The Pin Tool Podcast | Pottery | Ceramics | Small Business

Welcome to the latest episode of "The Pin Tool Podcast," where art meets entrepreneurship. I'm your host, Al Wayman, from Creek Road Pottery LLC, guiding you through the multifaceted world of pottery and business. In this episode, Alford has a discussion with his virtual assistant, Amelia, an Artificial Intelligence Chatbot. They explore how understanding your Key Activities is crucial for crafting a successful business model in the creative industry. 

Today, we're diving into Key Activities, as outlined in the book "Business Model Generation: A Handbook for Visionaries, Game Changers, and Challengers." Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, learning to compose the right mix of Key Activities can transform your art into a thriving business. 



The Business Model Canvas: 
https://www.strategyzer.com/library/the-business-model-canvas

How To Build a Start-up. By Steve Blank:
https://www.udacity.com/course/how-to-build-a-startup--ep245

Startup Owner's Manual. by Steve Blank:
https://www.amazon.com/Startup-Owners-Manual-Step-Step/dp/1119690684/

My Pottery Journal. By Al Wayman
https://creekroadpottery.com/product/my-pottery-journal/

The Cost Analysis Spread sheet:
https://creekroadpottery.com/pottery-cost-analysis-spread-sheet/

The Pottery Dailies:
https://creekroadpottery.com/the-pottery-dailies/

The Creek Road Pottery LLC Blog:
https://creekroadpottery.com/blog/

Welcome to the latest episode of "The Pin Tool Podcast," where art meets entrepreneurship. I'm your host, Al Wayman, from Creek Road Pottery LLC, guiding you through the multifaceted world of pottery and business. In this episode, Alford has a discussion with his virtual assistant, Amelia, an Artificial Intelligence Chatbot. They explore how understanding your Key Resources is crucial for crafting a successful business model in the creative industry. 

Today, we're diving into Key Resources, as outlined in the book "Business Model Generation: A Handbook for Visionaries, Game Changers, and Challengers." Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, learning to compose the right mix of Key Resources can transform your art into a thriving business. 



The Business Model Canvas: 
https://www.strategyzer.com/library/the-business-model-canvas

How To Build a Start-up. By Steve Blank:
https://www.udacity.com/course/how-to-build-a-startup--ep245

Startup Owner's Manual. by Steve Blank:
https://www.amazon.com/Startup-Owners-Manual-Step-Step/dp/1119690684/

My Pottery Journal. By Al Wayman
https://creekroadpottery.com/product/my-pottery-journal/

The Cost Analysis Spread sheet:
https://creekroadpottery.com/pottery-cost-analysis-spread-sheet/

The Pottery Dailies:
https://creekroadpottery.com/the-pottery-dailies/

The Creek Road Pottery LLC Blog:
https://creekroadpottery.com/blog/

Creek Road Pottery Pen Pal Program:
https://creekroadpottery.com/pottery-pen-pal-program/ 

It was a privilege to be there firing with the team at the Bill Moon kiln of Imagine Peace Pottery and learning the more advanced and planned firing techniques rather than simply having the goal of making temperature. Having a plan means thinking about how to influence the pots by even the type of wood or materials burned.

In this firing, raku low-fire pots were made by placing them in the rear of the kiln near the chimney. At the correct temperature, a built-in back door was opened, and pots were pulled out hot and reduced in a container, creating copper colors and smoke lines.

At wood firings community is built. Many other artists gathered to fire work, some from long distances, to participate. An Amish family brought doughnuts, and the family and children stopped by, and a few customers came to see the firing. It was a privilege to learn from such a fantastic community of people and make new friends. It’s about time to stoke again.

The Bill Moon Wood Kiln Opening 4/27/2024 video. Click here!

Pulling the Fire Door

Kiln Centerline Management

Welcome to the latest episode of "The Pin Tool Podcast," where art meets entrepreneurship. I'm your host, Al Wayman, from Creek Road Pottery LLC, guiding you through the multifaceted world of pottery and business. Today, we're diving into Customer Relationships, as outlined in the book "Business Model Generation: A Handbook for Visionaries, Game Changers, and Challengers." This episode will explore how understanding your Customer Relationships is crucial for crafting a successful business model in the creative industry. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, learning to compose the right mix of customer relationships can transform your art into a thriving business. 

