Wheel Talk

On this episode, Becca sits down for a chat with Joshua and Kari Heim, owners of Gebharts Florals and JH Pottery Works. We talk about how they do not kill each other, parenting while owning small businesses, the rules of Hungry Hungry Hippo's, and how owning two different businesses (pottery and florals) work together to create different revenue streams to supplement family income. Find more...

On this episode Ryan & Becca talk about how they are adjusting to the hard times we've found ourselves in these past few weeks. COVID-19 is hitting each of us differently and small businesses around the country/world are feeling the pressure right now. We share a bit about how we individually have made changes these past couple weeks and plan to proceed throughout the year. We also answer...

On this episode Ryan & Becca join some clay friends while Becca is on a trip to the midwest for a week. We are joined from potters all over the region including Rebecca Graves (Indianapolis, IN), Andrew Linderman (Milwaukee, WI), and Doug McIndoe (Coldwater, MI). What's better than talking shop with some clay buddies over dinner? Find links to our clay friends below: Rebecca Graves - @gra...

On this episode Ryan & Becca talk about how to be a professional 'failure.' How do you bounce back from a situation that didn't have the best result? These failures could be something huge (a shelf of work collapsing in your studio) or minimal (making a form that doesn't sell as well as you thought). We also answer a couple listener questions. Listener Questions On this epi...

On this episode, Ryan & Becca sit down for a chat with Amanda Schwartz from Doghouse Pottery. Amanda works full-time in digital advertising & part-time as a potter in North Hero, Vermont. We learn how Amanda got into clay, Instagram life vs reality, depression as a maker, progressing as an artist, studio safety (including a few horror stories), and wholesale orders. We loved our talk and t...

On this episode, Ryan & Becca answer a couple listener questions. They then dig into the topic of custom orders. Are they for you or not? We've made a handful of custom orders over the years between us and have various experiences from them. As you progress, you will get a better idea of the commissions you are willing to take on and those you want to pass on. Listener Questions On this e...

On this episode, Ryan & Becca discuss insecurities & growth as an artist and small business owner. Self awareness is important as you progress in your art & craft. Comparing yourself to others, figuring out your worth, pricing your work, improving in your business, & imposter syndrome are all realities of being a maker/artist. We both share some tips that help us get motivated and...

On this episode, Ryan & Becca discuss how to build a space that fits your work style & setting boundaries for your studio time. Some of us work in community studios and finding time to focus 100% on a project can be really hard sometimes, whether you are socializing, answering peer's questions, or getting distracted on your phone. It's okay to throw on those huge headphones or tu...

On this episode, Ryan & Becca hang out with clay friends at Clay Con West while they prep for the conference weekend ahead. They are joined by Ryan Reich, Andrew Linderman, Victoria Pamlenyi, & Denise Muckleroy Young. Enjoy this informal discussion about process, art fairs, 2020 plans, & there's a fire in the studio! Thanks to The Tilted Kiln for having us in their studio. Find li...

On this episode, Ryan & Becca recap their first time at Clay Con West this past week. Becca sold some work & demonstrated how to get more efficient on the wheel, while Ryan helped some of the other presenters and enjoyed all the conference demonstrations. This conference is only in their second year so it's up and coming. The conference is hosted in Saint George, Utah, which was absol...

On this episode, Ryan & Becca address questions about attending the NCECA (National Council of Education for the Ceramic Arts) clay conference. Becca attended her first one last year and Richmond 2020 will be Ryan's third year in a row. Conferences can be a very different experience from one person to another. NCECA's conference in particular can be a bit overwhelming for a first-tim...

On this episode, Ryan & Becca look forward towards 2020. They each have their own approach and motivations when setting business & personal goals for a new year. Hopefully you set a few goals for yourself & business, whether it's to sell at your first art show, get your work into a new shop, open an Etsy shop, or sell $X.00 for the year. Best of luck and tag us on Instagram as you...

