Wheel Talk

Ryan and Becca kick off the episode by answering listener questions about point-of-sale systems and the enjoyable (and less enjoyable) parts of their making process. Then, they dive into the topic of the day: setting achievable goals to improve your pottery skills for the long term. Along the way, they share practical tips for staying realistic and making meaningful progress in your creative journey.

Maker of the Moment

• Lisa Zolandz - @lisazolandz
• Yu Tanaka - @Yutanaka89

Resources
Sign up for one of Ryan's upcoming bookkeeping workshops
Kiln Management and Repair with Becca Otis - February 12th at 1pm EST

Listeners Questions
On this episode:

• What POS is most popular? @shawn_reid_pottery
• Favorite/least favorite parts of pottery as a whole? @maryclarecarr
• When learning pottery, it’s easy to get lost and pulled in a million different ways / from clay types to throwing, slab building to glazing. There’s an insane amount of information to digest - is there a good guideline or a path to follow for better building blocks? @amajorhoax

Did you buy an L&L Kiln recently? Please email us if you bought an L&L Kiln and hearing about their products on the podcast influenced your decision. We're sending something special to the first 9 people who reach out to us.

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

Ryan and Becca dive into the importance of maintaining separate bank accounts for business transactions, efficiently tracking expenses, and staying on top of quarterly tax payments. They also discuss the value of understanding business structures and managing finances, sharing helpful resources for every stage of your business journey.

Maker of the Moment

• Hayden Swanson - @livinthedreampottery
• Ishara Sweeney - @I.e.ceramics

Resources
Kiln Management and Repair with Becca Otis - February 12th at 1pm EST
IRS write offs: https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/guide-to-business-expense-resources
Mileage tracker - https://www.bench.co/blog/operations/mileage-trackers
https://www.score.org/
Sign up for one of Ryan's upcoming bookkeeping workshops

Listeners Questions
On this episode:

• Why do people only want to buy mugs?! @gooseandswanpottery
• I’ve recently started a home studio, I’d love to know how to maintain a budget and file those taxes! How do you keep track? Pile of receipts? Excel sheet? What counts as a write-off? I realize this might be a question for a CPA but any insight would be helpful. @palermoceramics

Did you buy an L&L Kiln recently? Please email us if you bought an L&L Kiln and hearing about their products on the podcast influenced your decision. We're sending something special to the first 9 people who reach out to us.

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

Ryan and Becca kick off the new year by sharing their personal and professional goals for 2025. They dive into strategies for improving time tracking in their small business, discuss aspirations like securing a role with Speedball, and outline financial and marketing goals. They also explore potential collaborations with consignment shops and the opportunities offered by platforms like Faire for expanding their sales. Tune in for an inspiring start to the year!

Did you buy an L&L Kiln recently? Please email us if you bought an L&L Kiln and hearing about their products on the podcast influenced your decision. We're sending something special to the first 9 people who reach out to us.

Maker of the Moment

• Joseph Delphia - @josephdelphiaceramics
• Ellen Shankin - @ellenshankin
• Alex Oskie - @loonceramics
• Jen Kuroki - @jeneok

Resources
Sign up for one of Ryan's upcoming soda firing workshops
Join Ryan's waitlist for a bookkeeping workshop

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

Ryan and Becca reflect on their 2024 business journeys, sharing the highs and lows and evaluating whether they met their goals. They dive into their financial strategies, the importance of tracking expenses and income, and the lessons learned along the way. The episode wraps up with a discussion of their unique skills, perspectives, and Ryan’s insights from working with the soda kiln this year.

Resources
Try Hurdlr with Becca's referral code
Join Ryan's waitlist for a bookkeeping workshop

Maker of the Moment
We forgot this week…but we’ll have 4 for you next week.

Listener Questions
On this episode:
- Is there an advantage to putting kiln wash on Advancer shelves? @jelo.designs

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

Ryan and Becca share some strategies for boosting attendance at upcoming workshops, emphasize the value of clear communication and marketing, and offer tips for optimizing studio spaces. They also explores affordable kiln firing options for beginners and introduces an exciting new podcast segment spotlighting emerging potters.

Maker of the Moment
Casia Joy - @casiajoyart
Ali Schorman - @ali_schorman

Listener Questions
On this episode:
- Just started listing and my first one was the "Hands-on tips for short workshops". I'm a retired teacher and miss my classes, so I thought I'd give it go with something out of the ordinary, Raku! The first workshop went great, lots of work, but the 7 people who attended had a blast. I've listed 3 other workshops since the and, well, nothing but crickets. I'm working out of a well known artists' studio (he's a painter) who has a large email list, but most of these contacts are at least an hour away. I don't have an email list so I'm reaching out to ya'll for some advice on how to get more local folks out. Loved the idea of Christmas tree decorations and a paint & sip. Should I make flyers and take to business to put up, leave business cards? Anything you may think of will be helpful. Thanks for what ya'll do! -BJ Glick
- What are your go-to’s for storage space in your studio? I’m struggling with how to optimize my space and would love to hear your solutions. @maryclarecarr
- What bare essentials are needed to safely set up a small home studio? Best/most affordable kiln or firing options for someone just doing things on their own? @ali_mac5

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 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 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 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 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 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

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 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

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 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 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 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