Wheel Talk

Ryan & Becca are joined today by a great friend in clay, Amy Brummond from Pine Zen Pottery. Amy shares lots of stories about her handbuilding process, body longevity in the studio, refining her business skills over time, building her Instagram, and learning the clay process on your own. Head over to her account if you haven't seen her work yet. We had such a good time with Amy and hope you enjoy it as well!

-----Find more about Amy's business below-----
Instagram - @pinezenpottery
Website - https://www.pinezenpottery.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pinezenpottery
The Potters Cast - Episode 585: A Maker's Marketing Ideas | Amy Brummond

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].

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@rdceramics
@5linespottery

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

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

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Wheel Talk YouTube Channel

We have a special episode today from Becca's time at the Indiana Clay Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. Becca was joined by Rebecca Graves Prowse (Gravesco Pottery) and Josh Heim (JH Pottery Works) on a panel discussion titled "Successful Art Business Practices in Indiana," moderated by Justin Rothshank. Enjoy this candid discussion among a few of our best friends in clay.

Makers featured in the episode:
Indiana Clay Conference: @indianaclayconference
Rebecca Graves Prowse: @gravesco
Josh Heim: @jhpotteryworks
Justin Rothshank: @jrothshank

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].

Support the show on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

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

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.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

Ryan & Becca dig into how they get a grasp on who their customers are and why they enjoy their work. Thee are so many potential customers out there for all of us and narrowing in on who your product is made for & who you most resonate with can help you so much in the long run. So much of your small business revolves around gaining new customers, maintaining your existing ones, and even firing those who may not fit well with you. We hope you enjoy today's discussion.

Listener Questions
On this episode:
- Can a mug bottom or vessel bottom be too thin? Some of my bottoms are very thin because I don’t trim, I just smooth the bottom edge with my thumb but is this safe for use? Should I be doing a boiling water test or something? @emilyrussceramics

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].

Support the show on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

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

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.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

Ryan & Becca sit down with a new friend in clay, Chris Burch. This lengthy discussion covers many topics from fulfilling a 500 piece order in 9 weeks, pursuing clay full time, balancing family and small business duties, pricing your work appropriately, teaching on the wheel, understanding how you find happiness in the work you do, and much more. Thanks so much to Chris for being very gracious with his time and sharing insights that will resonate with many of you out there. We hope you enjoy and please show him some love if you enjoyed our discussion.

-----Find more about Chris' business below-----
Instagram - @potterybychrisburch
Shop - https://www.etsy.com/shop/PotterybyChrisBurch
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PotterybyChrisBurch/
Website - https://potterybychrisburch.com/
The Potters Cast - Episode 656: Clay Saved Me | Chris Burch

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].

Support the show on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

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

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.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

Ryan & Becca bring you a special episode discussing all things #potswap2021. Follow along with all Pot Swap happenings on Instagram @potswapofficial. Registration is free and open to the first 600 entries this year starting on Sunday, October 17th at 12pm EDT. First come, first serve on sign-ups so set a reminder (we have a reminder shared in our Instagram stories)! Spots WILL fill up very fast so don't wait!

We're joined by a great group of clay friends to help with all of the tasks involved to make Pots Swap a success year after year. We've received some great survey feedback from the last 3 years we've hosted it and have been making efforts to improve more each year. Thanks for the continued support!

Listener Questions
On this episode:
- I’m wondering what y’all think about consistent sizes for certain pots? Should I stick with 1 or 2 sizes for bowls, mugs, etc or is it okay to make small batches where there may be 30 of something and maybe I’ll never make those again or maybe I will. I wonder if Becca has insight into this from Gravesco. How do they think about what size and shape the cocktail cup is and would the shape change all of a sudden in the next batch?
@goodwheelceramics

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].

Thanks for joining us and we would love to hear your feedback on future topics to discuss and help us improve!

Support the show on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

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

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.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

Ryan & Becca jump into the deep on tracking their business income and expenses. Becca is pretty invested in Quickbooks for her business. Ryan tracks everything using Google Sheets/Forms. If you ever wanted to know how Ryan stays so organized and on top of his business books, you're in the right spot! Enjoy and check out our Instagram for visuals if you're looking to follow along as Ryan explains it all.

Resources
https://quickbooks.intuit.com/
https://www.hurdlr.com/

What would you do if...
your “clay towel” or apron gets covered in dry clay from cleanup and you want it clean again?

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].

Support the show on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

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

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.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

Ryan & Becca have a different one for you today as they talk through a new line of work Becca is starting. Sometimes it's nice to chat with a friend about something new you are planning and need a second perspective. We cover sales goals, pricing, branding, making efficiency, various forms, and timelines. We hope you enjoy this informal conversation between a couple of friends who love to break down business and process.

Resources:
https://clayconwest.com/

What would you do if...
you’re having no luck throwing anything well to start your throwing session? All flops!

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].

Support the show on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

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

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.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

Ryan & Becca are back for yet another question and answer episode covering topics in clay, small business, personal, and plenty of others. These continue to be fun for us to record and we hope you enjoy them also. Thanks to everyone who continue to send their questions via Instagram and email!

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].

Support the show on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

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

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.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

Ryan and Becca start off with some breaking news before discussing expenses for your business today. What should and shouldn't be considered a business expense and considerations as you think about your past purchases. There are different approaches Ryan & Becca take here and hopefully it helps to hear some varying perspectives on the topic. When in doubt, always consult your bookkeeper or tax prep expert who knows a few things about small business expenses & what can be written off appropriately for your business.

Listener Questions
On this episode:
- What is your throwing set up.  I use one big bucket but after throwing around 30 pieces it gets pretty slippy.  I have seen people use two containers- I think one for clean water and the other to wipe their slippy hands? Just thinking that as a self taught potter it's not something anyone has talked about- like how/what are you supposed to do? I don't use a lot of water (in that my wheel isn't full of water when I am done), but I do end up with a lot of clay from throwing- hard to explain but you can see what I mean on some of the videos I have of me throwing.  I dunno just wondering how folks throw and if I'm missing a trick. @lindygarnerceramics
 
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].

Support the show on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

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

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.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

Ryan and Becca answer some more listener questions about art shows. This week we cover how much work you should take to a show to have ample inventory, what items sell well besides mugs, & a final inquiry about how you deal with other vendors who wants to trade work. We hope you enjoy another short episode and it helps those of you selling at shows these days.

Resources:
#86 - Art show Q&A (pt 1)
#87 - Art show Q&A (pt 2)

Listener Questions
On this episode:
- I have a question about shows. I sell primarily online driving traffic to my Etsy but I'd like to some shows this year too. Any advice on how to find shows in your area and how to apply? I know of some shows locally but have a hard time finding a point of contact to apply. Some have terribly outdated websites with no information on how to become a vendor. Any advice on finding and applying to non-juried shows would be great. @mudgrovepottery
- You have done several shown on setting up and what to take to an Art Show.  What about how much stuff you take.  IE Bowls, bottles, cups etc. @curlytailstudio
- How many pieces do you bring to a vendor show? @batsceramics
- What’s the best-selling piece that you should offer at markets besides mugs? I’ve recently made ramen bowls (tall and deep bowls with slots for the chop sticks) that have sold almost instantly at the last couple of markets. Do you guys have pieces that instantly sell? @jessleepottery
- How do you deal with other vendors at shows/markets who want to trade merch? Esp when you don’t want what they’re peddling😅? @lostcityceramics
 
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].

Support the show on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

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

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.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