, I just want to say. It’s okay. I’ve been there! Or rather, am there, as I make my own pivots through a career change. Which of course, is exactly why I went about to hear from other artists on how the heck they managed to totally and completely shift their own lives. Enter Henrik Van Ryzin - self-proclaimed reset button smasher, 3 times over. And I think Henrik would agree when I say, with all due respect to his hard work, that he’s not actually all that different, as a human, from you and I. So if you are thinking about making a change, big or small, in your life to pursue something you think could be amazing for whatever the next phase of your life might be, then this is the episode for you. That being said, if you are also simply one of the 48 thousand admirers of Henrik’s work online and have been curious to know how the heck his iconic tiki meets monsters style of making even came about, then this is also the episode for you.
Guest Resources:Henrik's Instagram - @vantiki
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I thought John & I were going to talk mostly about burnout. How it “happened” to him, how he got through it, and perhaps, what he’s doing differently now. But (perhaps rather obviously) it can’t really be broken down that simply. Instead, John and I wound up not only talking about burnout, but also the pursuit of the impossible perfect cylinder, the responsibility we all have to educate others on what we do while also hopefully exciting them, and particularly the realities of the economics of making - whether that be other jobs that help support that reality, but also the internal realities of pricing and finding your market, or rather, finding someone else who has already found your market for you.
If trying to explain your work to others has been feeling hard, if you are tired of explaining why your price is what it is, or if you find yourself in the wrong spaces or shows for the work you are trying to make, then you don’t want to miss out on our next Masterclass inside of The Community. On July 17th, we’ll be learning from Naomi Clement all about Communicating Your Value. As Naomi says, “While the nuts and bolts numbers side of things are sure important, this session will focus more on the marketing side of conveying value and selling your work. Because… Selling is really just storytelling after all.” All of our Quarterly Masterclasses are recorded and included with the cost of Community membership, so you can also binge through the library of ever growing resources to help take the next step in making a living from the things you make. Visit: makersplaybook.com/community to learn more.
Guest Resources:John's Instagram - @johnrhamilton3ceramics
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In an internet world where there are seemingly endless “educators” available to learn from, what actually qualifies someone to teach a skill? Is it a traditional piece of paper, or diploma, saying that some institution has decided you can? Is it the number of years you’ve been doing the thing? Frankly, there’s really not a fixed formula we can say where x+ y = qualified educator! However, during this chat with Ian Childers, a potter who, as often happens, fell into education by necessity and yet has found a passion for it, I’ve found a few thru lines and a couple of Ian’s philosophies I wholeheartedly agree with - namely, the fact that he’s not only teaching his students a skill set to hypothetically go make a living at this craft, he is also showing his students what it takes to make a living at this craft. As Ian says during our chat, how can he expect his students to trust him if he’s not out there doing it himself? And that I couldn’t agree more with.
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There’s a new social media app in the virtual neighborhood. Will it solve all the frustrations we artists have? Maybe. Maybe not… In this week’s solo episode, I dive into all things social media marketing, why a new app probably won’t solve your problems (but it could!), and why maybe it’s a good thing that it’s hard to get attention on the internet. Plus how everything is changing and yet, nothing is changing. Always. I swear it makes sense once you give a listen.
Need help telling your own story online? Come join us inside of The Community for a Masterclass with Naomi Clement on Communicating Value, the marketing side behind pricing and ultimately selling your work. Learn more by visiting makersplaybook.com/community
The Wired.com article referenced throughout this episode can be found here.
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A rare non-potter conversation today on the podcast with Dave Conrey, graphic designer turned email newsletter educator. We talk about the realities of making art and trying to sell that art, approaches to marketing our work without needing to be a part of the hustle-bro culture, and eventually get around to the notion that really piqued my interest when I first met Dave online - committing to one project and one project only for a set period of time in order to focus. It’s a rare conversation without mention of kiln gods or reclaim, but enlightening to see the cross over of similarities when it comes to making a living from the things you make in whatever medium that might be.
Doors to the Maker's Photography Styling System are open now! Click here to learn more.
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We’re back for part two! In this continued conversation with Joy Hanford - a Midwest gal, much like myself, who now lives in Portugal - we get into the topics of the complexities of learning about and navigating bureaucracies in other countries, art as a form of grieving and processing world events like the lockdown and the experience of a global pandemic in another country, starting a business amidst covid, and most of all, defining success for ourselves. Yes, it’s a heavy one my friends. But once again, it’s interwoven with a healthy dose of dry humor and sarcasm because apparently, that’s a Midwestern trait we both have - making jokes amidst heavy subjects to help get you through. Once again, there’s a bit of adult language, so hit pause and grab the headphones if you need to before your hands are covered in mud.
Big Announcement!
The 4 Most Common Instagram Photography Mistakes (and how to avoid them) is coming BACK! This is by far our most popular FREE photographic resource, specific for makers & potters and it's happening again on June 11th and 12th. Learn more and save your spot by visiting: makersplaybook.com/instagram-photography
On June 11th & 12th I'm hosting our super popular, LIVE Free Webinar: The 4 Most Common Instagram Photography Mistakes (and how to avoid them). Yes, these tips even if you are only using your cell phone! Learn more & save your spot by visiting: makersplaybook.com/instagram-photography
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Living abroad. Sometimes, it sounds like the solution to all of my problems. All I need to do is choose a country with national healthcare and town with relatively low cost of living, and TA DA! Making a living from the things we make is solved, right? Right? It can look incredibly romantic online - strolling through tiny streets seemingly too small for cars, surrounded by historic architecture and the depths of tradition for a craft we all love. But how does it actually work? Is it really that simple? Much like anything in life and business, there are pluses and there are minuses. And it’s up to each of us individually to put those things on a scale and decide what’s best for ourselves, individually. However, the decision gets a lot easier when you have more information on the metaphorical scale, which is exactly what this week’s conversation with Joy Hanford - an American born ceramicist who’s been living in Portugal for the last 20 years - is all about.
Big Announcement!
The 4 Most Common Instagram Photography Mistakes (and how to avoid them) is coming BACK! This is by far our most popular FREE photographic resource, specific for makers & potters and it's happening again on June 11th and 12th. Learn more and save your spot by visiting: makersplaybook.com/instagram-photography
Love this podcast? Support an episode! Click here to learn more.
Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com
Wholesale… The assumption is there’s no way to reasonably make a living, as a maker, by doing wholesale. But is that true? Since I’m generally pretty skeptical of any sweeping statement that says an entire concept doesn’t work for anyone, at all, I jumped at the opportunity chat with Steve Tubbs, an ex-retailer turned potter, when he mentioned his entire business is wholesale. While it might not work for everyone, it’s definitely working for him and the nothing-short-of-brilliant ordering schedule he has that allows him to plan out his entire year’s work by spring time!
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You’ve taken a few classes at your local community studio and you know you want to make ceramics a larger part of your life. In fact, you want to build your own studio, but what does that even look like? And what might be all the tasks and overhead that community studio has been handling without you even realizing it? What is it actually like to start and run a community studio? While we’re at it, let’s complicate things a bit and open that community studio in one of the most expensive places to live in the country. Lindsay Langsdale is doing just that, in San Francisco, and we’re talking all about it on this episode of The Maker’s Playbook.
The Maker's Photography Styling System is coming back! Get first dibs at your spot for this 6-week online course specifically for makers & potters by joining our waitlist at: makersplaybook.com/waitlist
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Having a collector buy our work... It sounds… amazing! Awe-inspiring? Relieving? Luxurious. All of the above really. But how does it even happen? During the 2024 NCECA conference, Coalescence, held in Richmond, VA I sat down with Peter Beasecker and Louise Rosenfield to chat about their perspectives as maker and collector on how building relationships with collectors begins and how we might each be able to consider fostering our own.
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“Etsy vs. Your own website. Which is better?” It’s a question I see asked online endlessly. I see the responses fought over just as endlessly. But is it really an either/or? We dig into that on this next installment of our “The Launch” series - where I dig into the firsthand experiences Francesco & I are having in starting our own ceramics business. Spoiler - We’re using both Etsy and our own website, because there are pros and cons to both. And it’s those pros & cons we discuss in this episode so you can make the decision that’s right for you.
Start back at the beginning of The Launch series by clicking here.
If you find you are still overwhelmed by it all, the place deeper conversations are happening with supportive makers from all over the world is inside of our virtual home - The Community. Click here to join now and be a part of the Instagram Masterclass happening on April 25th (or to get the recording if you are seeing this after April 25th!).
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I know I'm not the only one who finds social media to be exhausting. The idea of keeping up with trends sounds equivalent to nails on a chalkboard to me. But at the same time, I know there is a huge opportunity on social media. After all, Instagram alone has 2 billion users. Enter Allie Mason. A data-based marketing strategist who understands that us solo-preneurs and small independent businesses don’t necessarily have the time (or the desire) to be spending all of our time keeping up with the ever changing world of social media. What Allie teaches focuses on using social media for what it can do for us all to grow our businesses, but not having it be our businesses.
And I love it so much we're bringing Allie into The Community for a very special Masterclass specifically for makers on April 25th! This Masterclass is open to Community members only. To gain access, join The Community by clicking here.
Guest Resources:
Allie Mason's Instagram - with @thatalliemason
Resources - https://bio.site/thatalliemason
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On this week’s episode I talk with founding Community member, Connie Cole, about her winding path to becoming a full-time potter. We discuss her battle with imposter syndrome, what finding a “gateway drug” has done for her business and the assault on creativity she’s experienced over time (and of course, how she’s battling against it!)
Interested in joining other makers from all over the world in a safe & supportive environment online? Come check out The Community by clicking here.
Guest Resources:
Connie Cole's Instagram - @twocentsceramics
Resources - https://twocentsceramics.com/
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Feeling the FOMO because you aren't going to NCECA? Come hang out inside of The Community - Learn more & join for 1 month by clicking here.
One of my favorite books: Deep Work by Cal Newport (purchasing the book through this link helps support the podcast!)
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Do you get overwhelmed at the idea of making your studio practice environmentally friendly? It can seem impossible to figure out where to start and what actually makes an impact. The science of climate change is complicated at best, and more often than not confusing. Which is exactly why I’m so grateful for people like Yuliya Makliuk - a trained ecologist and potter. Yuliya recently wrote the book Potters Save the World: Learn to Make Sustainable Ceramics and Help Protect the Earth, and on this week’s episode we talk all about the process of self-publishing this important book as well as creating her own pottery amidst an ever changing reality of living in Ukraine.
Guest Resources:
Yuliya Makliuk's Instagram - @hereandnowpottery
Resources - Potters Save the World by Yuliya Makliuk (click here to purchase using our affiliate link & help support this podcast!)
Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:
The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art
Bray Clay by the Archie Bray
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The internet can be amazing for connecting us all to resources we wouldn’t otherwise have access to. But it can also be absolutely overwhelming. With so many people teaching online, how can we tell who actually knows what they are doing? How do we know (especially if we decide to pay) that they are actually qualified to teach us? I’m not talking about formal qualifications and diplomas here - obviously, there are plenty of problems with the traditional structures of arts education. But at the same time, there’s additionally the sneaky problem of online education not having any sort of barrier to access - literally anyone can call themselves a teacher on the internet.
During Part Two of my conversation with Hope Limyansky-Smith, we dig into the pros & cons of being online educators and the ways in which we ourselves vet other educators we want to learn from as students ourselves. Before all of that, we also have a very important discussion on setting boundaries online both for ourselves and with each other so that we can continue to enjoy building new friendships online, which really is what makes being on social media great, isn’t it?
Guest Resources:
Hope Limyansky-Smith's Instagram - @limyanskystudios
Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:
The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art
Bray Clay by the Archie Bray
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How often do you look at what other makers are sharing on social media and think to yourself - “How do they have time to make all this CONTENT? Daily reels, stories, thoughtfully designed themes, not to mention the actual pots!” It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This week on the podcast, we’re going behind-the-scenes with Hope Limyansky-Smith of Limyansky Studios who consistently posts 5 days a week while also teaching full-time to understand what it’s really like to create so much for social media.
Spoiler: This is only part one of my chat with Hope, so be sure you are following the show on whatever podcast app you use to listen in order to not miss out on part two!
Guest Resources:
Hope Limyansky-Smith's Instagram - @limyanskystudios
Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:
The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art
Bray Clay by the Archie Bray
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Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com
What were you doing 15 years ago? Were you already making? Had you not even found clay yet? It’s amazing the twists and turns our lives can take, and yet, without them, we wouldn’t be doing what we’re doing today. On today’s episode, I sit down with Victoria Brook, who first introduced me to wheel throwing 15 years ago, when I lived in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England for a year. A lifetime has happened since, and yet at the same time, in many ways Victoria and I both are coming full circle.
Guest Resources:
Victoria Brook's Instagram - @mygianthandsmadethese
Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:
The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art
The Archie Bray & Bray Poxy
Love this podcast? Support an episode! Click here to learn more.
Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com
We’re kicking off Season 5 with a big announcement right at the start of my chat with Rebecca Harvey, the executive director of the Archie Bray. Rebecca and I also chat about the history of the Bray and her vision for the future, along with the pros & cons of traditional academic education and partnering (or not!) with galleries.
Never miss an important announcement (or sneak peek) about what's happening with The Maker's Playbook by adding your email to the insider's list at: makersplaybook.com/newsletter Guest Resources:
Rebecca Harvey's Instagram - @r.harveythisisatest
Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:
The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art
Bray Clay by the Archie Bray
The Maker's Playbook is now a part of the Brickyard Network! Find more awesome pottery podcasts by clicking here.
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Our 4th most popular episode of 2023 was my conversation with Page Kelly of Zephyr Valley Ceramics twists and turns, much like her career paths. A self-proclaimed “late bloomer,” there is this stunning moment in this conversation at about the 46-ish minute marker when Page discusses the narrative body of work she is currently producing, where I hear literally every experience she has had in the last 2 decades - inside and outside of working in clay - come together. It’s an encouraging moment, especially for those of us that feel like we are getting started in this beautiful journey a bit… well, later than others.
Note: There is a tiny bit of adult language in the latter half of this episode, so if you are listening around kiddos or are in a community setting, you might want to choose to pop on some headphones.
Page is one of the founding members of The Community, our online home for makers. You can learn more about what all The Community is about by clicking here: makersplaybook.com/community
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When I say “making a living” what do you think I mean? Do you immediately think of income and how much money you make? Or do you think of how you spend your time? Do you think of the balance between working hours and leisure hours? I don’t think there is one particularly correct answer, but on this episode of The Maker’s Playbook, our guest, Danny Meisinger does put this phrase into some very helpful perspective for those of us trying to figure out the financial side alongside the dream life of being a full-time potter in the 21st century. If you are dreaming that same dream, or even just curious about what it’s actually like to make a living from what you make, this episode is for you.
