Any potters on here?

[HappyOctober]

Hi there, I’d just appreciate some advice…. I’ve been doing evening classes for maybe 17 years and pottery is my happy place. It has kept me sane through all sorts of things.

More than anything I would love to set up my own little garden studio. I have never done this, but my partner is a builder, we are good at sourcing things secondhand and cheaply and I think it would be slowly doable…. Our youngest is due to start school and I can’t stop thinking of this idea.

My question is, is there ever a way to make money doing this?? (Not masses, but a low-reasonable income) I know it’s unlikely but if anyone has any experience good or bad of doing this - or anyone you know, I’d really appreciate it, if just to bring me down to earth…

Thank you.

I’m afraid I have no relevant experience, but it sounds like a lovely idea. I wonder where you live (rhetorical question, don’t answer on here) because I’m in an area where we have annual open arts festivals and people open their gardens or garages to display arts and crafts ( and the quality is pretty extraordinary). It’s advertised widely and you get a map of all the places. Something like that could be really useful to you if there’s similar in your area.

I think you need a recognisable product so that people look at it and go “Oh, that’s a HappyOctober piece!”

I wish you very good luck with it.

Oh, and maybe apply for the Pottery Throwdown on channel Four?

Hi, me 🙋🏻‍♀️ I've run my own little ceramics business as a side hustle since 2016, alongside a full time career. My intention has never been to replace my proper salary, as I've been the breadwinner for years. For me, ceramics is an expensive hobby, and selling my work has paid for that. It's paid for my studio build, I've been able to explore all sort of pricey techniques (decals, slipcastjng, precious metal lustres, different clays & glazes). I've made fantastic friends and had all sort of opportunities and adventures through markets, events and exhibitions. I've even travelled to the States twice to visit my US wholesale customers. My business has been brilliant for my self esteem, as I was a terrible workaholic before. When I started out, I bought cake decorating tools and turntables from B&M and Home Bargains. I still use them. I've recently.moved house and am just setting up my new studio space in the dining room for now. So if your question is whether it is worth it: Yes 100%. But I wouldn't be able to match my FT salary with my ceramics sales 🤷🏻‍♀️

Thanks so much for these replies! Both so helpful, and yes, **@HobgoblinNorFoulFiendthere is actually one of those really near where we live! I hadn’t thought of that, but it could be a significant thing to get involved in if I can to meet people and maybe even sell work…..such a good idea. Also the recognisable piece is a great idea, thanks so much.

Thank you @CreepingCrone that is exactly the kind of info I was hoping for. To know you have covered costs is really good, and the BnM tip I will def look into, thanks so much.

There was an episode of Make it at Market which followed a potter.

Oh I’ve not heard of this, that sounds fascinating thanks so much @IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads!