Wheel Talk

Ryan and Becca welcome back Tzipporah Schvarcz of Sipor Ceramics for her third appearance to dive into the ins and outs of hosting and teaching pottery workshops, both in-person and online. They explore marketing strategies, pricing, the rise of virtual summits, and how workshop formats have evolved. Plus, they reflect on recent NCECA experiences and teaching approaches.Maker of the MomentFeldi @feldistudiosJon Stein @jsteinpotteryMostly Kosher @mostlykosher-----Find more about Tzipporah's business below-----Instagram - @sipor.ceramicsWebsite - https://www.siporceramics.com/Listeners QuestionsOn this episode:How do you decide when to host a workshop, what kind of information do you include, and how do you go about setting a timeframe for it? I’m definitely interested in giving it a shot, but don’t really know where to start. Any advice or info is greatly appreciated! @punchypotteryI know you’ve had episodes about teaching online workshops, and Becca’s talked about going other places to teach, but have you ever done an episode about hosting workshops in your own studio? I know it’s something the Beale’s, JH Pottery, and even Danny Meisinger do. I’m both an Art Teacher and potter of over 8 years and I have a larger home studio now, so I’d like to start teaching my own classes. I’m looking for advice on getting started, what classes work well for others, marketing, how much to charge, and just all the things. I’m planning to start hosting handbuilding classes and private throwing lessons first until I know there’s an interest before I invest in more wheels. @anniemargieceramicsSponsorsL&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.comSupport the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/WheeltalkpodcastFollow us on Instagram:@wheeltalkpodcast@rdceramics@5linespotteryVisit our website:www.wheeltalkpotcast.comWheel Talk YouTube Channel

Ryan and Becca share highlights from their recent trip to Salt Lake City for the annual NCECA pottery conference. They dive into the highs and lows of the experience, explore practical ways to navigate the costs of attending, and reflect on what they’d do differently next time. Whether you’re a seasoned conference-goer or planning your first NCECA, this episode offers insight, tips, and a candid look behind the scenes.Maker of the MomentScott Jones - @sj_ceramicsCarrol Harris - @carolharris9111SponsorsL&L Kilns - Easiest Kilns to Install, Use, and Maintain. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.comSmith Sharpe Refractory - Find out which Advancer Kiln Shelves are right for you at kilnshelf.com.Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/WheeltalkpodcastFollow us on Instagram:@wheeltalkpodcast@rdceramics@5linespotteryVisit our website:www.wheeltalkpotcast.comWheel Talk YouTube Channel

Ryan is back with Isaac Shue to share practical tips for pricing pottery, creating effective displays, and making the most of art fairs and festivals. They also talk through website strategy, studio expansion, and the challenges of balancing a creative business with life’s demands—all while answering listener questions along the way.Maker of the MomentCharlotte Grenier @ateliergrenierKate Marotz @kate.marotz -----Find more about Isaac's business below-----Instagram - @isaacshueisart & @gallery.mostazaListeners QuestionsOn this episode:I have a website where I list my craft shows coming up, and have a place to list my brick and mortars that I sell out of. Would you also list the wholesale shops that purchase your work? I've been hesitant to do this, since I don't set the retail prices that they sell my items at, but thinking that this could be beneficial for all parties @bowledoverceramicsHow about deciding which forms you want to make for markets. Maybe comparing types of markets and different forms that sell fast? What has worked best for you two. @GreenCabinPotterySponsorsL&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.comSmith Sharpe Refractory - Find out which Advancer Kiln Shelves are right for you at kilnshelf.com.Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/WheeltalkpodcastFollow us on Instagram:@wheeltalkpodcast@rdceramics@5linespotteryVisit our website:www.wheeltalkpotcast.comWheel Talk YouTube Channel

Ryan & Becca are joined by Mike from Mike Griffin Ceramics and the Between Two Ewers podcast to chat about the difference between capital ‘P’ and lowercase ‘p’ potters, Ryan’s day job, bisque mug butts, mid-range soda workshops, and more. Catch the video version on YouTube via Between Two Ewers.-----Find more about Mike's business and podcast below-----Instagram - @mike_griffin_ceramics & @betweentwoewersYouTube - Between Two EwersWebsite - Mike Griffin CeramicsSponsorsL&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.comSupport the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/WheeltalkpodcastFollow us on Instagram:@wheeltalkpodcast@rdceramics@5linespotteryVisit our website:www.wheeltalkpotcast.comWheel Talk YouTube Channel

Ryan sits down with Heidi Fahrenbacher to dive into the world of email marketing and how potters can make the most of their mailing lists. They also chat about time management strategies and the ongoing challenge of balancing productivity with creativity. Plus, they touch on the overwhelm that comes with managing all the moving pieces of a pottery business.Maker of the MomentCarter Pasma - @cartersclayJulia - @uglyduckpottery-----Find more about Heidi's business below-----Instagram - @bellajoypotteryListeners QuestionsOn this episode:How do people learn all of this stuff without going brain dead? @tuliptreetalesSponsorsL&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.comSupport the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/WheeltalkpodcastFollow us on Instagram:@wheeltalkpodcast@rdceramics@5linespotteryVisit our website:www.wheeltalkpotcast.comWheel Talk YouTube Channel