On January 8th (one week from today!) I'm sharing my entire annual planning process inside of our Community! If you are looking to have 2024 be the year you finally accomplish the projects you dream of at the start of the year, consider joining us for the system that finally changed it all for me. This podcast wouldn't exist without my annual planning system! Learn more about all the Community has to offer by visiting: makersplaybook.com/community
(And if you are reading this after January 8th, 2024 don't worry! All trainings inside of The Community are recorded. Come on over and check it out!)
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Our second most listened to episode of 2023 was Part One of my chat with Sarah Hussaini of Not Work Related (and Part Two wasn't fair behind, coming in at the 6th most popular!). There's a different reality in making a living from the things you make in an urban center like New York City than just about anywhere else in the world, and on this chat, we talk very candidly about the pros and cons of it all.
If you are looking for support on finally accomplishing your big goals in 2024, consider joining us inside of The Community to kick off the year with a deep dive on my entire planning process. We'll start off with the big annual plan, and then dig into how to actually get things done with quarterly and weekly accountability. Learn more about all The Community has to offer year round and snag our special rate before prices go up in February by visiting: makersplaybook.com/community
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Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com
We're taking a brief season break amidst the craziness of holiday fulfillment season for our own ceramics business (and then hopefully, with a little luck and a lot of planning, a bit of an actual break). New episodes will return at the start of February 2024, but in the meantime enjoy the top episodes of 2023 to finish out the year. You just might catch something you didn't the first time!
If you are looking to level up your own small business in 2024 and want to finally accomplish big goals that every year you have the best of intentions to do, but never seem to make the time for, consider joining us inside of The Community to kick off the new year with the very planning system Rebecca has used to launch this podcast, write full courses, and build brand new businesses. Best of all, if you join before February you'll receive our 2022 membership rates that are disappearing soon! Learn more at: makersplaybook.com/community
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A year end recap of our first full year focusing more intentionally on launching our ceramics business, Carra Terra.
If you are looking for support in trying to figure out how to make a living from the things you make, come take a look at our online home for makers from all over the world by visiting makersplaybook.com/community
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Have your friends ever marveled at how much you manage to get done? How you somehow work full-time and then also produce artwork on the side that you sell on the nights and weekends in your side-hustle? How often are we praised for seemingly “doing it all?” In our productivity focused culture, these accolades can feel amazing. But is it healthy? I am most definitely not the only one out there who’s been rewarded for their ability to manage numerous things at once. Gerald Brown knows this life well, and on today’s episode, she and I are debunking our often lauded ability to do #AllTheThings, and peeling back the curtain a bit on why. If you’ve ever chatted with Gerald, or listened to her own podcast (called Unraveling. Look it up!) it will come as no surprise that we also get into the big philosophical questions around how we make a living from the things we make a bit more than my usual pragmatic.
If you love this conversation and want to keep diving deeper, come check out The Community. Our virtual membership for fellow makers from all over the world who are trying to figure out how the heck we make a living from the things we make. Learn more (and lock in our current membership rates before they change in 2024) by visiting: makersplaybook.com/community
Guest Resources:
Gerald's Instagram - @geraldbrownart
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Goals… Are they something that’s fixed? Or something that’s flexible? I used to think of goals as rather fixed. You choose your goal, then put your head down and work towards that one, singular, (often random?) goal. Right? Hmmmm… Goals do give us guidelines. Without goals, we are constantly chasing the next shiniest thing. Before we ever got any traction on the last, now slightly less shiny thing. This week, as I chatted with Jono Pandolfi who produces ceramic dinnerware for some of the world’s top chefs, I was reminded that goals, while giving us a hypothetical finish line to work towards, are anything but fixed.
Guest Resources:
Jono's Instagram - @jonopandolfi
Website - https://www.jonopandolfi.com/?view=sl-E933F878
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Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com
A lot of business advice talks about needing to find your ideal customer. That hypothetical person that you need to understand inside and out - from what stores they shop at to what value system they use to view the world. And while this is important, what most of that business advice does not tell you is that it is nearly impossible to figure out who your ideal customer is without first actually putting yourself out there and trying to sell your work. But of course, there’s a huge gap between initially trying to sell your work and learning who your ideal people are. Most of us wish we could skip through the awkward pre-teen-like business years of uncomfortable situations and conversations with non-ideal customers. I get it. I’ve been there.
And while there’s no way to truly avoid those growing pains, a great way to be able to protect your own energy through the process is to know with absolute certainty that what you are doing is taking care of people. Not recommending the most expensive item in your booth because you want to make the big sale, but instead, recommending the item you genuinely think will solve the problem the person has described to you. While I could tell you all about how to define an ideal customer, at the end of the day, what I was reminded of during my chat with Makeda Smith is that all of this making a living from the things we make craziness starts with building relationships. Not only between fellow makers to help us through the unknown (as I talk about so frequently), but also in building relationships with the people we are meeting that may - or may not - buy our work.
Guest Resources:
Makeda's Instagram - @sioceramics
Website - https://sioceramics.com/
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As much as I talk about analytics, strategic decisions, data, systems and all the very pragmatic things about building a small business… Honestly, a lot of this whole making a living from the things you make thing is still ultimately, emotional decisions. But how can those pesky emotions help guide us in our decisions rather than derail us? We can't possibly trust every fleeting feeling we have, can we?
If you are interested in diving deeper on the questions addressed in this episode - questions that require nuance and trust - you might want to check out The Community and see if it just might be the safe oasis you've been looking for. Learn more at: makersplaybook.com/community
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In this chat, you are going to hear my unfiltered shock at how little I actually know about Maya’s personal life - proof that you do not have to overshare on the internet in order to use social media for strategic business growth, how Maya has pivoted her audience over the years through drastically different styles of making, and (equally exciting for me), how she changes her business model throughout the year based on what her personal life needs - Hallelujah!
Guest Resources:
Maya's Instagram - @melissamayapottery
Website - https://melissamayapottery.com/collections/online-workshops-and-consultations
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When you dream about going full-time with your craft, what is the real job? Is it really going to be your hands in clay all day, every day? Getting to hit that coveted “flow state” in the studio because you finally have no other interruptions and can simply focus? I mean, that sounds like a dream, but more often than not, the big surprise for any of us starting a small business can be that the bulk of our time isn’t actually spent on the thing we think it will be spent on. Cara Steinbuchel of Cara Mae Skincare (and the beloved Potters Skin lotion) brought up this exact subject on our chat this week and we peeled back the curtain about on her “real” job while also laughing about it all along the way.
Guest Resources:
Cara 's Instagram - @caramaeskincare
Website - https://www.caramaeskincare.com/
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I think it’s a safe assumption to make that most of us enjoy sharing a story about how we made a piece we are particularly proud of. Or heck! We enjoy sharing a funny fail story about a flop on the wheel (once enough time has passed that we can laugh about it, of course). Now what if I told you that storytelling is actually all you need to do in order to sell your ceramics.
My chat today with Naomi Clement is going to shed some light on how all sales really is, at least when done well and perhaps more naturally than your local used car guy - is simply storytelling. Which actually isn’t so bad.
Episode Links:
Loved this chat? Continue the conversation inside of The Community! Learn more here by clicking here.Sign up for Naomi's free webinar: Artist Statements 101. Save your spot here.
Come say "hey!" on Instagram! @themakersplaybook
Naomi's IG: @naomikclement
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Sometimes, making art can feel less important as we scroll through the news and battle with all that’s happening in the world. How can the things we make battle racism? How can a pot positively influence the needs of climate change? It sounds a little silly. Until we realize that culture is what changes the world. And art is uniquely linked to affecting culture and thus, change. Today’s guest, Kristina Batiste, creates minimalist ceramics that hold these huge subjects within their beauty and reminds me that the things we make can bring about the change we dream of.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Tacoma Pottery Salon: tacomapotterysalon.org
Click here for the interview with Osa Atoe on Tales of a Red Clay Rambler
and click here for Kristina’s website
Kristina's Instagram - @juniperclay
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Doors to the Maker's Photography Styling System are once again open! But only for the next week. If taking better photos faster sounds like a dream, come learn how together we can make it a reality by clicking here: makersplaybook.com/mpss
Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com
There are few things in life I find more encouraging than finding colleagues who understand your life. With all do respect to our supportive loved ones, there’s just something different about the depth of conversation you can have with another person who understands how heartbreaking it can be when you bump that perfectly trimmed bowl you’ve been working on for days off the shelf or how thrilling it can be to sell your first pot. Only the people doing these same things really feel the same depth of those feelings with us. And if it wasn’t obvious from Part One of my chat with Lisa & David of Dault Pottery, when I get a chance to connect with others who are building their life in ways similar to my own, I’ll chat for hours. So we’re back for Part Two, which really only ended because the kiddos made us!
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT:
We're hosting our FREE Live Webinar on the 4 Most Common Instagram Photography Mistakes (and how to avoid them) once more this year and just in time for all of that holiday shop update prep! Save your seat here: makersplaybook.com/instagram-photography/
Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com
When I hear people talk about boundaries and cutting back on work hours and all of that beautiful sounding work/life balance stuff, I assume the person preaching this has already reached a certain point of success. I think to myself, “Well, of course you can cut back on your work hours now. You already have -insert whatever- going for you, so it's safe to slow down." But what if the very reason for launching your small business in the first place was in service of building an un-hurried lifestyle? I've said many, many times that we must choose our lives first and build our businesses around them, second, but I didn't figure that out until I messed up the order with my first business. On this episode of the Maker's Playbook, Lisa & David Dault share how they are ruthlessly eliminating hurry from their freshly full-time pottery business right from the very beginning.
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT:
We're hosting our FREE Live Webinar on the 4 Most Common Instagram Photography Mistakes (and how to avoid them) once more this year and just in time for all of that holiday shop update prep! Save your seat here: makersplaybook.com/instagram-photography/
Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com
A lot of the time, we think about the benefits of in-person markets solely related to the sales we do on the specific day(s) of the market. But what if you thought a little bit more strategically? This week’s guest shares how she’s approaching selling at markets as a means of direct market research for who her ideal customer just might be… or not be.
Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com
THE LAUNCH
An (almost) real-time mini-series by the Maker's Playbook on launching our ceramics business.
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Most of the time, when I talk with other makers about taking the leap to go full time, we talk about the logistical things - having a bit of savings put away in case of emergency, understanding your numbers to make sure the pricing can support your necessities, getting an email list going in order to have ownership over your audience, etc. etc. etc. And while these things are indeed important, the unsung workhorse of being able to make a living from the things you make - the thing that often is the difference between keeping a business afloat or not, the thing that carries most of us through the uncertainty isn’t a spreadsheet or new planning journal. It’s our mindset.
Battling the ups and downs of all that’s happening in our heads, particularly when it comes to feelings of scarcity - that - spoiler alert - social media is essentially built to enhance - is actually what Tzipporah and I wind up talking about amidst sharing the realities of her life as a mom of 4 with a self-employed husband as well!
If you love this episode, will you please click over to subscribe/follow and leave us a review on whatever podcast app you are using to listen? Thanks in advance!!
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A 4 day work week… it’s the thing of dreams. And, according to many many studies I’ve read about in many books, actually highly linked to better productivity and all sorts of other very business-savvy things that only a fool would say no to. But in all of those books I’ve read, the examples have been from companies that had teams. So it was very easy to tell myself excuse after excuse of why it could clearly work for a team, but not work so well for us solo-preneurs, or itty bitty businesses trying to do the work of 10 people while only being one person . That is, until I saw a post by Julie Cloutier on Instagram, where she was celebrating her one year anniversary of a 4 day work week...
If you are enjoying The Maker’s Playbook podcast, would you consider clicking on over inside of whatever podcast app you are using to leave us a rating and review? Doing so will help spread the word we exist and allow more makers to enjoy these stories as well!
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Episode 2 of the special The Launch series! This week I reflect on our first in-person market experience - just 6 short days after it happened. So yes, I'm still tired. :)
We also have some insightful questions from our Community members as our framework for this review on the highs and lows of our first market.
If you want to see the visuals from the market (including the booth setup and our most popular items we sold), come visit our ceramics Instagram account @carra.terra.
Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com
Have you ever wanted to be a fly on the wall while someone else starts a ceramics business? From the very beginning? Well, you’re in luck! In this new series - The Launch - I’m sharing (in as real-time as I can) the reality of what it’s like for Francesco and I to start our pottery business, Carra Terra. First up, what the last 2 years of twists and turns, starts and pauses, has been like and how that’s brought us to this summer of going all in on in-person markets. Spoiler: This episode airs one week before our very first in-person market. I’m guessing you’ll be able to hear the nerves through your headphones.
If you are going through all of this yourself and want to dig deeper on these conversations, come join me and over 60 other makers from all over the world inside of The Community. You can learn more about what this amazing space on the internet is by visiting makersplaybook.com/community. Becoming a member not only welcomes you into an amazing group of makers and colleagues celebrating the great successes with each other as well as supporting each other on the not so great days, your membership also helps with the creation of this very podcast.
Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com
Commissions… I feel like it’s a four letter word when I talk to some potters. You see them physically tense up and take a deep breath ready to do battle with a fire breathing dragon. And I’ve always been a little bit confused by this because I kind of like them. Just add it to the list of the ways that it makes me a bit of a black sheep in the art world. You can slot it right next to my love of systems and routine and willingness to talk about marketing and sales. But I digress… When I sat down with Micah Schedler I thought we’d mostly chat about how he’s balancing working as a health professional in nursing as well as having 2 little kids and launching a brand new website - I didn’t know we’d share a joy of the efficiency of commissions and that’s actually where he hopes to focus most of his business. But hang with us here. If you are already rolling your eyes, thinking “No way, Rebecca. I tried it once and it was a mess. I’ll never do a commission again.” Before you click the next button, just give us maybe 10 minutes to see if Micah’s controlled approach to how he makes commissions work best for him - amidst the sleep deprivation of toddlers and working another job - might help you re-think this often annoying request…
We have some exciting brainstorming happening inside of The Community right now around extra perks for our members in relation to this very podcast! Everything from announcing our members shop update in our weekly newsletter (you can sign up for that newsletter here if you are interested!), to getting our Community members a sneak peek on upcoming podcast interviews so they are able to ask questions of our guests in advance. If you’ve been curious about The Community and want to join in this brainstorming, come test it out with a 2-week free trial by visiting makersplaybook.com/community and let me know what podcast perks you’d love to have!
Guest Resources:
Micah on Instagram - @schedlerpottery
Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com
Do you feel like the time you spent in a previous career (or a current one) is just pulling you away from moving forward in clay? But have you ever considered that the “background knowledge” you have gained from other life experiences is actually part of creating your unique voice and style as an artist? In this week’s episode, Larissa Warren of Rat Bag Studios and I discuss how her previous career as a teacher directly influences her current work, how the connections and background knowledge she gained while in that career directly support her recent jump into being a full-time studio potter and how the literal background knowledge of the medium you are working in is crucial to actually making the work. While so many of us scour the internet for quick and easy answers to what another artist uses for clay or glaze, what material do they make those stencils out of and how do you (insert whatever unique style skill here)... Larissa points out that maybe the key to figuring out all of those questions is actually found within the trial & error that comes with gaining the background knowledge of the process in the first place.
If you are looking to continue this discussion, come join other makers inside of The Community. Learn more and see if this is the right supportive place for you on the internet by visiting: makersplaybook.com/community
Guest Resources:
Larissa Warren on Instagram - @ratbagstudios
Rag Bag Studios Website - ratbagstudios.com
Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com
My chat this week with Gloria Han opens up so many bit and important conversations (spoiler: this means, there’s going to be a part two!). From getting into education because of a passion for teaching (rather than it being the automatic route after graduate school as it is for so many), to balancing contemporary work with traditional making practices, and encouraging new artists to consider the wisdom of generations of knowledge before defaulting to the overused excuse of there being “no wrong way to make something.” Gloria’s teaching practice and her making practice are intrinsically linked - one informing the other and also each allowing the space for the other passion to be nurtured without the push of capitalism to make work that’s easy to sell.
If you are looking for a way to continue these conversions in a way that can happen faster than I can produce new episodes, while also discovering an amazing group of colleagues that support one another on this journey - whether hobbyists or side-hustlers or full-timers. Beginners or long-time makers - you might just want to check out The Community. It’s our online home and my personal favorite place on the internet, but I’m obviously bias. You can learn more and hear about the experiences of other makers that are not me, and far less bias, by visiting makersplaybook.com/community
Guest Resources: Gloria Han on Instagram - @gloriahanart
Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com
When I sat down with Paul Blais of the Potter's Cast and a packed room of fellow makers at NCECA, we hit upon a lot of business subjects. Frankly, just one of the questions he threw my way could have been its own entire episode. So today I’m expanding on a few of those subjects in this solo episode. If there are still questions you had from that chat, send me over an email at podcast@makers-playbook.com and I’ll queue up another follow up episode as well! Because if there was one way to sum it alllllll up, it’s that just about every decision when it comes to your own business - whether a side-hustle on the nights and weekends or a full-time gig - nearly every decision you are going to have to make is interconnected to every other decision.
Click Here to learn more about how you can receive support from other makers all over the world as part of our Community here at The Maker's Playbook.
Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com
When I say “making a living” what do you think I mean? Do you immediately think of income and how much money you make? Or do you think of how you spend your time? Do you think of the balance between working hours and leisure hours? I don’t think there is one particularly correct answer, but on this episode of The Maker’s Playbook, our guest, Danny Meisinger does put this phrase into some very helpful perspective for those of us trying to figure out the financial side alongside the dream life of being a full-time potter in the 21st century. If you are dreaming that same dream, or even just curious about what it’s actually like to make a living from what you make, this episode is for you.
See Danny’s work on Instagram @dannymeisinger
Support & learn from Danny at his Patreon by clicking here.
If you are looking for your own network of clay colleagues to support you in figuring out how to make a living (or a side-hustle!) from the things you make, consider checking out The Community. Membership also directly supports the creation of this very podcast.
Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com
It’s our final replay week! Season 4 starts out next week, with someone who has been on my personal bucket list to interview for quite a long time. Before that though! Our final replay of one of the most popular conversations from last year - with someone who I have absolutely loved watch grow over the last two years. Jackie Wright was one of the inaugural members of my very first cohort for The Maker’s Photography Styling System. And frankly, she’s worked that system better than I even do, if her Instagram following presence is anything to show for it. While this episode was originally titled "How you can still organically grow on Instagram in 2022," these tips and insights absolutely still hold true today.
What also still holds true is the fact that I will once again be hosting a new cohort of The Maker's Photography Styling System! When exactly... is not yet determined, although it will be this year. If you want to find out when doors are scheduled to open, as soon as I have my calendar confirmed, be sure to pop your email onto our waitlist at makersplaybook.com/waitlist (Waitlisters always get first opportunity at reserving their seats in the course, which has nearly sold out the last 2 times we've hosted it!)
Full show notes and an archive of all our episodes can be found at: makersplaybook.com/podcastFollow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast@makers-playbook.com
While I take a long overdue break from the screens, we're replaying some of our most popular episodes!
At the end of this original episode I reference The Community - our online home for makers. One of the coolest things about The Community (aside from being an amazingly supportive group of makers from all over the world rooting each other on and joining together to creatively brainstorm around the myriad of problems we all have to find solutions to), is that the doors are always open! So while this episode originally aired back in June of 2022, you can come learn more and even take a peek inside The Community to see what it's all about, risk free, no matter what day (or year!) you are listening to this. Learn more at makersplaybook.com/community(Bonus: Becoming a member helps support the creation of this very podcast!)
Full show notes and an archive of all our episodes can be found at: makersplaybook.com/podcastFollow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast@makers-playbook.com
While I take a long overdue break from the screens, we're replaying some of our most popular episodes! And it’s no wonder these 4 episodes are some of our most listened to over the last year, because as I compiled them, I realized they are all on topics that really never end… Just as I mentioned in our Live taping at NCECA (episode 335 in case you were curious), one of the most unexpected things about being a business owner is that you essentially are always in a cycle - it’s a cycle of exploration, followed by trial and error, following by learning and implementing, and then restarting again with exploration. Sometimes, that exploration is about discovering what we each personally need to take good care of ourselves. What better episode to revisit while I work on listening to my own advice...
Full show notes and an archive of all our episodes can be found at: makersplaybook.com/podcastFollow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast@makers-playbook.com
While I take a long overdue break from the screens, we're replaying some of our most popular episodes!
In the original episode, I referenced our 6-week photography course specifically for potters: The Maker's Photography Styling System. I'll be hosting this course again this year, but I don't quite know the exact dates just yet. If you are curious about it and want to be the first to find out when doors open again, be sure to pop your email address onto the Waitlist by clicking here: makersplaybook.com/waitlist
Full show notes and an archive of all our episodes can be found at: makersplaybook.com/podcastFollow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast@makers-playbook.com
LIVE from NCECA! Our recording of the joint (but mostly Paul interviewing me) episode with the Potter’s Cast is here! We touched the surface on a lot of business topics in this one hour. Anything from the importance of finding your own work before market research, how business is mostly just the scientific process on repeat, and a lot lot more, including direct questions from the live audience that was sitting in front of us the whole time. The room was absolutely packed and frankly, I was a bit stunned. Any one of the questions Paul asked me could be their entire own episode by themselves, so if there is a subject you were wishing we had time to dive deeper on, send me and email and let me know! I’m working on trying to compile more of my post-NCECA thoughts for future episodes and I’d love to know what you are most interested in. Send over your ideas to: podcast@makers-playbook.com
If all the NCECA talk the last few months has you feeling all the FOMO (fear of missing out), please know that I am here for you. FOMO sucks, and it’s not a feeling I want to encourage in this world. In fact, my own history with FOMO is a huge reason I wanted to build The Community. I’ve realized that one of the massive benefits of a digital space is the way we can show up for each other on a regular basis. Rather than having 4 intense days of hyper-energetic interaction, only to drop back down to zero, like a little kid after a sugar high (aka what NCECA can feel like)… Online, we can embrace a consistency within our usual daily or weekly routines. We can be more present to each other than I was ever able to be with anyone at NCECA. Long story short, if watching what seemed like every maker you follow online show up to NCECA caused you to feel a great deal of FOMO. Or if you attended NCECA and felt that massive shock of returning back to everyday life, where there wasn’t a group of ready and willing makers to nerd out with you - Consider having a peek at The Community. There’s a 2 week free trial when you visit makersplaybook.com/community and you are more than welcome to take advantage of it to have a peek around and see if this just might be the place for you. If not, no worries. Either way, you can learn more at makersplaybook.com/community
Full show notes and an archive of all our episodes can be found at: makersplaybook.com/podcastFollow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast@makers-playbook.com
How often do you remember the name of someone’s Instagram account before you actually learn their real name? It’s a little weird. But it can also be freeing for some people, because it means you can choose how much of yourself you want to share. You can create an alter-ego of sorts. Not a dishonest representation of yourself - I’m not suggesting we start “catfishing” - but instead, the ability to create a comfort zone for what you share publicly and what you choose to keep private. Not to mention, how building a brand name can help you create space between the public and the private. This, of course, also means what we all experience as users online is not always the full story of what is happening in real life for any maker we might follow, which is the big question I’ve had for Kim Ferguson of Khaos Creates for a long time. Between seeing snippets of a wholesale jewelry line and hearing about her acceptance into a local residency -I had no idea, until we chatted that she was balancing all of that while still working a full-time job! Understanding what life actually looks like is exactly why I started this very podcast, so, of course, I’m excited for you to hear Kim’s story this week where we shed a bit of light on the difference between the instagrammable Khaos Creates and the lovely human that is Kim.
You might have been hearing a lot of talk about NCECA recently. I know from firsthand experience, seeing a bunch of people online come together in person - when you can’t be there - can feel incredibly lonely. If all this NCECA talk has you longing for connection with other makers, if it’s making you feel like you’ve been left out of group hangouts and the uniquely deep conversations you can have when it’s a room full of people who do what you do, and love sticking their hands in mud like you do - please do consider joining us over inside of The Community. At $27 a month, it’s a much easier financial commitment than the thousand dollars you might need to support a week-long trip for a multi-day conference, not to mention, your membership directly supports the creation of this very podcast!! Win-win! You can learn more (and test it all out with a 2-week free trial) at makersplaybook.com/community.
I'm coming to NCECA! Be sure to come find me because I'm giving away free podcast swag! I have custom pins ready for the first 100 people and to make it easy, I know for sure you can find me in Room 212 at 1:00pm on Thursday, March 16th for our live taping of this very show! Additionally, I'll be at Rhinegeist Brewery from about 7:00 - 9:00pm also on Thursday, March 16th for the Impotster Popup along with many other pottery podcasters. I can't wait to meet you in person!
Full show notes and an archive of all our episodes can be found at: makersplaybook.com/podcastFollow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast@makers-playbook.com
If there was a store that was only open for 10 minutes out of the year, would you go to it? Do you think it would even stay in business? What would the business model even look like for such a store? This sounds crazy to describe doesn’t it... Every business advisor out there would tell you that a store needs to be available to people when the people are ready to purchase. Random last minute birthday gifts, mother’s day, of course the lead up to the crazy end of year shopping season. Especially in the US, we are used to stores being available nearly any time we want. And we aren’t even talking about online shopping yet… But here’s the spoiler: I’m not talking hypothetically. Because, when you do the math, 10 minutes, is about how long there is work available to purchase from Not Work Related’s website over the course of 1 year. Sarah’s incredible design heavy work sells out in less than 2 minutes. And the time intensive nature of her designs mean she and the Not Work Related’s team only do 5 stock drops on her website per year. 5 times 2 equals 10. 10 minutes. If this intro hasn’t hooked you in just yet to sticking with us for part two of my conversation with Sarah Hussaini of Not Work Related, let me just say this: The point of sharing this, and so many other stories here on the Maker’s Playbook podcast is to show you - There is no single right or wrong way to make this crazy dream work. Yes, that means you might have to try and possibly fail at some options before you figure out what works for you. But I hope, most of all, that it means as you listen to Sarah’s story, you will be encouraged to find the solution that works for your life circumstances specifically.
And if you need a little help figuring out what works for you specifically, if this crazy journey of figuring out how to make a living from the things you make feels overwhelming... then consider joining alongside an amazingly supportive group of makers from all over the world inside of our Community. Learn more by clicking here: makersplaybook.com/community
I'm coming to NCECA! Be sure to come find me because I'm giving away free podcast swag! I have custom pins ready for the first 100 people and to make it easy, I know for sure you can find me in Room 212 at 1:00pm on Thursday, March 16th for our live taping of this very show! Additionally, I'll be at Rhinegeist Brewery from about 7:00 - 9:00pm also on Thursday, March 16th for the Impotster Popup along with many other pottery podcasters. I can't wait to meet you in person!
Full show notes and an archive of all our episodes can be found at: makersplaybook.com/podcastFollow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast@makers-playbook.com
Building a business as an independent maker can be hard. And when you add on top of that the financial realities of doing it in an urban center… well, it takes a special level of drive, determination, work ethic and grit to make that happen. All of which, I can safely say Sarah Hussaini undoubtedly has. Sarah (owner of Not Work Related) and I connect on a lot business topics. So many, that I couldn’t contain all of the nuggets of hard earned knowledge in one episode. That’s right my friends, settle in because this is only part ONE of my chat with Sarah. Next week, we’ll be coming back for part 2.
A heads up: This episode does contain a bit of adult language.
To get on our email newsletter and never miss an episode (plus monthly FREE PHOTO TIPS!) visit: makersplaybook.com/newsletter and pop your email into the form!
Full show notes and an archive of all our episodes can be found at: makersplaybook.com/podcastFollow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast@makers-playbook.com
One of the most surprising things for many makers pursuing self-employment is that the brainstorming, troubleshooting, and all-around scientific method of experimenting, testing, observing, and pivoting never really ends (unfortunately or fortunately, depending on the day). The strategy you had for selling your pots 10 years ago might not work today, and it can feel like you are back at the drawing board, practically starting from scratch all over again. What you decide today, well in 3 years or maybe even 1 year, you might have to change again… But before you feel too hopeless, know that it is possible to grow and shift with the times. Because Katherine Mahoney has been doing just that, across 3 different countries, for the past 40 years.