The Business Model Canvas: 
https://www.strategyzer.com/library/the-business-model-canvas

How To Build a Start-up. By Steve Blank:
https://www.udacity.com/course/how-to-build-a-startup--ep245

Startup Owner's Manual. by Steve Blank:
https://www.amazon.com/Startup-Owners-Manual-Step-Step/dp/1119690684/

My Pottery Journal. By Al Wayman
https://creekroadpottery.com/product/my-pottery-journal/

The Cost Analysis Spread sheet:
https://creekroadpottery.com/pottery-cost-analysis-spread-sheet/

The Pottery Dailies:
https://creekroadpottery.com/the-pottery-dailies/

The Creek Road Pottery LLC Blog:
https://creekroadpottery.com/blog/

Creek Road Pottery Pen Pal Program:
https://creekroadpottery.com/pottery-pen-pal-program/ 

Welcome to the latest episode of "The Pin Tool Podcast," where art meets entrepreneurship. I'm your host, Al Wayman, from Creek Road Pottery LLC, guiding you through the multifaceted world of pottery and business. Today, we're diving into the idea of pottery as a vocation, as discussed in the video "Elizabeth Gilbert on Distinguishing Between Hobbies, Jobs, Careers, & Vocation | Acumen Academy"

This episode will explore how understanding the four terms hobby, job, careers, and vocation is crucial for how you see yourself and your pottery while working a full-time job or having a career. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, this video by Elizabeth Gilbert will be helpful to you.

Book Mentioned:

Cræft: An Inquiry Into the Origins and True Meaning of Traditional Crafts First Edition
by Alexander Langlands

About:

Al Wayman's work and website:

www.creekroadpottery.com

My Pottery Journal. By Al Wayman
https://creekroadpottery.com/product/my-pottery-journal/

The Pottery Dailies:
https://creekroadpottery.com/the-pottery-dailies/

The Creek Road Pottery LLC Blog:
https://creekroadpottery.com/blog/

Creek Road Pottery Pen Pal Program:
https://creekroadpottery.com/pottery-pen-pal-program/

Welcome to the latest episode of "The Pin Tool Podcast," where art meets entrepreneurship. I'm your host, Al Wayman, from Creek Road Pottery LLC, guiding you through the multifaceted world of pottery and business. Today, we're diving into the concept of Channels, as outlined in the book "Business Model Generation: A Handbook for Visionaries, Game Changers, and Challengers." This episode will explore how understanding your Channels are crucial for crafting a successful business model in the creative industry. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, learning to compose the right mix of channels can transform your art into a thriving business. 

The Business Model Canvas: 
https://www.strategyzer.com/library/the-business-model-canvas

How To Build a Start-up. By Steve Blank:
https://www.udacity.com/course/how-to-build-a-startup--ep245

Startup Owner's Manual. by Steve Blank:
https://www.amazon.com/Startup-Owners-Manual-Step-Step/dp/1119690684/

My Pottery Journal. By Al Wayman
https://creekroadpottery.com/product/my-pottery-journal/

The Cost Analysis Spread sheet:
https://creekroadpottery.com/pottery-cost-analysis-spread-sheet/

The Pottery Dailies:
https://creekroadpottery.com/the-pottery-dailies/

The Creek Road Pottery LLC Blog:
https://creekroadpottery.com/blog/

Creek Road Pottery Pen Pal Program:
https://creekroadpottery.com/pottery-pen-pal-program/

The Cry Pots:
https://www.facebook.com/alford.wayman/videos/441678594958937

The Good Pots:
https://www.facebook.com/alford.wayman/videos/7259756667440015

Welcome to the latest episode of "The Pin Tool Podcast," where art meets entrepreneurship. I'm your host, Al Wayman, from Creek Road Pottery LLC, guiding you through the multifaceted world of pottery and business. Today, we're diving into the concept of Revenue Streams, as outlined in the book "Business Model Generation: A Handbook for Visionaries, Game Changers, and Challengers." This episode will explore how understanding your Revenue Streams are crucial for crafting a successful business model in the creative industry. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, learning to identify your unique Revenue Streams can transform your art into a thriving business. 

