Send us a text

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.

Guest Details:
Kim Ferguson's Instagram

Love this podcast? Support an episode! Click here to learn more.

Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybook

Have questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com

Send us a text

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.

HEADS UP: There is adult language in this episode, so please be aware before deciding to listen without headphones in public spaces or around little ones.

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

Guest Details:
Sarah Hussaini's Instagram

Love this podcast? Support an episode! Click here to learn more.

Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybook

Have questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com

Send us a text

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!

Guest Details:
Sarah Hussaini's Instagram

Love this podcast? Support an episode! Click here to learn more.

Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybook

Have questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com

Send us a text

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

Guest Details:
Katherine Mahoney's Instagram

A big thank you to Asahi So for writing me and suggesting I interview Katherine! Check out his work on Instagram @morningsun_s

Love this podcast? Support an episode! Click here to learn more.

Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybook

Have questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com

Send us a text

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

Guest Details:
Sarah Chenoweth Davis's Instagram

Love this podcast? Support an episode! Click here to learn more.

Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybook

Have questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com

Send us a text

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

Guest Details:
Virgil Ortiz's Instagram

Love this podcast? Support an episode! Click here to learn more.

Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybook

Have questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com

Send us a text

“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

Guest Details:
Yair Abraham's Instagram

Love this podcast? Support an episode! Click here to learn more.

Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybook

Have questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com

Send us a text

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!).

Guest Details:
Page Kelly's Instagram

Love this podcast? Support an episode! Click here to learn more.

Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybook

Have questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com

Send us a text

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.

Guest Details:
Rebecca Graves-Prowse 's Instagram

Love this podcast? Support an episode! Click here to learn more.

Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybook

Have questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com

Send us a text

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/community to learn more.

Guest Details:
Alex Olson's Instagram

Love this podcast? Support an episode! Click here to learn more.

Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybook

Have questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com