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! Do you live in Australia? Or want to jump on a plane?! I’ll be hosting a one-day photography workshop at Sandy Lockwood’s studio in Balmoral on 22 April (and maybe also 23 April, depending on interest!). You can check out more details and reserve your spot here: https://www.sandylockwood.com.au/special-photography-course
Full show notes and an archive of all our episodes can be found at: makersplaybook.com/podcastFollow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast@makers-playbook.com
What if there was a way to grow your audience or broaden your reach without hustling on social media? What if you could focus on fostering a handful of really close relationships with people who understood and appreciated your work, and then in turn, spent their own time working to promote that work and get it out to a curated audience of people interested in possibly purchasing that work? Does it sound too good to be true? Well, this week on the podcast, we talk about a possible business model that can do just these things. But it also gets talked down upon a lot in the industry because of what you might have to give up in order to enjoy it…
Are you going to NCECA?!I have a fun game in store to help us find each other and meet in person (spoiler: it involves free podcast swag!!). If you are planning on attending this year’s conference, be sure you are on our email list to find out the details, receive free goodies and most importantly, actually meet in person! You can sign up for your email list (and get free photo tips in the process), by visiting makersplaybook.com/newsletter
Full show notes and an archive of all our episodes can be found at: makersplaybook.com/podcastFollow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast@makers-playbook.com
My chat this week with Virgil Ortiz is packed with insights. From pragmatic business advice, like protecting your intellectual property, to the less tangible topics of manifestation and trusting that things have a way of working out. The history of clay for the Cochiti people and how Virgil’s work, truly almost accidentally and yet oh so beautifully connects generations of storytellers is nothing less than astonishing.
If you’ve only recently found the podcast and are feeling disappointed that you missed out on our free webinar last week about the 4 Most Common Instagram Photography Mistakes (and how to avoid them), don’t worry! I still send out a free monthly photo tips email. You can start learning quick & easy ways to take better photos, faster (even using your cell phone), by popping your email onto our list at makersplaybook.com/newsletter
Full show notes and an archive of all our episodes can be found at: makersplaybook.com/podcastFollow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast@makers-playbook.com
“There’s only so much people can show you until you actually go and do it and fail and practice and practice until you get it….” This week on the podcast, I virtually sit down with Yairs Abraham who started his self-taught pottery journey in Buenos Aires, then moved to New Zealand, and now is potting away in his home studio in what spare time a baby and full-time job allows. But here’s the catch… he prefers it that way. And if his fantastically designed website is any indication, he’s definitely found the right solution for himself!
Next week I’m hosting our free live webinar all on the 4 Most Common Instagram Photography Mistakes (and yes, how to avoid them even if you are only using your cell phone). You can sign up at makersplaybook.com/instagram-photography I have a lot of example time zones listed when you go to that link so selecting a time that isn’t the middle of the night for you, regardless of where you tune in from, should be possible between January 26th or January 27th. This webinar is packed and it is quite the undertaking any time I host it, so I only do this at most twice a year. If next week isn’t a great time for you, yes there will be a replay, but it’s only going to be live for about a week, so if you sign up planning on the replay, just be sure to watch it as soon as it drops into your inbox. (And if you are seeing this after January 26 or 27, 2023 don’t worry! You can still sign up for free monthly photo tips by visiting: makersplaybook.com/newsletter
Full show notes and an archive of all our episodes can be found at: makersplaybook.com/podcastFollow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast@makers-playbook.com
This week, my conversation with Page Kelly of Zephyr Valley Ceramics twists and turns, much like her career paths. A self-proclaimed “late bloomer,” there is this stunning moment in this conversation at about the 46-ish minute marker when Page discusses the narrative body of work she is currently producing, where I hear literally every experience she has had in the last 2 decades - inside and outside of working in clay - come together. It’s an encouraging moment, especially for those of us that feel like we are getting started in this beautiful journey a bit… well, later than others. Note: There is a tiny bit of adult language in the latter half of this episode, so if you are listening around kiddos are in a community setting, you might want to choose to pop on some headphones.
Page is one of the founding members of The Community, our online home for makers and we do reference in a few times during our chat. You can learn more about what all The Community is about by clicking here: makersplaybook.com/community
In 2 weeks, I’m hosting our super popular Free, Live Webinar on the 4 Most Common Instagram Photography Mistakes (and how to avoid them. Yes, even with your cell phone). I only host this webinar twice a year, at most, because it is BIG. I pack it full of quick and helpful tips you can immediately implement, no matter how you are currently taking photos of your work. Plus, there’s time for Live Q&A! While it is free, spaces still are limited (because that’s how webinar hosting platforms work), so be sure to save your spot by clicking here and signing up for your choice of two different times on either January 26th or 27th, 2023 (and if you are listening to this episode after those dates have passed, you can still click that link to sign up for our email newsletter list and start receiving our monthly free photo tips, specifically geared for ceramicists and makers!).
Full show notes and an archive of all our episodes can be found at: makersplaybook.com/podcastFollow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast@makers-playbook.com
For all of you out there who have been listening to the podcast and thinking, “It’s too late for me to make a career move… I’m too far into this corporate job with the 401ks and the healthcare and all the stuff…” Well, this episode, my friends, is for you. Rebecca of GravesCo sheds light on the decades of experience she had before she “magically”created an “overnight success.” We also nerd out a bit on the way spreadsheets allow us to make creative decisions and I for one, am not so subtly vying for a spot as a new biz-bestie with the powerhouse woman. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to go from a solo maker to the leader of a team, you aren’t going to want to miss this episode.
I’ve been alluding to it for awhile now. I talked generally about it to our email newsletter crew who, along with our Community members, are ALWAYS the first to find out about things happening over here at The Maker’s Playbook, and now the dates are official…. I am going to be reopening the doors to The Maker’s Photography Styling System on January 26th! But along with that, I’m ALSO going to be once again hosting our free, live webinar all about the 4 Most Common Instagram Photography Mistakes I see people making with their pottery, ALSO on January 26th and 27th. If you’ve been enjoying our monthly photo tips emails but want to essentially get 4 months worth of tips in about 45 minutes, then don’t miss out on the Free Live Webinar! Pop on over to makersplaybook.com/instagram-photography to save your seat for the FREE LIVE WEBINAR on the 4 Most Common Instagram Photography Mistakes (and how to avoid them) right now.
Full show notes and an archive of all our episodes can be found at: makersplaybook.com/podcastFollow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast@makers-playbook.com
Ceramics is not exactly an easily mobile art form. And depending on what you are making, it can take up a fair bit of space. So what the heck do you do when you move to New York City, but you know you are only going to be there for 2-4 years? And yet, you are fresh in the beginning stages of getting your business off the ground? Well, that’s exactly what Alex Olson is working on figuring out and this week we’re talking all about it, along with the reality of trying to build new healthy routines - both physically to ensure the longevity of working in clay, and mentally, when leaving in as busy of a place as NYC - that keep us inspired for the long game of making a living from the things we make.
Next week is our "off" week here on the podcast. 3 out of every 4 weeks, we air new episodes, but on that 4th week I send out our free Photo Tips Email Newsletter. And we're kicking off 2023 in a big way - Sending out a photo tips email all about GLARE. Be sure to not miss out by adding your email to the list at: makersplaybook.com/newsletter(And if you are listening to this episode well after the air date, don't worry! You can still add your email to the list and send me a message to get the tips all on glare at any point!) If you're looking for a last minute holiday gift for a maker in your life (or heck, yourself!), consider helping support the podcast while also gaining an amazing support network of other makers by joining The Community. Visit makersplaybook.com/communityto learn more.
Full show notes and an archive of all our episodes can be found at: makersplaybook.com/podcastFollow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast@makers-playbook.com
In order to have kept my small business afloat for the last 12+ years, I had to learn a LOT of other skills that have absolutely nothing to do with crafting a photo. In fact, as you’ve heard from many past guests here on the podcast, once you go full-time with your craft, more often than not, you aren’t spending 100% of your time IN that craft. Instead, there’s admin and website updates and taxes and paperwork and customer service and…. Well, the list goes on, but I think you get the idea. To make a living from the things we make, there are a lot of skills required. But where the heck can you learn some of these skills? Well, for me, it was through in-person conferences. But thanks to the demands a global pandemic put on the world, all of those in-person conferences have realized they can provide these important resources to a heck of a lot more makers throughout the world if they hold a virtual conference. And starting in 2023, a brand new virtual summit is arriving. This week on the podcast, I’m chatting with the creator of Ceramicon. Elisabeth Young’s dream for Ceramicon is to offer an accessible way for people to learn multiple pottery techniques and business strategies from the artists they love and I’ll be joining the 17 other makers and small business owners, sharing some of our hard earned lessons in the pursuit of making a living from the things we make.
Get on the My Waitlist for Ceramicon by clicking here: https://www.ceramicon.co/rebecca?via=rebecca
We’re kicking off our Free Monthly Photo Tips email newsletter in 2023 with a huge subject. On January 1st, I’m sending out a photo tips email all about glare and how to deal with it when photographing your ceramics. Sign up for our Free Monthly Photo Tips Newsletters here:https://www.makersplaybook.com/newsletter/
Full show notes and an archive of all our episodes can be found at: makersplaybook.com/podcastFollow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast@makers-playbook.com
How often do you find yourself listening to another maker or hearing about another artist’s story to get to where they are now and saying, “Well that worked for them but I…” But I’m not in my 20s. But I’m married. But I have a dog, but I… It can be really easy for any of us (myself included) to come up with all the reasons we can not do something. Until, you hear about someone who, even with all of those things, is doing the thing. This week on the podcast I’m chatting with Ido Ferber who has picked up and moved to Tokyo in order to studio ceramics. No, not directly from undergrad. And no, not even by himself. Ido and his wife, who is a maker in who own right, have both moved abroad to figure out how to make a living from the things they make.
There are A LOT of new resources I’m preparing on all things photography for makers in 2023. If you want to be the first to find out about new courses (on using your regular camera and on lighting, regardless of what kind of camera you use), then you need to hop over to makersplaybook.com/waitlist and join our Waitlist. The makers on our Waitlist get the first opportunity to sign up for courses, even before our full email list! It’s like the list inside the list. Doors to the Maker’s Photography Styling System will be opening again in January, and the two new courses will be arriving shortly after that. As always, spaces will be limited so that I can offer my super hands-on feedback to everyone. Click here to be first in line!
Full show notes and an archive of all our episodes can be found at: makersplaybook.com/podcastFollow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast@makers-playbook.com
The irony of publishing this episode on Black Friday isn't lost on me. But here's the thing: Your emails are NOT the same as the big box stores. At least, not if you are actually (regularly) engaging with the people who have trusted you enough to give you their email address... The true irony is that oftentimes, thanks to our nerves around feeling like we might be spamming people, we wind up only emailing them when we have a shop update or an announcement about a market or show.
But what feels more spammy? Only hearing from someone when they want you to buy something or consistently learning more about an artistic process and the artist behind the pieces on a regular basis, that then culminates in the opportunity to purchase that work? On this week's solo episode, I'm dispelling some of the common myths about email marketing and how popping into your subscribers inbox is not the same as the big box stores sending endless emails to all of us this weekend.
We have a LOT of exciting things in store for 2023, so if you want to make sure you don't miss out on all the upcoming announcements, be sure you are on our own email list! Sign up at makersplaybook.com/newsletter.
If you've been loving these episodes and are interested in tangibly helping support the creation of the podcast, The Community is our online membership platform that does just that! Best of all, by joining, you are also joining a group of makers supporting each other in pursuing this dream of making a living from the things we make. As one member recently put it, it's a place where "internet artist friends [are] helping each other learn how to be business people." Come learn more at makersplaybook.com/community
Full show notes and an archive of all our episodes can be found at: makersplaybook.com/podcastFollow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast@makers-playbook.com
Dream with me for a minute - What if instead of stressing out over figuring out everything, you simply take the next step? This week on the podcast, I’m interviewing Horacio Casillas, who is currently a resident at Companion Gallery. And he’s spending this unique time as a resident artist doing just that - taking the time to slow down and think. He doesn’t have the next 5 years of life already plotted out and ticking off the to-do list towards whatever crazy goal that demands to push harder and wake up earlier and grind. Instead (despite giving himself set work hours), he’s allowing himself to reflect and make at a pace that leaves space for new ideas. And as soon as you see his unique style of work, no doubt, you might be a bit more convinced (like me) that there’s something to be said for a bit of slowness in our lives…
The end of the year is barrelling towards us and I seriously cannot wait to share all I am planning and dreaming of bringing to you in 2023. To give you the short version - Let’s just say it’s A LOT more photography resources. So if you want to be sure you don’t miss out on these exciting announcements to come (because let’s be honest - we all know those algorithm-based locations are not reliable), be sure you are signed up for our email newsletter. Visit makersplaybook.com/newsletter to sign up and receive my favorite 3 steps to better photos faster as a thank you for signing up!
Full show notes and an archive of all our episodes can be found at: makersplaybook.com/podcastFollow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast@makers-playbook.com
You’ve just walked into a new gallery exhibition, and immediately you start thinking about the artist who created these amazing works in front of you. You dream of working in the arts and what that would be like. But have you ever thought about all the other ways you could also work in the arts? To put on that one exhibit there is also a gallery, and thus, a gallery owner (not to mention gallery employees), there’s potentially a marketing company that helps the gallery spread the word on new features, there might be writers and art critics that write reviews, and there may have even been a curator pulling all of these various pieces and people together. So, when we really get to thinking about it, there are a lot of ways to make a living working in the arts. And, as you are about to hear from this week’s guest, perhaps, if your goal has been to make an impact - to raise awareness around important social issues - well… maybe making the art isn’t always the fastest or biggest or most direct way to make that impact…
It is a crazy time of year right now. No matter how much earlier in the year you start preparing for holiday sales, it never seems like there’s enough time… While we all love this craft, but at times, it can also feel lonely. If you are looking for other makers to connect with, share stories, and support each other along the way to figuring out how the heck to make a living from the things we make (or at least make a side hustle), I’d love for you to come to check out The Community - our online membership and virtual home for makers. I know firsthand over these last 12 years, it’s only together that we really can make this dream come true. And a great bonus to the amazing supportive Community you’ll be a part of? By joining, you are also supporting the creation of this very podcast!
Learn more and see if it just might be the virtual home you’ve been looking for at makersplaybook.com/community
Full show notes and an archive of all our episodes can be found at: makersplaybook.com/podcastFollow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast@makers-playbook.com
Should I sell online? Or should I sell at in-person markets? Should I accept wholesale? Should I teach? These are just a handful of the myriad of questions we makers often ask ourselves when trying to figure out how the heck to get our small businesses off the ground. But it’s hard to know what the right choice is for yourself until you try many of these things. And when I say try, I don’t necessarily mean just throwing up a table at one in-person market, where it rains on one day of the weekend, or maybe the hosts of the market don’t do as much marketing beforehand and the turn out was bad, so now you’ve decided that in-person markets are crap and you’re never do one again… No, often times we have to try all of these different routes to supporting our craft a couple of times, or maybe, if you’re like today’s podcast guest… 22 times. That’s right, twenty two.