The Business Model Canvas: 
https://www.strategyzer.com/library/the-business-model-canvas

How To Build a Start-up. By Steve Blank:
https://www.udacity.com/course/how-to-build-a-startup--ep245

Startup Owner's Manual. by Steve Blank:
https://www.amazon.com/Startup-Owners-Manual-Step-Step/dp/1119690684/

My Pottery Journal. By Al Wayman
https://creekroadpottery.com/product/my-pottery-journal/

The Cost Analysis Spread sheet:
https://creekroadpottery.com/pottery-cost-analysis-spread-sheet/

The Pottery Dailies:
https://creekroadpottery.com/the-pottery-dailies/

The Creek Road Pottery LLC Blog:
https://creekroadpottery.com/blog/

Creek Road Pottery Pen Pal Program:
https://creekroadpottery.com/pottery-pen-pal-program/

Welcome to the latest episode of "The Pin Tool Podcast," where art meets entrepreneurship. I'm your host, Al Wayman, from Creek Road Pottery LLC, guiding you through the multifaceted world of pottery and business. Today, we're diving into the concept of Value Propositions, as outlined in the book "Business Model Generation: A Handbook for Visionaries, Game Changers, and Challengers." This episode will explore how understanding your Value Propositions are crucial for crafting a successful business model in the creative industry. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, learning to identify your unique Value Propositions can transform your art into a thriving business. 

The Business Model Canvas: 
https://www.strategyzer.com/library/the-business-model-canvas

How To Build a Start-up. By Steve Blank:
https://www.udacity.com/course/how-to-build-a-startup--ep245

Startup Owner's Manual. by Steve Blank:
https://www.amazon.com/Startup-Owners-Manual-Step-Step/dp/1119690684/

My Pottery Journal. By Al Wayman
https://creekroadpottery.com/product/my-pottery-journal/

The Cost Analysis Spread sheet:
https://creekroadpottery.com/pottery-cost-analysis-spread-sheet/

The Pottery Dailies:
https://creekroadpottery.com/the-pottery-dailies/

The Creek Road Pottery LLC Blog:
https://creekroadpottery.com/blog/

Creek Road Pottery Pen Pal Program:
https://creekroadpottery.com/pottery-pen-pal-program/

Welcome to the latest episode of "The Pin Tool Podcast," where art meets entrepreneurship. I'm your host, Al Wayman, from Creek Road Pottery LLC, guiding you through the multifaceted world of pottery and business. Today, we're diving into the concept of Customer Segments, as outlined in the groundbreaking book "Business Model Generation: A Handbook for Visionaries, Game Changers, and Challengers." This episode will explore how understanding your customer segments is crucial for crafting a successful business model in the creative industry. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, learning to identify and cater to your unique customer segments can transform your art into a thriving business. 

The Business Model Canvas: 
https://www.strategyzer.com/library/the-business-model-canvas

How To Build a Start-up. By Steve Blank:
https://www.udacity.com/course/how-to-build-a-startup--ep245

Startup Owner's Manual. by Steve Blank:
https://www.amazon.com/Startup-Owners-Manual-Step-Step/dp/1119690684/

My Pottery Journal. By Al Wayman
https://creekroadpottery.com/product/my-pottery-journal/

The Cost Analysis Spread sheet:
https://creekroadpottery.com/pottery-cost-analysis-spread-sheet/

The Pottery Dailies:
https://creekroadpottery.com/the-pottery-dailies/

The Creek Road Pottery LLC Blog:
https://creekroadpottery.com/blog/

Creek Road Pottery Pen Pal Program:
https://creekroadpottery.com/pottery-pen-pal-program/

Welcome to "The Pin Tool Podcast," hosted by Al Wayman, artist and owner of Creek Road Pottery LLC. This latest episode delves into the intricacies of the Business Model Canvas, a strategic tool essential for any artist who wants to become an entrepreneur. Join us as I try to unravel the complexities of this model, making it accessible and actionable for potters and creatives alike. Whether you're forming your business or your next mug, this episode will guide you in blending art with entrepreneurship. Let's get started!

