Ryan and Becca share candid experiences with challenging customers and explore how their personalities and appearances can shape these interactions. Wrapping up the episode, they discuss the dream of Ryan building a soda kiln in the backyard and the logistics of installing a gas line for the project.

Listeners Questions
On this episode:
- What are you most proud of accomplishing in each of your pottery journeys? @paisleysoulpottery
- Can you share some examples of past problematic customers? @blackdogpottermn

Sponsors
L&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.com

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com
Wheel Talk YouTube Channel

Support the show

Ryan and Becca chat with Bryan Wilkerson, a professor of art and design, about his journey in teaching, digital art, and the Impostors Cup Show. They dive into the challenges of firing techniques, behind the scenes of the Impostors Cup Show, why he likes attending NCECA over the years, and how Bryan uses digital tools to refine his craft while staying rooted in craftsmanship.

-----Find more about Bryan’s business below-----
Instagram - @bryanwilkerson, @impostorscup
Website - https://www.bryanwilkerson.com/
Ceramics Monthly article about the Impostors Cup Show
Threads - @bryanwilkerson

Listener Questions
Send us questions so we can answer anything you've been thinking about on a future episode. Send those through Instagram @wheeltalkpodcast or email us at [email protected].

Sponsors
L&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.com

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com
Wheel Talk YouTube Channel

Support the show

In this episode, Ryan and Becca reflect on the many reasons they’re grateful for the ceramics community, from shared knowledge to the friendships formed through clay. They also tackle listener questions about navigating challenging show requirements and making tough choices when sourcing commercial clay bodies. Thanks for your continued contribution to the podcast!

Listener Questions
On this episode:
- I have a show in December and I’m thinking of backing out because they want me to donate 50% of my proceeds to a charity. The show is for the social action committee of a local church. That seems like a pretty steep request from an artist who doesn’t really make that much to begin with. What are your thoughts on this? @jelo.designs
- Hey Becca & Ryan, I love the podcast & have learned so much from you guys and your guests! Question: While I have two clay suppliers nearby, I haven't found a local clay that I am absolutely in love with or that fits my glazes without sounding like wind chimes when opening the kiln. After hearing your interviews with Link from KY Mudworks I decided to give some of their clays a try and of course fell in love with them. Those pieces happen to be the pieces that are selling at local markets as well. My question is, do you learn to work with the local clay you have available, or do you just suck it up and pay for the clay to be shipped in? Price reference: Local clay is about $14 per 25#bag and shipping the KY Mudworks is about $36 per 25# + hatred from my mail delivery person. @lucy.s.ceramics

Sponsors
L&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.com

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com
Wheel Talk YouTube Channel

Support the show

In this episode, Ryan and Becca discuss a range of tools, techniques, and business practices that have tried and whether they have been worth it or not worth it. These range from buying a pug mill to mixing your own glazes to selling at pop up events to taking on commission orders. Thanks to Caroline from @revisioniststudio for the topic idea!

Listener Questions
On this episode:
- What is your favorite think to make, why? @ceramics_bymargaret

Send us questions so we can answer anything you've been thinking about on a future episode. Send those through Instagram @wheeltalkpodcast or email us at [email protected].

Sponsors
L&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.com
Smith Sharpe Refractory - Find out which Advancer Kiln Shelves are right for you at kilnshelf.com.
Speedball Ceramics - Check out their new underglaze formula and colored plastic bats online or from a distributor near you. Find out more at speedballart.com.

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com
Wheel Talk YouTube Channel

Support the show

Ryan & Becca share advice about hosting your own 2 hour workshops. Becca has been hosting a number of these recently and has so much to share! Questions include: how much should I charge, what’s reasonable to complete in 2 hours, and how should I structure the class. They both have some good life updates to share as well. Enjoy!

Resources
#240 - Mobile studios

What would you do if...
you sent a new wholesaler your wholesale agreement and they declined to sign it?

Listener Questions
On this episode:
- I’d love tips for running pottery workshops (2-3 hour workshop where instructor provides everything) @cityhouseclay
- I'd like some advice about hosting a workshop at a local brewery. @Frenchfrogpottery

Send us questions so we can answer anything you've been thinking about on a future episode. Send those through Instagram @wheeltalkpodcast or email us at [email protected].

Sponsors
L&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.com
Speedball Ceramics - Check out their new underglaze formula and colored plastic bats online or from a distributor near you. Find out more at speedballart.com.

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com
Wheel Talk YouTube Channel

Support the show

In this episode, Ryan and Becca answer a few listener questions before diving into the topic of preorders. Inspired by an Instagram story series from @themugmaiden, they discuss Ryan's experience as a customer of a preordered ceramic piece. They also explore the ins and outs of selling preorders, including tips for success and scenarios where offering preorders might not be the best option.