Ryan and Becca dive into the ups and downs of running their pottery businesses, sharing experiences from craft shows, strategies for managing busy seasons, and the nitty-gritty of pottery production. They swap tips on choosing the right art markets, keeping inventory in check, and making sure the hustle stays fun (and profitable). Plus, they chat about kiln maintenance, booth setups, and what makes different pottery events worth the effort.Maker of the MomentOliver Estes - @estes.ceramicsDonna Craven - @donnacravenpotteryListeners QuestionsOn this episode:How many markets to do over Christmas so you don’t burn out? @shawn_reid_potterySponsorsL&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.comSmith Sharpe Refractory - Find out which Advancer Kiln Shelves are right for you at kilnshelf.com.Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/WheeltalkpodcastFollow us on Instagram:@wheeltalkpodcast@rdceramics@5linespotteryVisit our website:www.wheeltalkpotcast.comWheel Talk YouTube Channel

Ryan and Isaac Shue discuss preparations for Gallery Mostasa's spring show, covering pottery production, glaze techniques, and marketing. They dive into ceramic decals for customization, along with pricing strategies, custom order challenges, and future plans for wholesale mug production.Maker of the MomentAustin Riddle @austinriddlepotteryNathan Bray - @braypottery-----Find more about Isaac's business below-----Instagram - @isaacshueisart & @gallery.mostazaListeners QuestionsOn this episode:Do you gravitate to certain glaze colors? @ceramics_bymargaretYour own website or Etsy as a newbie? @shawn_reid_potterySponsorsL&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.comSmith Sharpe Refractory - Find out which Advancer Kiln Shelves are right for you at kilnshelf.com.Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/WheeltalkpodcastFollow us on Instagram:@wheeltalkpodcast@rdceramics@5linespotteryVisit our website:www.wheeltalkpotcast.comWheel Talk YouTube Channel

Ryan and Becca discussed the pros and cons of running a side business versus full-time self-employment, emphasizing the importance of routines and boundaries. They also touched on financial planning, upcoming events, and the differences between working solo and in a team environment.Maker of the MomentEm Gabriel - @emgabrielartRay Brown - @rlbrown1995Listeners QuestionsOn this episode:When using underglaze, do you prefer to paint on greenware, or do you paint on bisque? Are there advantages both ways? What are your tips for clean lines when using another color on top of a base color? @thistlemoorpotterySponsorsL&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.comSmith Sharpe Refractory - Find out which Advancer Kiln Shelves are right for you at kilnshelf.com.Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/WheeltalkpodcastFollow us on Instagram:@wheeltalkpodcast@rdceramics@5linespotteryVisit our website:www.wheeltalkpotcast.comWheel Talk YouTube Channel

Ryan & Becca are back with another Q&A episode! They answer a range of questions from wedging tables to storing your inventory efficiently to developing new product lines. Thanks to everyone who continues to send us questions on Instagram and by email!Maker of the MomentSara Tolbert - @saratolbertceramicsPreston Tolbert - @preston.tolbertEric Beavers - @ericbeaverspotteryResourcesThe Complete Guide to Low-Fire Glazes for Potters and Sculptors by Ben CarterSponsorsL&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.comSupport the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/WheeltalkpodcastFollow us on Instagram:@wheeltalkpodcast@rdceramics@5linespotteryVisit our website:www.wheeltalkpotcast.comWheel Talk YouTube Channel

Ryan and Becca return for the fourth chapter of the podcast book club, diving into Profit First by Mike Michalowicz. Joined once again by Taylor Swilley, they explore key takeaways and connect the book’s themes to their own businesses. They also discussed various aspects of business management, including client relationships, debt management, and employee management, and considered implementing the profit-first accounting method. Our next book club selection is Art & Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking by David Bayles and Ted Orland with plans to release the episode in May. See all the books we've covered on Becca's Amazon list at https://amzn.to/3X5yZOXA special thanks to Taylor for joining us again and for recording all the ads in today’s episode!SponsorsL&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.comSpeedball Ceramics - Try the new Speedball Boss Base tool to open your wheel thrown work consistently and with ease, now available in pink and purple to match their plastic bats. Browse their wide selection of products at speedballart.comSmith Sharpe Refractory - Find out which Advancer Kiln Shelves are right for you at kilnshelf.com.Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/WheeltalkpodcastFollow us on Instagram:@wheeltalkpodcast@rdceramics@5linespotteryVisit our website:www.wheeltalkpotcast.comWheel Talk YouTube Channel