Recourses Mentioned:

The Business Model Canvas: 
https://www.strategyzer.com/library/the-business-model-canvas

How To Build a Start-up. By Steve Blank:
https://www.udacity.com/course/how-to-build-a-startup--ep245

Startup Owner's Manual. by Steve Blank:
https://www.amazon.com/Startup-Owners-Manual-Step-Step/dp/1119690684/

My Pottery Journal. By Al Wayman
https://creekroadpottery.com/product/my-pottery-journal/

The Cost Analysis Spread sheet:
https://creekroadpottery.com/pottery-cost-analysis-spread-sheet/

The Pottery Dailies:
https://creekroadpottery.com/the-pottery-dailies/

The Creek Road Pottery LLC Blog:
https://creekroadpottery.com/blog/

Creek Road Pottery Pen Pal Program:
https://creekroadpottery.com/pottery-pen-pal-program/

Welcome back to The Pin Tool Podcast, the show where we dive deep into the art of thriving in our personal and professional lives. I'm Al Wayman of Creek Road Pottery LLC, and in today's special episode, we're setting the stage for the year ahead. As we stand at the threshold of a new year, it's the perfect time to reflect, recalibrate, and set meaningful goals. Whether you're a long-time listener or joining us for the first time, this episode is designed to inspire and guide you through the process of creating a vision for your year.

Links to books and materials mentioned:

The Creek Road Pottery: My Pottery Journal

Pottery Cost Analysis Spread Sheet Free Download

The Startup Owner's Manual: The Step-By-Step Guide for Building a Great Company. By Steve Blank

The Business Model Canvas

Free Business Class "How to Build A Startup" By Steve Blank

"The Practice: Shipping Creative Work." by Seth Godin

Hero on a Mission: The Power of Finding Your Role in Life: The Path to a Meaningful Life. by Donald Miller

A Creek Road Pottery LLC update and a holiday story:

"The heavy-loaded train slowed its speed as it entered the little sleepy town of Laceyville, Pennsylvania. Its loud horn echoed across the river, through the corn fields, and over the mountainside as it entered the straits.
Hobo Smoky tossed off his pack from a gently rocking sander car, then made the light jump and roll to the ground on the hard railroad gravel. The train cars clicked and squeaked by as Smoky brushed himself off and then walked back to find his pack."  ...read more here.

If you enjoyed this story I wrote and love pottery, sign up for our newsletter and become a raging fan.

May you one day look out across the vast sea and have a glimpse of the smoke from the cooking fires rising from your homeland of your Ithaca. Or may you one day, after many wanderings and hardships, wake up on its shore surrounded by the many gifts you were given. But even on that shore, it’s fine to be suspicious and on guard.

The Lectures Mentioned:


The Odyssey of Homer by Elizabeth Vandiver, The Great Courses on Audible. Lecture 2.

Books Mentioned:

 The Odyssey. by Homer. Robert Fagles translation.

The Power of the Myth. By Joseph Campbell

The War of Art. By Stephen Pressfield

Turning Pro. By Stephen Pressfield

While at the thrift shop I found the book ” The Ballad Book of John Jacob Niles” from 1961 and for $5.00. The book is a collection of old time folk ballads from the Appalachian mountains. Haunting and yet amazing. The stories and poetry in the music is amazing.

The background and extensive notes to this rendition of the song can be found here.

A Youtube version of a ballad on the topic can be heard here.

The importance of the Potter

It was amazing to see the potter show up in the songs as in the past pottery was a trade that was needed for making wear for everyday home life, commerce, and building. In James town, for example, kilns were made to fire out pottery and also for brick making. Pottery was imported at the time from Europe, but it was not enough to meet the demand. Four different kilns were found at the James town island. It was very enjoyable for me to realize the potter in these few folk songs that are quite long in story telling, violent, and dramatic. Creating is not only about making a thing, but also about reading and absorbing culture. There are many ways to tell a story and the mix of folk music and pottery was a fun study for me to do for a day. I hope you all enjoyed this! Have you ever heard any folk songs you enjoyed? If so let me know by commenting below!

Sources:

Pottery at Jamestown: https://www.nps.gov/jame/learn/historyculture/pottery-at-jamestown.htm

Visit Gere's Blog Here!

In this episode, I talk about ways to underscore your style and set yourself apart from others in your own way by asking: "Who's it for?", "What's it for?", and "What change are you trying to make?".

Books: The Practice: Shipping Creative Work. by Seth Godin

An example of intentional design and why. 

See The Florian Gadsby Mug Post Here.

See my friend Angela and the details section of her cat bowls here.

Say hello to my cousin Beth here.