If you are looking for a supportive group to talk through all of these questions before you do give something a try, consider joining us inside The Community. The Community is our online membership where makers from all over the world join in supportive dialogue to figure this all out. Rather than the free-for-all posts of the massive Facebook groups out there, The Community has intentional monthly themes where we can dig deep on anything from Instagram (our June theme) to pricing (last month’s theme) to finding your ideal clients (our theme happening right now!). Oh, and it’s not on Facebook. Or any other distracting social media channel, for that matter :)
If you’ve been feeling like trying to crowdsource answers to questions on the internet has been wasting your time, and scouring through endless YouTube videos haven’t really answered the questions either - this is the place for you! Learn more at makersplaybook.com/community
Full show notes and an archive of all our episodes can be found at: makersplaybook.com/podcastFollow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast@makers-playbook.com
Pricing your art… It’s part math, part alchemy, and a whole lot of emotion. It should just be simple math, but somehow it's never that simple. On today's solo episode I dig into the differences between cost-based pricing and value-based pricing (and why the second one is so important specifically for artists). Of course, as is true with most things in life - The topic is a bit more complex than we would probably prefer.
If you are looking for more support and help in navigating the complex questions we all have to answer in order to even try to make a living from the things we make, come check out the conversations happening inside of The Community- where makers from all over the world, newbies and makers a few decades into their career, are problem-solving together in order to figure out how the heck to take this shared dream of all of ours - to make a living from the things we make - from dream to reality. Learn more at: https://www.makersplaybook.com/community/
Full show notes and an archive of all our episodes can be found at: makersplaybook.com/podcastFollow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast@makers-playbook.com
Most of us dream about quitting our full-time jobs in order to do what we love. In fact, that might just be why you are listening to this very podcast. But what if, instead of thinking of your full-time job as the thing holding you back from being creative, you approached it from the perspective of the thing that allows you to be creative. Maybe not necessarily while doing that job (although this week’s guest one could argue gets to do that too), but thanks to the reliability of that job - you get to make whatever you want to make. Whatever you are most curious about. Without worrying about whether or not you can sell it…
If the conversations here on the podcast leave you asking more questions rather than answers, checking out The Community just might be the best next step for you. The Community is our online membership where makers from all over the world join in supportive dialogue to figure this all out. Rather than the free-for-all posts of the massive Facebook groups out there, The Community has intentional monthly themes where we can dig deep on anything from Instagram (our June theme) to pricing (last month’s theme) to finding your ideal clients (our theme happening right now!).
If you’ve been feeling like trying to crowdsource answers to questions on the internet has been wasting yoru time, and scouring through endless YouToube videos haven’t really answered the questions either - this is the place for you! Learn more at makersplaybook.com/community
Full show notes and an archive of all our episodes can be found at: makersplaybook.com/podcastFollow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast@makers-playbook.com
How many of us feel like we need to have every single detail figured out before we start something? I know I sure do. If this is your first podcast episode, you will soon figure out, I am awfully (obsessively) Type A for being a creative. And while at times that has served me really well in systematizing processes and being organized in order to use my time efficiently, at other times… it’s slowed me down. Analyzing every pro & con to every website platform out there for months and months before just simply starting the darn thing!
Sound familiar? It can be scary to start, so I think (at least it’s true for me) we give ourselves a false feeling of security by analyzing things until their final breath, thinking we can solve every possible problem that might come up before we even start. When, in reality, you just have to start in order to figure it all out. At least, that was the case for this week’s podcast guest, Juliette Davin.
Juliette is one of the founding members of our online membership, The Community - where makers from all over the world are joining together to have meaningful conversations around many of the questions that plague us all - Etsy vs. your own website, how to start an email list, managing Instagram without loosing your sanity, how to price your work, and so much more!
If you’ve been looking for a supportive Community of makers also trying to figure out how to make a living from the things you make, come to check out The Community at makersplaybook.com/community (there’s even a 2 week free trial!)
Sign up for our monthly free photo tips email newsletter by visiting: makersplaybook.com/newsletter and start taking better photos, faster!
For full show notes and links to all of our guests' resources visit:www.makersplaybook.com/podcast
Today on the podcast, I’m discussing one of my favorite, most insightful, yet most difficult to stick to topics… growing slowly. If I could do it all over again, and go back 12 years in time, the one thing I would do differently would be to actually hold onto the work outside of starting my own business longer. I was in such a rush to feel the false legitimacy of being “full-time” that I missed out on the benefits (and support) that was possible when you weren’t only relying on your craft to pay the bills. This week’s podcast guest has strategic patience about growing his ceramics studio which is deeply refreshing.
As always, if you are looking for help in taking better photos of your work - whether it be with a cell phone or regular camera, old or new - I’ll be sending out our free monthly, photo tips newsletter in 2 weeks! And for the next couple of newsletters, I’m focusing on tips to help get those holiday shop update photos done in half the time. So pop on over to makersplaybook.com/newsletter to sign up for our list and start taking better photos, faster.
For full show notes and links to all of our guests' resources visit: www.makersplaybook.com/podcast
Today on the podcast, I’m discussing one of my favorite, most insightful, yet most difficult to stick to topics… growing slowly. If I could do it all over again, and go back 12 years in time, the one thing I would do differently would be to actually hold onto the work outside of starting my own business longer. I was in such a rush to feel the false legitimacy of being “full-time” that I missed out on the benefits (and support) that was possible when you weren’t only relying on your craft to pay the bills. This week’s podcast guest has strategic patience about growing his ceramics studio which is deeply refreshing.
As always, if you are looking for help in taking better photos of your work - whether it be with a cell phone or regular camera, old or new - I’ll be sending out our free monthly, photo tips newsletter in 2 weeks! And for the next couple of newsletters, I’m focusing on tips to help get those holiday shop update photos done in half the time. So pop on over to makersplaybook.com/newsletter to sign up for our list and start taking better photos, faster.
For full show notes and links to all of our guests' resources visit: www.makersplaybook.com/podcast
There are two very exciting things happening on the podcast this week! #1 - I’m excited to announce that for the first time since starting this podcast, we have a bit more support to help me get new episodes out into your headphones! For the next couple of months, the one and only Amaco is sponsoring the Maker’s Photography Styling System! And I couldn’t be more grateful & excited. #2 - This week’s interview with Ben Carter is actually Part 2! Part 1 can be found over on Ben’s show, Tales of a Red Clay Rambler. But you can really listen to them in whatever order you want, so don’t stress :)
If you missed out on signing up for The Maker’s Photography Styling System last week but are still in need of photography tips & tricks specifically for potters and makers, then be sure to sign up for our newsletter. I’ll be once again sending out our free monthly photo tip email 3 weeks from now and for the next 2 months, I’m focusing all of those tips specifically on helping makers get prepared for those big holiday shop updates! Sign up for the newsletter by visiting: https://www.makersplaybook.com/newsletter/
For full show notes and links to all of our guests' resources visit:www.makersplaybook.com/podcast
Why do you want to have 10,000 followers on Instagram? What will that do for you? Or rather… what do you think that will do?
Today’s world is full of encouragement to grow - have more followers, make more content, do more, diversify income streams - do more and grow, grow, GROW! But have you ever stopped to ask yourself, “Why?” On this week’s episode, host Rebecca Ickes Carra sheds a bit of light on the Myth of Growth and how it might not solve the problems we think it will (it could in fact create more problems. Or at least create a deep feeling of burnout…). Encouraging us all to think critically, she also discusses the ways we can approach growth strategically in order to build the lives of our dreams.
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: We’re bringing back our Free Live Webinar: The 4 Most Common Instagram Photography Mistakes (and how to avoid them). Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your seat for whichever time works best for you by visiting: makersplaybook.com/instagram-photography
On today’s episode, Tom Kemp manages to hold space for both a deeply philosophical conversation while at the same time providing pragmatic advice for all of us working to figure out how the heck to make a living from the things we make. I personally, have never connected much with the philosophy and the “what is art?” conversations that often spring up, but when married side-by-side with the realistic, and the pragmatic - the benefits of things like social media for artists to test out ideas in the marketplace alongside the difficult slog that is practicing a craft and teaching your body how to physically do something new in order to express that “what is art” idea? Now that is a conversation I could have had last twice as long as this interview.
You’ve heard us talk a lot about Instagram here on the podcast in the last few weeks and it seems on continuous best-practice, how to succeed & grow on social media that every maker - whether side-hustler or full-timer - has said is rooted in consistency. Consistently showing up. But I know a lot of times consistency is hard if you don’t have a way to create photos and videos that you are actually proud of.
This is why I’m so excited to say that we are preparing to open the doors to a new cohort for the Maker’s Photography Styling System in just a couple of short weeks! If you are listening along in real-time, the exact date is September 8th, 2022 for when doors will open to the public. BUT, for those of you that are savvy and on our waitlist, the doors will open over one week earlier on August 29th. Spots are limited, so if you want to make sure you don’t miss out, CLICK HERE to be added to our waitlist for first dibs!
For full show notes and links to all of our guests' resources visit: www.makersplaybook.com/podcast
Is the thing you are dreaming of doing actually going to provide you with the life you are dreaming of having? On today’s episode, I sit down with Becca Otis (yes, from Wheeltalk Podcast!) to dispel some of the myths behind a lot of goals we self-employed artists often set. Dream of owning your own studio & hosting classes, she’s done it. Dream of selling your work to make a living, she’s done it. Want big-name brands to contract you for elusive wholesale work? That’s how Becca actually started her business! And now… she’s intentionally working in someone else’s pottery business instead.
If you are looking to keep this conversation going and engage with other makers who are figuring out how to make a living from the things they make, you just might want to check out The Community - our online home for makers to have meaningful conversations in this very, very noisy world. Inside The Community, we have makers who have been self-employed for decades and those that have only recently taken the leap. There are makers who worked decades in other careers and are now beginning a 2nd act after retirement and returning to their passions. And, of course, there are plenty of side-hustlers, still just testing the waters. Makers are coming from all over the world to challenge our presumptions while also encouraging each other to keep striving forward. To learn more click here.
For full show notes, visit makersplaybook.com/podcast
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by all the things you think you are supposed to be doing as a maker in 2022? Post a reel every day to Instagram! Don’t use Etsy, build your own website! Raise your prices!! The world can often feel like it’s constantly yelling at us to change something, fix something, do something more, and more and more… And if you are anything like me, that ever-growing to-do list is impossible. There isn’t enough time in the day or resources available to accomplish all the world yells at me to do.
So what if you had a guiding light on how to decide what things on that ever-growing list, you actually really and truly needed to focus on? What if raising your prices wasn’t actually the solution, but lowering them was? It sounds crazy, right? But thanks to Sam Lopez’s vision for not only how he wants his work to be used in everyday life, but also what he wants his life to look like in the future as an independent maker and educator, he’s been able to make some decisions that, on the surface, could appear completely nonsensical if you are only listening to what the internet is shouting at you.
Do you think it’s too late to organically grow a large Instagram following? Did you only just start your Instagram and it feels like you’ve missed the opportunity? Maybe you tell yourself “there’s no possible way to grow on Instagram these days compared to before…” Or assume the advice someone gave you - maybe someone who already has a much bigger following - won’t work for you because they grew their following years ago - before reels, before there were so many potters online, etc. etc. etc…
Well, my friends, it’s time to break down all of those excuses. Because today’s guest has grown her Instagram from a few hundred to over 32 thousand (at the time I’m writing this) in about a year and a half. That’s right. Jackie Wright started intentionally using Instagram for her ceramics at the start of 2021. No paid ads, no clever tricks or outsourced marketing assistance. Oh, and she’s not a full-time potter either. She’s side-hustling. So if she can do it… well, I think you and I can do it too, can’t we?
In this episode, Jackie kindly references our Maker’s Photography Styling System - a 6-week photography course designed specifically for ceramicists and makers. If you need support in learning how to take better photos of your work, then you aren’t going to want to miss out when the doors open again on September 8th! We only do this twice a year and the Maker's Photography Styling System is made specifically to help you build your own, quick & easy, repeatable system (just like Jackie now has) to take better photos of your work faster. Because I am super hands-on inside of this class, space is limited. If you don't want to miss out, drop your email onto the waitlist HERE and you’ll be first in line to snag a seat: https://www.makersplaybook.com/waitlist-mpss/
For full show notes and links to all of our guests' resources visit: www.makersplaybook.com/podcast
What if you stopped making the kind of work you don’t actually like to make and decided to only make the random thing that really interests you? And what if… what if doing that actually brought you more sales and more people interested in your work and excited about the same thing you are excited about than you could have ever imagined?
That very thing is happening for Kate Schroeder and her Shelfies and on this episode, we get to hear all about the long road that led her to today's successes.
"For full show notes and links to all of our guests' resources visit: www.makersplaybook.com/podcast"
For most everyone I’ve spoken with in the last year and a half of the podcast, one thing has been true - As soon as they touched clay, they were hooked. It was like a siren call, an addiction, where their whole life they began to rearrange in order to figure out how to carve out more time to have their hands in the mud. That mesmerizing experience that is true for so many of us, often has us jump straight from our first class at the local community studio to “how do I sell this so that I can quit my job?” in the span of just a few months. But what does it actually take to quit your job and go full-time in pottery? What SKILLS do you need in order to actually be able to make a living from the things you make? Are there certain goals you need to hit to make this thing viable? Today’s guest sheds a bit of light on his experience with these very questions.
If the mention of amazing support from fellow makers has you yearning for a community of your own, I would love it if you check out The Community - our new online home. Right now, we already have 47 makers from all over the world sharing their experiences and problem solving around so many of the questions we all have - How the heck do you keep up with Instagram changes? What website platform did you decide to use when you moved off Etsy? How do you manage shipping? And so many more… Learn more by visiting: https://www.makersplaybook.com/community/
For full show notes and links to all of our guests' resources visit: www.makersplaybook.com/podcast
When you see a super well know potter's name somewhere - on the cover of a book, on a list of speakers at a conference, or anywhere else - do you ever wonder how they got there? Did they always know they wanted to do this? Or was their path a bit more windy (perhaps like yours and mine)? Have they reached this particular level of success because of a clearly laid out plan, or was it really most luck and timing? Well my friends, one of those names that pop up in my head as more of a name on a book rather than the person themselves is John Britt and on today's episode, you just might be surprised how he came to have his name on the cover of that book that’s probably on your shelf right now…
If you are looking for a community of similar makers inside of a supportive environment to have realistic, candid conversations around what it’s really like to make a living from the things you make, The Community might just be the online home for you.