Resources
The Hatch House Bed & Breakfast
Corning Museum of Glass - Corning, NY

Listener Questions
On this episode:
- What workshops and/or short term residency’s might you recommend? Bonus points if they’re in the Midwest, double bonus points if they’re surface design or efficiency related! Thank you! @Savijjacob
- I am at a loss on Pinterest. I have asked so many people, when you are looking for decor ideas, where do they go, and it seems like Pinterest is often the answer. I have no idea how to promote myself on the platform other than paying them, and I'm kinda tapped out on that concept. Thanks so much, if this isn't the right thing to discuss, I completely understand. @jelo.designs

Send us questions so we can answer anything you've been thinking about on a future episode. Send those through Instagram @wheeltalkpodcast or email us at [email protected].

Sponsors
L&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.com
Smith Sharpe Refractory - Find out which Advancer Kiln Shelves are right for you at kilnshelf.com.
Speedball Ceramics - Check out their new underglaze formula and colored plastic bats online or from a distributor near you. Find out more at speedballart.com.

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com
Wheel Talk YouTube Channel

Support the show

Ryan and Becca return for the third chapter of the podcast book club, diving into Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative by Austin Kleon. Joined once again by Taylor Swilley, they explore key takeaways and connect the book’s themes to their own lives and businesses.

We'll announce our next book club selection later in the year with plans to release the episode in February 2025.

A special thanks to Taylor for joining us again and for recording the ads in today’s episode!

Resources
"Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative" by Austin Kleon (e-book available on Libby)
#267 - Embracing a Creative Life: Big Magic with Taylor Swilley

-----Find more about Taylor's business below-----
Instagram - @backyardkiln
Website - https://backyardkiln.com/
Etsy - https://www.etsy.com/shop/BackyardKiln

Listener Questions
Send us questions so we can answer anything you've been thinking about on a future episode. Send those through Instagram @wheeltalkpodcast or email us at [email protected].

Sponsors
L&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.com
Smith 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/Wheeltalkpodcast

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com
Wheel Talk YouTube Channel

Support the show

In this episode, Ryan and Becca recap their time at the Cincinnati Coffee Festival, comparing sales, discussing what changed from last year, and exploring the new items Becca introduced. They also share highlights from Ryan’s recent trip to Brooklyn, New York, where he visited Etsy headquarters and attended the in-person Etsy Holiday Pop-Up event in NYC, while enjoying new tiki bars and stand-up comedy with Rachel.

Listener Questions
Send us questions so we can answer anything you've been thinking about on a future episode. Send those through Instagram @wheeltalkpodcast or email us at [email protected].

Sponsors
L&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.com
Speedball Ceramics - Check out their new underglaze formula and colored plastic bats online or from a distributor near you. Find out more at speedballart.com.

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com
Wheel Talk YouTube Channel

Support the show

Ryan and Becca chat with Sarah Hussaini of Not Work Related about the challenges of growing her ceramics business in NYC. Sarah shares her journey of hiring and trusting others to maintain quality, balancing high overhead costs, and prioritizing sustainable growth. She also discusses how she evaluates large opportunities, using her Instagram as a portfolio that’s led to exciting collaborations. For those aspiring to go full-time, Sarah offers practical advice on navigating expenses, making smart decisions with brand partnerships, and developing a social media presence. This episode is packed with insights for artists and entrepreneurs alike.

-----Find more about Sarah's business below-----
Instagram - @notworkrelated_
Website - https://www.shopnotworkrelated.com/

Listener Questions
Send us questions so we can answer anything you've been thinking about on a future episode. Send those through Instagram @wheeltalkpodcast or email us at [email protected].

Sponsors
L&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.com

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month: https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com
Wheel Talk YouTube Channel

Support the show

In this episode, Ryan and Becca recap their time at the Michiana Pottery Tour before answer a few listener questions. Questions include handling commission inquiries and the best way to turn them down, business startup basics (registering a business name and setting up a bank account), and pricing for custom wholesale requests, like adding a stamped logo to mugs, and how to account for the extra work. We hope you enjoy!

Resources
Kohler Residency Program https://www.kohlercompany.com/social-impact/arts/
Wheel Talk #188 - Answering your tax questions with Jamie Boyack from Aloha Friday CPA

Listener Questions
On this episode:
- Hey Ryan & Becca! I would love to hear how you handle commission inquiries, and specifically when turning one down. Do you educate the customer on why? Help them understand the pottery process? Or is it better to keep it short and sweet? @moonlight_mud
- Hey guys! love your show! I was wondering if you have done a show going over a check list on business start up? things like registering a business name, setting up a business bank account and getting a EIN Tax number... If so can you tell me which Episode? thanks for all your help! Kelli Fahey @wild.whim.vt
- I’ve been asked to add a stamp to a wholesale mug order…I think I can do it without a sprig…just stamped into the mug maybe with underglaze in the recessed parts…maybe not. I was wondering how much you add to the price for these requests. @overbrookclay

Sponsors
L&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.com
Smith 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/Wheeltalkpodcast

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.com
Wheel Talk YouTube Channel

Support the show