In my opinion, bad art might be forms and elements that communicate poorly. In this episode, I talk about taking the work from a design in your sketchbook to creating a clay prototype of your form. I discuss what bad art might be and a few topics concerning the many elements that might be included in a form you create. I then go into some of the philosophy about these design concepts. 

The podcast mentioned where Dennis Allen talks about his throwing stick.
Clay At Our Core: A Pottery Podcast - Episode 59: Dennis Allen plays music, does woodworking, plays with clay.

Potters, who create production work and create elements on their forms to make the production of forms be more efficient:

Florian Gadsby 
Simon Leach
Bill van Gilder
Amy Palatnick

Books Mentioned:

A Potter's Book. by Bernard Leach

Basic Visual Concepts and Principles: For Artists, Architects and Designers. by Charles Wallschlaeger & Cynthia Snyder

Functional Pottery: Form and Aesthetic in Pots of Purpose. By Robin Hopper
     Making Marks
    The Ceramic Spectrum

Surface Decoration for Ceramics: A Creative Guide for the Contemporary Maker. By Claire Ireland 

How do you generate ideas while creating art? In this episode, you help me kiln sit as I fire an updraft and chat about design. I discuss some ways ideas for work might happen and the sources we might draw from to generate elements in our art. A list of good books mentioned are in the show notes. 

“Furthermore, we have not even to risk the adventure alone; for the heroes of all time have gone before us; the labyrinth is thoroughly known; we have only to follow the thread of the hero-path. And where we had thought to find an abomination, we shall find a god; where we had thought to slay another, we shall slay ourselves; where we had thought to travel outward, we shall come to the center of our own existence; and where we had thought to be alone, we shall be with all the world.”

― Joseph Campbell, The Hero With a Thousand Faces

Books by Joseph Campbell:

The Power of Myth
The Hero with a Thousand Faces

Historical Atlas of World Mythology 

Stephen Press Field:

The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles

Seth Godin:
The Practice: Shipping Creative Work

Carl Jung:
Man and His Symbols.

In today's world, we do not need to wait to be picked due to social media and the internet. We can pick ourselves. Many of the standards that were once used by gatekeepers to define what a good pot was may no longer be relevant. Or are they? Design, function, and elements on a form, when used intentionally, can add interest and help communicate what you might be trying to say to the world. Can we use fate, luck, chance, or happy little mistakes as a good way to make art? Or is it an excuse for poor skills or failed craftsmanship? What tools of design can we use with intent when we create work?

Books Mentioned:
My Pottery Project Journal.

A Potter's Book. by Bernard Leach

Basic Visual Concepts and Principles: For Artists, Architects and Designers. by Charles Wallschlaeger & Cynthia Snyder

Functional Pottery: Form and Aesthetic in Pots of Purpose. By Robin Hopper

Warren Mackenzie: An American Potter. by David Lewis

The Potter's Directory of Shape and Form. by Neal French

Feel free to like and subscribe!  Email me at [email protected] I would like to hear from you!  Happy Potting!

Al Wayman

Artist/Owner
www.creekroadpottery.com

Many people leave it up to luck, fate, or "Kiln gods" when firing out work.  But once you get to know your kiln, you can use it to add a whole new layer of interest to your work by how you choose to fire it. Even when electric firing, using different firing schedules, holds, cooling techniques, and much more can make your pots more exciting to create and enjoy. So be brave, put some shelf cones in your kilns, and try a few things.  I talk slowly in the podcast to explain things clearly, but I might have done a lousy job. 

Slow Cooling By the Ceramic Arts Network
https://ceramicartsnetwork.org/daily/article/Super-Cool-Slow-Cooling-in-an-Electric-Kiln

Kiln firing for beginners:
https://creekroadpottery.com/guide-for-manual-kiln-fire/

A Potter's Book by Bernard Leach

https://www.abebooks.com/book-search/isbn/9780571109739/used/

My Pottery Firings Journal by Al Wayman

https://www.amazon.com/My-Pottery-Firings-Alford-Wayman/dp/B0CDZ2D6ZQ/?

Many times we may feel anxiety about how we are spending our time. Either we feel we were not as productive as we would like to be or even when we are able to complete all the daily goals we gain anxiety by adding more things. In this episode I discuss some ideas from the book Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals. by Oliver Burkeman. Thanks for listening! 

Journals I was able to publish. I hope a few of you find them useful. 

My Pottery Projects. 

My Pottery Journal.