Come learn more and see if it’s right for you at makersplaybook.com/community.
Bonus perk: By joining, you’ll be helping support the creation of this very podcast.
12 years ago, I had no idea what I was doing. I didn’t go to business school. And I definitely had never dreamed of starting my own business. But, I managed to keep putting one foot in front of the other and climb up the hill that is self-employment, learning when to adjust course or totally change plans when necessary thanks to the support of an incredible Community of peers.
On today’s solo episode, I’m sharing why I’ve spent the last 4 months building a virtual home for makers - The Community by the Maker’s Playbook - and a few of the things that make this online space particularly special to me. I know without a doubt that I would not have the business I have today without the support of a community of colleagues. The depth of this support is what I dream about bringing to the maker community. Not only tactical how-to’s from the makers that have come before you, but side-by-side emotional support when the going gets tough. Because if there’s one other thing I know it’s this: Making a living from the things you make is a marathon, not a sprint. And while it might always be hard, it’s a heck of a lot more enjoyable with friends by your side.
Find out more about The Community by the Maker’s Playbook by clicking here: www.makersplaybook.com/community
Kenny Sing of Turn Studio & I chat this week about how his Instagram originally started out simply as a place to share the processes he was testing out, without the intention of reaching 83,000++ followers. We also dig into his passion for teaching and why he's building his community studio space (plus how building a studio actually works and all the hard cost realities of doing that).
Kenny's heart for building a community clearly hits home for me. If you don't have a local resource for in-person community building like Kenny's space, or if you are craving connecting with other makers year round rather than a few days at a workshop, I'd be honored to see you join us over at The Community. We already have makers from all over the world chatting together, and we'll be kicking things off with a full month of digging into how we can use Instagram in a sustainable, healthy way next week.
On this week’s episode, I virtually sit down with Lucy Fagella to discuss how she’s shifted her business over the course of the last 20+ years as a full-time studio potter. We chat about the realities of parenting and being a full-time maker as well as how to make sure you are taking care of your body amidst the physical demands of ceramics. Lucy has navigated the big shift from predominantly cash-based in-person market sales to credit card processing and online shops (and as may come as a shock to some, would rather spend a day packing up boxes & shipping labels than loading a car and driving to a show). Lucy has discovered a way in which to provide a stable income removed from the stress of the shop-update cycle on one half of her business while keeping things flexible and creatively interesting on the other side.
Have you ever talked yourself out of going after a goal because the logistics just felt impossible? Like pursuing a master’s degree when you can’t attend a school in person? Or setting up a home studio space when you work in a job that forces you to move locations every couple of years? Pretty difficult right? But not impossible. Or at least, you can’t use that excuse any more, because today’s guest on the podcast, Del of D Goode Art has managed to work with all of those logistical limitations while also creating some incredibly iconic work.
We have one more new interview coming next week before we take our typical “4th week off” from releasing an episode, which means… there’s a new free monthly photo tip coming your way soon! Or, at least it’s coming your way if you are on our email list! Click here to download our free cheat sheet for better photos faster, to kickstart your photo tips. Doing so will also add you to our list for the free monthly photo tips.
We are back! Season 3 of the Maker’s Playbook podcast kicks off with Adam Field! In this episode, Adam and I dig into how he managed to say yes to a multi-year residency program at the Archie Bray with 2 kiddos in tow, how he integrates social media into his studio practice, and the vulnerability it takes to change the style of our work when also making a living from that work. This is a conversation I know I personally will be returning to frequently.
You’ve heard me end every episode for 15 months' worth of podcasts now with the belief that together we can really make these crazy audacious dreams of our maker’s life work. I know this to be true because my life and career are proof of it. But, I also know that a podcast is pretty one-sided. This is exactly why I’m launching an online forum for makers! At the time of this episode launching, we are almost ready to open the doors, so until then, be sure to sign up for our insider’s email list to be the first to find out when the community launches. I have a couple of surprises in store for those that join first! Sign up at https://www.makersplaybook.com/newsletter/
It’s taken me longer than expected to finish writing this episode. But I suppose that should come as no surprise given the constant influx of world news being thrown at us. At times like this, just like in 2020 and so many other moments of social awakening in the last few years, our work as artists can feel disconnected with the immediate needs of the world. On this week’s solo episode, I’m peeling back the curtain on how I process that for myself. Alongside my originally planned episode of discussing a few of the various business models you can choose in order to create a business that serves your life and not the other way around.
We'll be taking a short season break after this episode. I don't have the exact restart date for Season 3 just yet, so if you want to be sure not to miss any new episodes once they are ready, then click here to sign up for our email insider's list. Doing so will also put you on the list for our monthly free photography tips, specifically geared towards ceramicists and makers.
Do you think of the word “business” as a dirty word? Does the idea of starting a business seem like the last thing that might bring about the change we so desperately need in the world? Could a business possibly do as much good for our communities as a non-profit organization? Well, this week’s podcast guest is building a business on their terms. And it’s one creating quite an impact. Phi Le has built their community pottery studio, Illuminated Clay, specifically focused on not only providing a safe space for people often not included in traditional structures but also a space that can provide resources to historically marginalized groups regardless of their ability to pay. And Phi is only just getting started…
I’ll be taking a bit of an unplanned season break after next week’s episode, so if you want to be sure to be alerted when new episodes air, then visit makersplaybook.com/newsletter and sign up for the email list. Doing so will also add you to our monthly free photo tips list, where I deep dive on many of the most frequently asked photography questions specifically for makers - like why shooting on an all-white background is so dang hard, and why what kind of camera you use really doesn’t matter as much as you think it does.
Burnout - If it wasn’t a word in your vocabulary before 2020, it probably is now. It’s a topic talked about a lot in the land of the self-employed and generally, the tactics for avoiding it are always given by someone who’s just recently, slowly, crawling out of it. But don’t worry - Nicole Dacey and I aren’t going to give you any of those tactics you’ve heard a million times. No, instead, we settled in for a simple, candid, straightforward conversation about the twists and turns your career can take and the many ways burnout can show up even when you are doing things you love.
If you missed out on our free photo tips email last week, you can still kickstart taking better photos faster by going to makersplaybook.com/photography and snagging my free 3 step-guide for better photos, even just using your cell phone. Grabbing that guide will also put you on your list for future monthly tips.
For full episode show notes visit makersplaybook.com/podcast
What if you set up your life around one non-negotiable? How would that inform the decisions you make every day? How would that change your day-to-day schedule - where you live, what you choose to do for work (if it’s outside of the non-negotiable), how you commute… all of it. Maybe it’s a radical idea, but when I heard today’s podcast guest, Mike Tavares, describe this decision it was a big lightbulb moment.
For full show notes visit: makersplaybook.com/podcast
DON'T MISS OUT: Next week is our “off” week, where there is no new podcast episodes but there IS a free photo tip coming to the inboxes of the makers on our email list. If you don’t want to miss out be sure to sign up at makersplaybook.com/newsletter and start learning photography specifically for ceramicists & makers.
What’s the through-line for everyone thinking about going full-time with their art? Or even for those who are already full-time and self-employed? No matter what, aside from a slightly obsessive passion for our craft the big elephant in the room for us all is Risk. And today’s podcast guest stared risk in the face and said yes anyway. She said yes to moving cross country and yes to taking on the overhead of a storefront studio in the hopes of propelling her business farther forward than she ever has before. Listen in to hear how Leila Srouji of Tierra Madera is managing all of these big changes as a full-time, self-employed maker.
For full show notes and resources from all our episodes, including links to guests’ websites & Instagram accounts as well as free guides for better photos, visit: makersplaybook.com/podcast
Our first ever panel is on the podcast this week! I’m chatting with not one, but two of the founding members of the Village Potters Clay Center in Asheville, North Carolina - a brilliant community studio that clearly has cracked the code on not only helping potters and artists push themselves creatively but also in creating sustainable partnerships and viable businesses. So basically, they are all living the dream…
If you are searching for your own community of support, hang tight… I might just have something exciting in store for you in the near future. And if you can’t stand the anticipation (or if you are a whizz at technology!), then send me an email over at podcast@makers-playbook.com and I just might spill the surprise for you. 😉
The Big Announcement: We've added ONE MORE Free Webinar about the 4 Most Common Instagram Photography Mistakes (and how to avoid them. Yes, even with your cell phone). Click here to reserve your seat for this LIVE class on January 26th at 2:30pm CST.
Today, my photography tips come directly from a recent email conversation I was having with another maker about how things “should” look on Instagram. As in, do all of your photos have to have the same colors so the feed looks cohesive? Do you need to have a pattern to your posts? At the heart of all of these questions about the look of photos and the flow of a feed on Instagram to me was one thing: Your Style. Because the specifics of whether or not you have a pattern or whether or not it’s all one color, are less important than making sure everything feels cohesive together. Cohesion is what creates that professional feeling. And the way for things to feel cohesive is to harness your own unique BUT consistent style. Funny enough, this is a conversation that sprang up out of our course, the Maker’s Photography Styling System, in a way I didn’t actually plan for so I've invited a few past students to join me and explain their experiences on this episode.
Photography can be overwhelming if you don’t have an efficient system for it. But it is possible to have an efficient system for it! And if you don’t believe on that - because you’ve been totally exhausted and frustrated by the google search results so far... Well, I’ve asked a few past students to share their experiences today on the podcast.
If you are a maker looking to create your own efficient photography system, than be sure to join me in our Free LIVE Webinar next week! You can reserve your seat by clicking here (or going to https://www.makersplaybook.com/instagram-photography)
Have you ever thought, "If I only had a larger Instagram following then..." But have you thought about what it would really take to do that? How many hours it would take to create the content to grow that audience? There's no one that knows that reality much better than the one and only Curt Hammerly of Hammerly Ceramics.
And as Curt mentioned at the end, crucial to all of this is good photos! So if you are looking for a resource SPECIFIC to ceramicists and makers on how to take better photos, then be sure to sign up for my Free Live Webinar on the 4 Most Common Instagram Mistakes. Click here to sign up.
Our final new interview episode before a little holiday and end-of-year break is an insightful one. So often all of us can feel like we're behind... As if we could be so much farther along with our making practices or small business had we only known 10 years ago that this is what we were going to want to do. But what if all those disparate life experiences are actually creating the precise set of skills you might need in the future to in fact launch your business? In big and small ways, that's precisely what's been true for Kisha Reed of Peaks Candles. On this episode, she and I chat about the unintended benefits of having worked and studied on a variety of topics, as well as the perks of quietly launching a business.
We won’t have any new episodes over the next 2 weeks as we take a little mini holiday break, but if you want to be sure not to miss our kick-off to 2022 then sign up for the newsletter by visiting makers-playbook.com/newsletter. You are not going to want to miss it!
I've heard it said more than once by makers of many kinds: Being a self-employed artist isn't a job you turn off. It's more a way of life. There are certain choices we can make that can make life more stressful or more in tune with the kind of business (and making practice!) we want to have. This approach to building a life came up once again in my conversation this week with Bryan Hopkins.
Have makers you'd love to hear on the podcast? DM me @themakersplaybook on Instagram with any of your suggestions! I'd love to have them.
If you don’t want to miss out on a single episode, then be sure to go to makers-playbook.com/newsletter to sign up for our email list and be alerted when new episodes are released. Or you can just DM me your email address while you send over those suggestions for who I should interview next.
It's the holiday season and makers around the world are hustling to get their listings online and take advantage of increased sales during this time of year. But what if your sales aren't going as planned? What if you haven't sold as much as you'd hoped? What if you haven't sold ANYTHING? What does it all mean?
On this solo episode of the podcast, I'm talking about 2 words that get a bad reputation in the arts - sales & marketing.
If taking photos for all of those online listings is exhausting to you, be sure to download our free Photography Cheat Sheet for a quick to implement 3-step process for taking better photos faster, even if you're just using your cell phone. Download it here: https://www.makersplaybook.com/photography/
And if all of the business decisions I dig into on this episode start to feel overwhelming, then download the Quick Guide to Smart Decisions here to help ease the burden.
As always, I'm only a DM away on Instagram @themakersplaybook if you have any questions!
Is there a singular aspect of your craft that you love above every other step of the process? For the ceramicists that are listening, there are SO many steps to our process! Making clay, building or throwing, trimming, glazing, firing... And there's seemingly endless options within any given one of those steps. How are we supposed to become proficient in all of these things?! Well, today's guest on the podcast would argue - Maybe you aren't?
If you are struggling with photographing the gorgeous glazes you create after you learn all the non-magical properties of chemistry from Matt, then send me a DM @themakersplaybook and let’s chat. Or if you immediately need a more consistent way to photograph your work, RIGHT now (because you’re supposed to be updating your shop for all those holiday sales and it’s crazy overwhelming) click the link below to grab our FREE CHEAT SHEET for 3 simple and fast steps to kickstart taking better photos, even if you are only using your cell phone. Download the Cheat Sheet here: https://www.makersplaybook.com/photography/
When I first started this podcast I wanted to make sure that we had a diverse breadth of stories. In fact, it was paramount to the focus of what this podcast would be. I was looking out onto the internet for how other ceramicists and makers made a living from the things they make, and all I really saw was one example - people hustling on Instagram to grow an audience, push that audience to Etsy or an online store, do a massive shop update, then lose their minds with packaging and shipping for a couple of days, and do it all over again. There had to be other options out there, and thus… The Maker’s Playbook podcast was born... And on this week's episode, I'm excited to be filling a gap we've had in our interviews!
This week I chat with David T Kim, an independent, full-time ceramicist, living and working in Chicago, focused predominately on creating custom work for some of the greatest restaurants the city has to offer.
For full show notes visit: https://makers-playbook.com/podcast
Download our Free Photography Cheat Sheet by clicking here. Haven't heard of the Cheat Sheet? It's a PDF with literally 3 quick and easy steps to ensure you have more consistent, professional-looking photos, even if you are only using your cell phone. In other words, it's exactly what you need to quickly start taking better photos for all of those holiday shop updates you are in the middle of right now. Stop wasting your time fighting your camera (or cell phone) and download the Cheat Sheet now!
Have you ever thought to yourself, "well, if I had that many followers, than I could sell more and quit my full-time job. Getting more followers is the solution to all my small business dreams!" Or perhaps, you've been watching a bit of TV and thought, “Well, if I was on the Great Pottery Throw Down, I could quickly increase my audience size, sell loads of pots, quit my full-time job and all of life's problems would be solved!" So, the question is: Is that the key to success? A big break like that? Well, today's podcast guest has some firsthand experience (and perhaps, some surprising insights).
Figuring out the tangible, tactical, pragmatic details of how to build a business that suits your life is full of decisions after decisions - Etsy vs. your own website, Instagram vs. TikTok, making the work tons of people want after watching you on TV vs. making the work you actually want to make! The list is endless. Whether you are side hustling or full time, whether you’ve started selling your work online or are simply listening to these conversations dreaming of the day you might start selling your pieces… Snag our Savvy Owner’s Quick guide to Smart Decisions to help guide you through all of those recurring questions and decisions you have to navigate when considering how to build a business that best suits your life.
So often I hear makers talk about what they “should” be doing. How they “should” start posting on Instagram or “should” sell at markets, or “should” sell online. But how many of us have stopped to consider what we prefer? What suits us the best? What is the route in business that is most natural to our personalities and our personal lives? Greta Michelle is crafting a business that not only suits her life, but also beautifully uplifts other local businesses from her home of Trinidad & Tobago. Listen in to this episode to get your own brainstorming started on how you might be able to partner with some of your favorite local small businesses to help support each other!
Figuring out the tangible, tactical, pragmatic details of how to build a business that suits your life is full of decisions after decisions - Etsy vs. your own website, Instagram vs. TikTok... The list is endless. Whether you are side hustling or full time, whether you’ve started selling your work online or are simply listening to these conversations dreaming of the day you might start selling your pieces… Snag our Savvy Owner’s Quick guide to Smart Decisions to help guide you through all of those recurring questions and decisions you have to navigate when considering how to build a business that best suits your life. Get the guide by clicking here.
Season 2 is here! We are kicking things off with the one and only Sunshine Cobb. Sunshine and I dig right into it from the beginning. From sharing, oversharing, and the importance of boundaries as makers and educators, to diversifying income streams, to deciding what you are willing to give up to make these crazy full-time artist lives of ours work. We talk about moving cross country, the importance of mental health, self-care and how to sustain your art practice for the long run. This intro barely grazes the surface. There is A LOT in this episode!
Whether you are side hustling or full time, whether you’ve started selling your work online or are simply listening to these conversations dreaming of the day you might start selling your pieces… Snag our Savvy Owner’s Quick guide to Smart Decisions to help guide all of those recurring questions that keep popping up (like so many that Sunshine and I discussed in this episode): Grab that at https://www.makersplaybook.com/guardrails/
We're taking a quick Season 1 break here on the podcast. New episodes will be coming back at the start of October, but in the meantime, enjoy the top 4 most played episodes since the start of 2021!
In the meantime, be sure you don't miss out on our free monthly photography tips! Click here to download our At-Home Photography Cheat Sheet and be added to our insider's list for free photography tips specifically for ceramicists and independent makers.
Details from the original airing of this interview can be found here.
We're taking a quick Season 1 break here on the podcast. New episodes will be coming back at the start of October, but in the meantime, enjoy the top 4 most played episodes since the start of 2021!
In the meantime, be sure you don't miss out on our free monthly photography tips! Click here to download our At-Home Photography Cheat Sheet and be added to our insider's list for free photography tips specifically for ceramicists and independent makers.
Details from the original airing of this interview can be found here.
We're taking a quick Season 1 break here on the podcast. New episodes will be coming back at the start of October, but in the meantime, enjoy the top 4 most played episodes since the start of 2021!
In the meantime, be sure you don't miss out on our free monthly photography tips! Click here to download our At-Home Photography Cheat Sheet and be added to our insider's list for free photography tips specifically for ceramicists and independent makers.
Details from the original airing of this interview can be found here.
We're taking a quick Season 1 break here on the podcast. New episodes will be coming back at the start of October, but in the meantime, enjoy the top 4 most played episodes since the start of 2021!
In the meantime, be sure you don't miss out on our free monthly photography tips! Click here to download our At-Home Photography Cheat Sheet and be added to our insider's list for free photography tips specifically for ceramicists and independent makers.
Details from the original airing of this interview can be found here.
Having it all…. Doing it all… it’s the elusive dream. And while I don't think I'm actually doing it all, running 2 photography studios, starting a podcast, and launching an online course all while moving and starting one of the busiest wedding seasons in the history of events, is a lot to manage. In this week's episode I'm sharing the hard-earned tools & tricks I've learned over the last 11 years in business to manage my time running multiple businesses and somehow still get enough sleep at night (not to mention be a decent wife and available friend).
For full show notes visit: https://www.makersplaybook.com/podcast/
If the concepts shared here have piqued your interest, and you want to chat more, by all means, send me an email at rebecca@makers-playbook.com. As TJ was shocked to find out recently (and told me so in an email) - I do actually, personally, real live human here, respond directly to every message.
As I mentioned in last week’s episode, we are taking our first season break after this week! I’m going to be resharing some of our most popular episodes from the past year over the month of September, and be back with new conversations with amazing makers like Sunshine Cobb, Greta Michelle, and Rosa Wiland Holmes from the Great Pottery Throw Down - just to name a few and keep you anxiously awaiting October.
In the meantime, as always, I will still be sending out our monthly photography tips email, which is coming next week, so if you aren’t already on the list, be sure to get our at-home photography cheat sheet, which will put you on the email list for more free photo tips, specifically for ceramicists and makers. CLICK HERE for the free photography cheat sheet.
This week I’m chatting with Tamara Bryan, who you might know on Instagram as Tamara B Pottery. Tamara studied pottery in college and has been working out of her home studio on and off for the past 20 years. I say on and off because as the primary care giver for her kiddos, while it may look to some that Tamara had the freedoms of a full-time potter, living the dream, the reality for her felt a lot more like the crazed side-hustle grind. It’s been a constant trial and error not only in finding her distinct style that she gets asked about regularly, online, but also in discovering what business model works for her life - having tested out shows, built a large wholesale client list, and now, focusing predominately on her own online sales.
Soon I'll be taking a "season break" on the podcast in order to get caught up and implement some new and improved systems for more efficiently creating these episodes for all of you. It freaks me out to take an entire month "off" given what the algorithm robots will no doubt think. If you struggle with those same worries, please feel free to reach out - On Instagram @themakersplaybook or directly in email at rebecca@makers-playbook.com. Perhaps together we can shutup the persistent algorithm robots nagging away at our thoughts.
Even when we take a little season break, our regularly scheduled monthly photography tips will still be going out, so if you need help photographing your work, be sure to CLICK HERE to download our free at-home photography cheat sheet and be added to the list for monthly tips, specifically geared towards ceramicists and makers.
Welcome back to another episode of the Maker’s Playbook! If you’ve been following along real-time, you know this episode is launching a couple of days later than usual, because my friends… woof! It’s August, and I’m still a wedding photographer… life is a weeeee bit crazy.
This week, I’m sharing an incredibly candid conversation I had with Katie Meili, who is a resident potter at The Village Potters in Asheville, North Carolina. We chat about the difficulties of mental health and how it feels when life takes unexpected turns that throw you off a path everyone else around you is on…. The silver linings that brought us to clay, and the importance of having a community that supports and pushes us as artists. Oh, not to mention, how an entire ruined kiln - I’m talking ENTIRE kiln load of completely ruined pots - brought Katie to her distinct style we know and love today.
Find the full show notes at https://www.makersplaybook.com/podcast/
If you missed out on joining our community for the Maker's Photography Styling System, you can snag the cheat sheet to start taking better photos faster (and get free monthly photography tips specific to ceramicists & makers) by clicking here!!
I thought about cutting this episode into 2 parts, but I just didn’t know where to pause this conversation, so settle on in because Sherrod and I just don’t stop. We’re two impassioned Scorpios who didn’t realize we were going to find such a fast connection so needless to say, we got a little carried away. And as two fire signs, we also get fired up, so there is a bit of cursing in this episode. If you have little ones, I suggest saving this episode for later or enjoying the wonders of headphones.
Don't miss out on the monthly free photography tips! Get our FREE At-Home Photography Cheat Sheet to kick things off by and be on the list for next week's monthly tip by clicking here.
How do you go from a farm with a woodfire kiln and two potters to an industrial warehouse that already feels too small? Vision. And a bit of luck. At least, that's what worked for Alex Matisse, founder and chief strategic officer of the one and only Eastfork Pottery. On this episode, Alex shares insights into the pros and cons of growing such a large, successful business and how taking the time to get clear on a vision is the lynchpin of it all.
Alex and I chatted a lot about the importance of having a vision for your business and how that vision drives so many of the day-to-day decisions when a million things are flying at you. If you’re looking for a little help on how to answer all the myriad of questions you have floating in your head when it comes to your own business, whether that business is a weekend side-hustle, full time, or even still just a daydream - Be sure to click here to download my free PDF - The Savvy Owner’s Quick Guide to Smart Decisions.
This guide is built to help you create context around so many of the questions we ask other makers online - should I use Etsy or my own website? Is Squarespace better than Shopify? How do you… What about… All of these questions are important, but the right answer for you, specifically, depends on the context of your life, and - just as Alex and I discussed, the goals for the vision of your business. Download it for free here.
This week I'm catching up with one of my first ever potter friends, Angela Venarchik. As I was properly learning ceramics for the first time, Angela was preparing to quit her day job and go full-time with her pottery business. She taught me tricks to be more efficient with my throwing, and I shared business knowledge I'd learned over the last decade of entrepreneurship. And now... She's built a brand that not only provides customers with a consistent experience across all online platforms but also, connects her work to larger world issues that are meaningful in her own life and the lives of her customers.
Last week we closed the doors for a VERY full class of The Maker’s Photography Styling System, which you heard about during our photography extravaganza series here on the podcast, but if you’ve just found us, you can still get free, monthly photography tips by snagging my At Home Photography Cheat Sheet, which can be downloaded by clicking this link.
If you have makers you’d love to hear on the podcast or business questions you’d love to discuss, by all means, send me a DM on Instagram (@themakersplaybook) or send over an email to rebecca@makers-playbook.com and we’ll queue up an episode.
When I first started learning photography, what made it so overwhelming was the number of variables. Not just stand-alone variables (like the effect humidity has on my hair) but intersecting variables. If I change my shutter speed, what does that do to the effects of the ISO or the aperture? But at the same time, if I start changing everything at once, then I really have no freakin’ clue what is going on and which variable is getting me the results I do (or do not) want!! Cue - Overwhelm.
So my friends, I’d like to present you with an alternative, on this 4th and final week of the Photography Extravaganza. I want you to learn how to systematize your photography approach. Because once you do that, I promise you will slice in half the amount of time it takes you to photograph your work.
This week on the podcast I touch on what systematizing your photography can look like, but I also dive deeper on an even bigger subject - How to vet educators online. Now, I realize, I'm clearly biased. After all, I'm an online educator. But over the last 11 years of entrepreneurship, I've also (more often than not) been the person buying from online educators. Some have been amazing. And some… well… Less than amazing. I know firsthand that learning from people who have been doing this longer than the rest of us is one of the fastest ways to accelerate your growth as a business owner. But I also want to help make sure that you don't make the same mistakes I made when it came to deciding which of those educators to listen to.
The culmination of the Photography Extravaganza is a FREE LIVE Webinar I'm hosting on June 29th & 30th: The 4 Most Common Instagram Photography Mistakes (and how to avoid them) Sign Up by clicking here. There will be a replay (so if neither of those days work for you, still sign up so you get the tips & tricks in a link later!), but if you join live, there is an incredible giveaway to the first 10 students.
Have you ever thought about WHY you're taking the photos you're taking of your pots? Do you pull out your camera and just start shooting because you feel obligated? Or do you start photographing knowing what the photos you're taking are specifically going to be used for? This week, week 3 (out of 4!) of the Photography Extravaganza, I'm talking about the 3 primary purposes of photography for makers and how each requires a very different approach to photography.
Don't forget! At the end of this month I'm hosting a free, LIVE webinar about the 4 Most Common Instagram Photography Mistakes (and how to avoid them, even just using your cell phone). Sign up and join me, by clicking here.
“What camera should I buy to have better photos?” It's a question I get asked more times than I can count. And if it's not that question then it's a close version of it:
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“Can I take good photos without a real camera? Only with my cell phone?”
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"But I don't have a swanky kitchen with marble countertops to make my photos look like that..."
All of these questions boil down to one: "Can I take good photos without..." and then insert whatever it is you feel like you don't have. Here’s the spoiler and Cliff Notes of this entire episode: Yes. yes, you can take good photos without a fancy new camera, without a swanky kitchen or sunlit studio. Yes, you can take good photos without spending hundreds of dollars on props. Tune into this episode to find out the solutions to all of these common questions.
Sign up for my free LIVE Webinar on the 4 Most Common Instagram Photography Mistakes (and how to avoid them, even just with your cell phone) by clicking here!
Or Download the At-Home Photography Cheat Sheet here.
The other week I asked all of you to tell me what you struggle with the most with photography over on our Instagram stories. One brave person said - “I”m not sure I even know what a good photo is.”
I had one of those smack your palm to your head moments as a teacher and coach where you realize after 11 years, there is so much I take for granted and don’t fully break down when teaching. So before we dive into this month-long extravaganza of all things photography and specifically photographing your work, here on the podcast, I thought it best to start at the beginning.
Spoiler Alert: On this episode, I spill the beans on a free webinar I'm offering at the end of June about the 4 Most Common Instagram Photography Mistakes I see (and how to avoid them, even if you're using your cell phone). Sign up for that webinar here!!!
It's a bonus episode! Normally this is our "off" week for publishing the podcast, but I have something very exciting in-store... I'm preparing a month-long series of upcoming episodes specifically about photographing your work. In order to do that, we'll be taking the next 2 weeks off, so I cued up this very special bonus episode with the one and only Ryan Durbin of RD Ceramics to tide you over in the meantime.
But most of all, be sure you are on our email insider's list so you don't miss out on all of the photography tips & tricks I'm preparing for our month-long extravaganza. Get started early by snagging the FREE At-Home Photography Cheat Sheet here and you'll be added to the list for what's to come.
Do you ever think about what happened BEFORE the Instagram photos? Or BEFORE your favorite potter hit 25 thousand followers?
The years of saving money, the months of trial and error, the delays because of things outside our control, and the sacrifices made because we want this crazy dream - to make a living from the things we make - so freaking badly… Well, that’s exactly what Sophia McEvoy and I sat down to talk about.
Looking to take photos as gorgeous as Sophia's? Grab the At Home Photography Cheat Sheet for free here.
Click here for the full show notes, episode timeline, and links to any resources we discuss on this episode.
If you've been enjoying the podcast, take a screenshot and share it on Instagram! Be sure to tag us @themakersplaybook so we can give you a shoutout as well.
Have you been dreaming of taking your ceramics work full-time? That’s probably a stupid question, isn’t it? Don’t we all dream of that? I’ve discussed with a number of our past podcast guests about what it took for them to go full-time. Some of their stories were planned transitions and some just kind of happened... But, there’s been a common thread between everyone in all of these various situations: It’s a big scary leap.
However, there are some tangible, tactical, finite, specific things we can discuss and measure when it comes to asking ourselves the dream question: “Should I go full-time?” And that’s exactly what I want to talk about today.
In this episode, I mention a number of free resources. Here's the big one though:
- The Home Photography Cheat Sheet - A Free PDF that will give you a fast and simple setup for taking great photos at home with any camera. Yes, even your cell phone. Download it by clicking here.
And as always, if you have questions or want to dive deeper on any of these topics faster than I can create podcast episodes, shoot me an email at rebecca@makers-playbook.com or send me a message on Instagram @themakersplaybook.
Welcome back my friends. For those of you that are new to our little slice of the podcasting world, I publish this show 3 out of every 4 weeks. And on that 4th week (which was last week) I send out my top photography tips for ceramicists and other makers. This last week was all about how to photography glossy glazes!! One of the most popular questions I get asked. So if you missed it, shoot me an email at rebecca@makers-playbook.com or send me a DM on Instagram @themakersplaybook and I’ll send it your way.
But enough housekeeping, I have a great conversation in store for you today with our 2nd episode ever featuring a non-potter! Like so many of us, Dwight’s journey into being an art-reprenuer (his word, not mine. Although I think it’s a genius word), is a windy one. He’s embraced some serious life changes over the years and yet continues to lean into the uncertainty of being an art-reprenuer with a confidence I envy. Dwight has a risk tolerance built to be an entrepreneur and I have no doubt taking those big moves before he was at a breaking point is going to pay off exponentially in the future. You’ve heard me say this already and I’m sure you’ll hear me say it again, but starting and growing your own business is full of tricky decisions. And while I can’t promise you my free guide is going to give you a guts and risk tolerance of Dwight, I can promise you it will help you put the questions that surround every single decision into perspective.
So if you find yourself debating a seemingly endless list of questions - Should I use Etsy or should I build my own website? Should I leave my 9-5 job or should I keep this a side-hustle? Should I… well, you get the picture…. If you’ve asked yourself these types of questions, then be sure to click the link below for my Savvy Owner’s Quick Guide to Smart Decisions. You can download it for free at https://www.makersplaybook.com/guardrails/.
Click here for the full show notes, episode timeline, and links to any resources we discuss on this episode.
Ever wonder what it might be like in your very first year of full-time ceramics work? Take a peek behind the curtain of that very moment in time with Rachel Russell of Upper Call!
Click here for the full show notes, episode timeline, and links to any resources we discuss on this episode.
If you're struggling with the seemingly endless amount of decisions to be made in starting up your own small business (whether that's full-time or a side hustle!!), then be sure to grab my free PDF download: The Savvy Owner’s Quick Guide to Smart Decisions - A checklist that guides you in asking smarter questions, leading you to better decisions for the unique needs of your business and your life. Download it for free by clicking here.
And if there are other topics you’re interested in hearing about here on the podcast, then please don’t hesitate to let me know. Send me an email at rebecca@makers-playbook.com or a DM on Instagram @themakersplaybook.
At its core, I started this podcast to help the maker’s community with so many of the business struggles I’ve had to learn and overcome over the last 11 years of entrepreneurship. But frankly, my chat today with Soula Pefkaros of Golden Ratio Clayworks feels like exactly what I needed to hear for myself. We talk about managing customers expectations as a one-woman shop and solo maker, the struggle to find the right rhythm for a business that not only needs to provide for your livelihood but also support a healthy life for ourselves personally, and how long it’s taken both of us to start truly practicing the importance of genuine rest in our lives. But that’s just in the first half! We also touch upon a subject near and dear to my heart - social enterprises. And how, by building strong, thriving businesses, what a powerful force for change our small businesses could actually be in their communities. Plus, a lot, lot more…
A quick heads up for this episode Soula and I are both grown ups with no kiddos around us at the time of this recording. And we dig into topics that we are clearly both passionate about, so our vocabulary choices sort of reflect that passion. In other words, there’s a bit of cursing in this episode, with a few very well placed f-bombs for emphasis. If you’re in a community space or don’t want little ones to hear, then I’d suggest you hit pause and grab your favorite set of headphones.
Click here for the full show notes, episode timeline, and links to any resources we discuss on this episode.
If there are other topics you’re interested in hearing about here on the podcast, then please don’t hesitate to let me know. Send me an email at rebecca@makers-playbook.com
If you're struggling with the seemingly endless amount of decisions to be made in starting up your own small business, then be sure to grab my free PDF download: The Savvy Owner’s Quick Guide to Smart Decisions - A checklist that guides you in asking smarter questions, leading you to better decisions for the unique needs of your business and your life. Download it for free by clicking here.
Welcome back friends! For those of you who have just found our little slice of the podcast world, the Maker’s Playbook airs 3 out of every 4 weeks. On that 4th week (which was last week) I share my top photography tips of ceramicists and other makers on my email insiders list. If you missed out on last week’s tips, I shared my top 6 things to consider when buying a camera (or upgrading your existing camera equipment). If you missed out, shoot me an email at rebecca@makers-playbook.com and I’ll gladly send it your way.
If you're struggling with the seemingly endless amount of decisions to be made in starting up your own small business, then be sure to grab my free PDF download: The Savvy Owner’s Quick Guide to Smart Decisions - A checklist that guides you in asking smarter questions, leading you to better decisions for the unique needs of your business and your life. Download it for free by clicking here.
This week, Tom and I talk about the struggles of mental health, particularly in being self-employed or trying to create and put things out into the world, we talk about identity and how maybe the goals we don’t achieve are just signs that they were the wrong goals. We share how we’re both coming back to being true to ourselves, and we battle the worse case scenario “what ifs” that plague anyone’s brain before the start a new venture. And eventually, we do finally talk about the band he started and produced an album with all amidst the UK's on-again/off-again lockdowns over the last 12 months.
Click here for the full show notes, episode timeline, and links to any resources we discuss on this episode.
Love the Maker's Playbook? I would so very much appreciate it if you took the time to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening to this podcast. And as always, if this spurred questions for you, send me a DM on Instagram @themakersplaybook so we can queue up another episode specifically for you.
Diana & I dig into the limitations she’s coming up against in trying to balance a full-time job and Sample Haus - which - spoiler alert - Between the time we recorded this conversation and now, Diana has actually put in her notice! She’s going full time! So if you’ve been wondering about that yourself, this episode is definitely for you (and you know I’m already planning to have Diana back this time next year to see how it’s all going).
We also talk about how seeing examples of real life, working artists gave us both the courage to start out on these business adventures, and how there are actually far more working artists making decent livings in the world, but they are just disguised in our every day lives because we only see them as businesses. Ahh, that sneaky word so many of us cringe at: Business.
If you didn’t catch it a couple of weeks ago, I have a handy free PDF that will help guide you to making smart decisions for yourself, specifically, in starting your own business. Grab the guide for free here.
Click here for the full show notes, episode timeline, and links to any resources we discuss on this episode.
Love the Maker's Playbook? I would so very much appreciate it if you took the time to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening to this podcast. And as always, if this spurred questions for you, send me a DM on Instagram @themakersplaybook so we can queue up another episode specifically for you.
I'm catching up with my friend and fellow wedding photographer (who has a pottery side hustle too!) Kate McElwee.
We share how COVID made us unemployed for the first time in our lives, how pottery and other mediums bring us the creative exploration that we can’t really take in weddings, and… perhaps of most interest to many… we dish a few secrets on how, as photographers, we absolutely simplify how we photograph our ceramic work so it doesn’t take too much time!
Not to mention, we wrap up this conversation talking bluntly about pricing your work - my mathematical approach and Kate’s “happy price” philosophy.
Wish photographing your work didn't take so much time? Grab my At Home Photography Cheat Sheet here!
Be sure to never miss an episode by signing up for our Insider's list (in turn you'll get access to my monthly photography tips, specifically for ceramicists and makers!) Sign up here.
Click here for the full show notes, episode timeline, and links to the resources we discuss on this episode.
This week I’m chatting with woodfire potter, Simon Levin. A self-proclaimed “evangelist of clay” who continually finds ways to bring educational resources outside of the traditional structure to the clay community.
After over 30 years working as a full-time studio potter, there were almost endless subjects we touch upon in this conversation that could be entire podcast episodes onto themselves - How to make what you want first, and market second, the difference between craft and art, and so much more.
If any of the numerous subjects we chat about particularly interest you, send me a message at hello@makers-playbook.com so I know what to bug Simon about in order to bring him back for a second episode.
Be sure to never miss an episode by signing up for our Insider's list (in turn you'll get access to my monthly photography tips, specifically for ceramicists and makers!) Sign up here.
Click here for the full show notes, episode timeline, and links to the resources we discuss on this episode.
This week is a little different than most of our episodes. As I've been listening back through some of the amazing interviews we've already had in this first month of the podcast, I'm noticing some common themes and I wanted to take a minute to pull some of those together. It’s my goal that these occasional solo episodes will help connect the dots on many of the common themes and through lines in the conversations we'll continue to have with podcast guests.
On this first solo episode, I’m talking about the recurring need we all have to make decisions in our businesses (spoiler alert: 10 years later, that need never goes away!). Most importantly, I’m suggesting a framework that will allow you to make smarter decisions by asking more informed questions…
Click here to get the free Checklist for Making Savvy Decisions!
Be sure to never miss an episode by signing up for our Insider's list (in turn you'll get access to my monthly photography tips, specifically for ceramicists and makers!) Sign up here.
This week I chat with a wonderful past instructor of mine, Sandy Lockwood. Sandy has been making and teaching ceramics for the last 40 years. As a teacher, she has the unique skill of being able to help guide her students in finding their own unique style and approach to the craft. And as a maker, her ability to capture movement in stationary pieces, while also showcasing the wonders of wood and soda firing is incredible.
Be sure to never miss an episode by signing up for our Insider's list (in turn you'll get access to my monthly photography tips, specifically for ceramicists and makers!) Sign up for the Insider's list here.
Click here for the full show notes and episode timeline.
If you love this conversation, as much as I did, I would so very much appreciate it if you took the time to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening to this podcast. And as always, if this spurred questions for you, send me a DM on Instagram @themakersplaybook so we can queue up another episode specifically for you.
Ever wondered whether or not you should set up an Etsy shop vs. your own website? This week, Emilie (Twinette Poterie) and I dig into that very subject plus the pros and cons of working out of a shared studio vs. your own space. Not to mention her transition from being a formally trained painter into finding her unique ceramics style with the ability to bring that painterly quality onto pots.
Don't miss out on next month's free photography tip, specifically for ceramicists and makers! Sign up for the Insider's list here!
Click here for the full show notes, episode timeline, and links to the resources we discuss on this episode.
If you love this conversation, as much as I did, I would so very much appreciate it if you took the time to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening to this podcast. And as always, if this spurred questions for you, send me a DM on Instagram @themakersplaybook so we can queue up another episode specifically for you.
Stephen Phillips and I talk all about that constantly nagging itch in the back of our heads to take the leap and make ceramics a full-time career rather than a side-hustle. We dive into how Stephen planned out initially starting his studio after his plan for the “safe route” of teaching didn’t work, and how he would use that same approach in preparation to go full-time (but he's not doing that yet, stop asking!)
Part of how Stephen and I originally connected was due to the IGTV episodes I was putting out to help other ceramicists take better photos of their work. You can check out all of those historical posts at my Instagram @themakersplaybook. BUT if you want the newest tips for taking better photos, faster, Click Here for my 3-step cheat sheet. In doing so, you'll sign up for my monthly insider tips that aren't published anywhere else and are geared specifically towards photography for ceramicists and makers.
Click here for the full show notes, episode timeline, and links to the resources we discuss on this episode.
If you love this conversation, as much as I did, I would so very much appreciate it if you took the time to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening to this podcast. And as always, if this spurred questions for you, send me a DM on Instagram @themakersplaybook so we can queue up another episode specifically for you.
In this episode, we talk about the realities of transitioning from a full-time job to being a full-time potter and what it's like now that Kara and her husband's roles have actually switched when it comes to supporting the life they want. We also discuss the huge role our mindsets play in being able to succeed as an entrepreneur but also the tactical realities of charging what your work is actually worth. In fact, as Kara mentions, you need to make sure the rest of your brand experience - aka the quality of your photos - lines up with that same value as what you charge for your own work.
SO :) If you'd love help taking better photos, faster grab my free 3-step Cheat Sheet here! I promise that even though this handy little PDF will only take you 5 minutes to read and implement, it will be the foundation for speeding up the entire photo taking process.
Click here for the full show notes, episode timeline, and links to the resources we discuss on this episode.
If you love this conversation, as much as I did, I would so very much appreciate it if you took the time to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening to this podcast. And as always, if this spurred questions for you, send me a DM on Instagram @themakersplaybook so we can queue up another episode specifically for you.
A chat with Camille Beckles of Camille at the Wheel. Her iconic logo, which first drew me to her work, is a singular example of her clear commitment to knowing and owning her brand story. It's central to our conversation about representation in the art world, making work you actually enjoy making, and continuing to explore the meaning of that word "balance" when it comes to multiple jobs and building a business you love.
Click here for the full show notes, episode timeline, and important resources we discuss on racial equality education and anti-racism work in the US.
If you love this conversation, as much as I did, then tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening to this podcast. And as always, if this spurred questions for you, send me a DM on Instagram @themakersplaybook so we can queue up another episode specifically for you.
The debut episode of The Maker's Playbook! A podcast where we talk all about what it's really like to make a living from the things you make. This first episode is just a taste of what you can expect from The Maker's Playbook in the weeks to come. Every three out of four weeks, I'll have candid conversations with other makers about what life is really like. Occasionally, I'll jump in solo with key business tips on how to make your side hustle a viable business.