On this episode, Ryan & Becca don’t hold back as they reveal how they finished 2019. They give a slight update on their income projections in Quarter 4 (see end of episode 7 for the estimates). We go into the numbers from Ryan’s many goals of the year & see how Becca’s year compared to 2018. We hope you had a great year, reached your goals, & are looking forward to 2020. We’ll be back...

On this episode, Ryan & Becca talk about transitioning from the busiest time of the year during the holiday hustle and bustle to the slowest during the first quarter of the new year. Our motivations & workflow may need to change as the days get shorter and night comes earlier. Becca & Ryan love the chance to ramp up production, figure out what forms worked & didn't for the yea...

On this episode, Ryan answers a question he received on Instagram about balancing a full-time job and small business on the side. Ryan works from home as a website developer from 9-5 and runs his small business (RD Ceramics) outside those hours. How does he prioritize his down time and what can you do to optimize your own down time after work and before going to bed? Ryan also share some of the re...

On this episode, Ryan & Becca discuss things to keep in mind if you are thinking about transitioning from side hustle to full time artist/maker. Lots of makers may be in this same situation currently where they sell their work on the side at shows, online, or at a few local shops while still having a day job. Becca has been working as a full-time studio potter for 5 years and has some great in...

On this episode, Ryan & Becca talk about the business side of pottery, specifically taking on debt to grow your business. Each of them have their own perspectives on the topic with Ryan doing this on the side without the need to pay the bills from pottery sales & Becca relying entirely on her pottery business for a living. Becca has some experiences taking on business debt over the 5 years...

On this episode, Ryan sits down for a chat with Jon Schmidt aka Jon The Potter after attending his workshop in Columbus, Ohio recently. Jon's most known for producing & sharing entertaining videos to his 76,000+ YouTube subscribers teaching pottery techniques, successes, failures, & his overall love for clay. He works out of his home pottery studio in Waconia, Minnesota and owns 3 cof...

On this episode, Ryan & Becca talk all things glazing. Each started working out of studios where mixing glazes was commonplace, so it's no surprise they each mix their own these days. There are many considerations when starting the process of testing new glazes and mixing large batches. Give it a listen for a glimpse into our process and build your confidence as you start some testing of...

On this episode, Becca discusses her experiences with depression over the years & how it affects her as a small business owner now. She discusses some tangible tips that help her make it through those tough days/weeks when she gets into the studio and isn't sure what to do. Whether you struggle with depression or not, this episode is just a good authentic take from a fellow maker. Have a...

On this episode, Ryan & Becca discuss things to keep in mind if you are thinking about starting your own home studio. Lots of clay makers start creating & learning in the comfort of community studios where the equipment, tools, firing, etc are all part of what you pay for in your rental space or class fees. We wanted to dive into some things to consider as you may be pondering the idea of...

On this episode, Ryan & Becca talk all things Pot Swap! Pot Swap was started back in 2018 as a way for potters on Instagram to connect and participate in a holiday secret santa with other clay makers around the world. Listen to hear what it's all about, why it's such a fun event throughout the holidays, & how you can join in this year! Thanks for joining us and we would love to h...

On this episode, Ryan & Becca go deep into some numbers! They discuss what costs go into producing one handmade mug (materials, time, firing) & the profit once a sale is made. Becca & Ryan each share their expenses & their answers differ, but see who makes the most profit on their mugs. If you love to geek out on numbers & spreadsheets, this is the episode for you! Thanks for j...

On this episode, Ryan & Becca talk about how they have improved their sales over time at art shows. Everyone starts off at a place where sales are really tough to come by and we want to share some ideas that you can consider when preparing for your next show and beyond. It's a long process, so don't get discouraged when you have a bad sales day or wonder why someone else is selling s...

On this episode, Ryan & Becca talk about transitioning from the busy show season to the slower time of year during the winter. As makers, lots of us have to hustle during the winter months to pay bills after the holiday spending frenzy. For us, it's a time to relax a bit, restock inventory, look back at your year, and start thinking about your year ahead. Stick around to the end where we...