We fill many roles in our lives and community.  Putting all effort into just one role may bankrupt the other vital roles that make us who we are.  This, in turn, can have a negative effect on our work and our ability to create good work.  In order to keep receiving golden eggs from the goose, you need to take care of the goose so it is able to produce the eggs.  This means taking time to cultivate the other areas and roles of your life that allow you to keep creating work. While setting goals for your business, do not forget to set personal goals and remember to take care of yourself first to be able to create and produce good work at matters. 

Books Mentioned:

Many times we might like to leave it up to others to take ownership because it's easier and lets us off the hook. However, what others do and say for us may not be what's best for us or our work and life story.  In this episode, I discuss the topic of taking ownership or our attitudes, goals, actions, and our lives. I need to work on all of these things myself.  How would taking ownership improve your life and work?  Let me know! 

Books Mentioned:

Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin

The Song of Significance: A New Manifesto for Teams. By Seth Godin

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. by Stephen R. Covey (Author), Jim Collins (Foreword), Sean Covey (Contributor) 

SEE YOU AT THE TOP: 25th Anniversary Edition by Zig Ziglar


Video:
Zig Ziglar: Prime the Pump

In this episode, I talk about kiln deities and their role in firing out work and the influences they have over the process. 

Thanks so much to The Potscast - all about Pottery Being Brave for the wonderful interview on her podcast. We had a nice chat about my background and ideas about pottery and firing.  You can find the episode here: The Potscast with… Al Wayman

Also, here in the link to my new Facebook Business Page

Overall, it was a fair and foul month, but like some say, “Done is better than perfect, and perfect is never perfect but only better “. Many times, you just need to keep showing up for yourself and others. Losing a whole buying community will take a while to walk off, but I had already started diversifying last year and so only lost about 1/3 of my revenue.

I’m a big community guy, and my peeps were so much fun. I do hope to rebuild in some way on a platform that is more supportive, maybe. May I never get so big I quit caring about the little folks.

Seth Godin's Book: The Dip: A Little Book That Teaches You When to Quit (and When to Stick)

Stop by the page and say hello!
www.creekroadpottery.com

In this episode, we talk about idea generation; collecting, and the germination of creative seeds using the book "The Creative Act: A Way Of Being." by Rick Rubin  

Many times we might stall when we run out of ideas creatively.  That's why it's important to collect many seeds and store them to plant later.  Seeds will not grow if you never water them or if you're too overbearing.  How do you collect creative seeds? Email me and let me know at [email protected]

Al Wayman 

owner / artist

Creek Road Pottery LLC
www.creekroadpottery.com

In this episode, we talk about a few ways you could use Artificial Intelligence as a creation tool.  With the rise of ChatGPT in search and the controversy and questions around AI-generated art, is it even possible to use it as a tool in creating our work?  Feel free to let me know by commenting! 

Books Mentioned

The Creative Act: A Way of Being. By Rick Rubin

Book of the Farm. By Henry Stephens

Surface Decoration for Ceramics. By Claire Ireland

Al Wayman is the artist and owner of Creek Road Pottery LLC in Laceyville, PA

www.creekroadpottery.com
Creating work that matters for people who care.

In this episode, I go over a few steps you can take to manage seasonal depression maybe and avoid an existential vacuum. We discuss Victor Frankel's ideas about Existential Vacuum in his book Man's Search For Meaning. 

I also cover the idea of the Hero's Journey with ideas from Joseph Campbell's  Hero with a Thousand Faces.  Life is far to short not to plan a journey.  Also, the business philosopher Seth Godin, in his blog, suggests we should not get distracted by the event and miss the importance of the journey. 

What do you have planned for the New Year? Have you mapped out a journey, or are you waiting?  Be sure not to wait too long. 

Many times, makers prefer to avoid taking custom orders out of fear. In this episode, I talk about a few tips that can be done to manage custom orders better and make the experience and customer interaction more enjoyable.  I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season, and may the new year bring you new projects and adventures! Feel free to leave a comment if you find these episodes helpful!

The book mentioned that I am reading: 

Sell or Be Sold: How to Get Your Way in Business and Life

Visit my website for tools, tips, and stories. Also, get a free download of my pottery cost analysis spreadsheet HERE as my gift to you! 

Remember to make work that matters for folks who care! 

#creekroadpottery #thepintoolpodcast #pottery #clay #handmade #smallbusiness #podcast 

I had a situation where I needed to have pots at three different places on the same weekend.  In one show,  all direct marketing was required to sell, as very few, it seemed, came to buy pots. I felt out of place outside my Story base/ Permission base comfort zone.  I was able to meet my goal of selling one pot.  But in a direct marketing environment, I had to work harder for it.  You may get a chuckle out of this episode, as many of you who sell in shows may only do direct marketing.  Which do you prefer?  I hope everyone has a great holiday!  



My blog:
https://creekroadpottery.com/blog/

I made the trip from Laceyville, Pennsylvania to the beautiful upstate New York though the farm land with my father to pick up an old time treadle wheel. I found the treadle wheel on Facebook marketplace for a great price. I always wanted to try one, and having one would make my pottery off grid. It was a stand-up treadle wheel that was rather large and heavy, with a one-hundred and twenty-five pound fly wheel.

Books Mentioned:

A Potter's Book by Bernard Leach

Warren Mackenzie: An American Potter by David Lewis

Things can get real busy, so this year I decided to start early to make things easier on myself.  Here are a few things I plan to try while I am making work for the holiday season. 

#creekroadpottery #pottery #ceramics #handmade #smallbusiness

Due to high inflation, selling work may be a bit challenging.  In this episode, I offer some tips on cutting cost and a few ideas on how you might generate revenue to survive the hard times.  You may need to be brave and try new things.  For me personally, I  do not wish to raise prices, but I am looking for ways to cut costs in my process while still maintaining quality. 

Hand mixing glazes from a base recipe, learning to single fire, moving towards giving classes, and diversifying selling platforms are some ways I discuss here to weather the storm.   

How are you all doing in the currently economic downturn? Let me know at [email protected]

Links:

A Free Pottery Cost Analysis spreadsheet free for download I created some time back that you might find helpful!
https://creekroadpottery.com/pottery-cost-analysis-spread-sheet/

Janet Holdcraft’s “Blue Dawn”

https://creekroadpottery.com/janet-holdcrafts-blue-dawn-glaze/

The Gallery41 Hebrew Jar Collection

https://creekroadpottery.com/line-upon-line-collection/

The Practice: Shipping Creative Work. by Seth Godin 

When you hire a plumber to stop over and fix a leaky pipe, you need them to show up and try to do their best work, or at least meet your expectations in doing the work.  As potters and artists, we may need to practice in showing up in very much the same way. 

Allowing the customer to have a positive experience with you can be good for sales, lead to more work, and even on days when you might not feel all that happy about what you do.  I have found if difficult at times in learning to love what I do and even on days where I may not feel all that passionate about things still show up for myself as a professional and get the job done. 

In this episode, I talk about a few things that can help you show up as a professional when selling your pottery or art work.  I need to practice all of these things for sure and have a bad time with most. 


One book that helped me a great deal was Do the Work: Overcome Resistance and Get Out of Your Own Way. by Steven Pressfield

Do you agree?  How do you show up and do the work when you have an off day? Is it possible to show up and make art when it feels like a job?  Let me know by emailing me at [email protected].  Also, if you enjoy these episodes be sure to subscribe.  I try to post weekly if time allows. 

#creekroadpottery #pottery #artist #sales #sellingwork #smallbusiness

While on vacation from the pottery last week, I realized my body of work may encompass more than simply making the art, marketing, and selling.  Here, I discuss seven things your work may encompass in your life that you may not even realize.  If you take time to observe, read, network, rest, think, tell your story, and communicate without beating yourself up you could create better work.  Many things influence the art we create, and those influences show up in the work though our hands. 

There are many things to look at when doing prep work and participating in a show to sell your art work.  Analyzing opportunity cost, having the right product for the right buyers, and doing follow up is all very important. In this podcast I talk about the ways I think about shows and I hope you find the tips somewhat useful.   

#creekroadpottery #pottery #marketing #ceramics #customerdevelopment #permissionmarketing

In this episode, we discuss 45 ways we might stall our work from being put into the world due to fear.  Using Seth Godin's book, "The Practice: Shipping Creative Work." We discuss the many ways creators use to stall.  I myself may have used all of these at some point.  Have you?

Life can get busy! In this episode, we talk about five time management tips if you make pottery after work.  A little can be a lot when collected.

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