Wheel Talk

Ryan & Becca are joined today by Melanie Westheiden from Swell Ceramics. Melanie shares about her business’ evolution from a home studio to brick and mortar, preparing for the holiday season, setting boundaries on Instagram, & shifting her body of work. Thanks so much to Melanie for taking the time to share with all of us.

-----Find more about Melanie’s business below-----
Instagram - @swellceramics
Website - https://www.swellceramics.com/

Listener Questions
On this episode:
- Do y’all have any insight on making passive income (stickers/merch) for your pottery business? Is it worth the time and money, or is it a complete waste? My pieces take an insane amount of time to create, but I don’t want to make plain ol’ mugs or pieces out of the fear I’ll lose my audience. So I was looking at possibly going the merch route. Any advice? Hopefully this makes sense! @punchypottery

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 wheeltalkpodcast@gmail.com.

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 & Becca are back together once again and this week we're talking mobile studios! We received a question about the viability of using a mobile studio in a trailer, van, etc to assist in teaching small kid classes and selling at shows from it. Becca's insights may surprise you on this one. Thanks for the question Lilly!

Listener Questions
On this episode:
- I have been trying to get a little more consistency in my drying. Currently I have a rack that is taped up with plastic but occasionally still have some cracking issues that are due to parts drying faster than others. My question is what is an optimal humidity level for drying, and or temperature? @roycroftron
- What do you think of mobile studios? I have researched this somewhat and have seen a few examples of teardrop camper studios, food truck studios parked on a small plot of land, teaching studios in a bus or van, etc. I already really hate dragging all of my stuff to shows in a small-sized SUV, and I’m only a baby potter. I’m super jealous of the flower lady who has a cute, tiny truck at the farmers markets to sell from. People LOVE her setup. I also haul all my stuff back and forth to teach kids classes. Becca, have you ever worked out of your van selling/teaching? Would a mobile studio be a good idea as a business investment vs. a brick and mortar shop when you can’t teach at home?  Do you know any potters with mobile studios? Maybe a mobile studio would come with its own costs and restrictions. Would appreciate any insight you might have on mobile studios! @tuliptreetales

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 wheeltalkpodcast@gmail.com.

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 newest line of Mid-Fire glazes at speedballart.com and see them in-person at NCECA 2024 at booth #208 in Richmond, VA.

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 joined today by Sara Davis from Golden Earth Designs. Sara shares about her process of making custom wholesale mugs, selling full time the past year, getting back to production after the holidays, and clay buttons! Thanks so much to Sara for sharing some time to chat about her work and business.

-----Find more about Sara's business below-----
Instagram - @goldenearthdesigns
Etsy - https://goldenearthdesigns.etsy.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 wheeltalkpodcast@gmail.com.

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 newest line of Mid-Fire glazes at speedballart.com and see them in-person at NCECA 2024 at booth #208 in Richmond, VA.

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 welcome Em (Paz) Stevens to the show to discuss balancing a full time job in the service industry and part time pottery. We get into how her business did in 2023, how she's building out her home studio, funding the build through Kickstarter, setting realistic business goals, and digging into Etsy shop advice. Thanks again to Em for sharing her time with us.

-----Find more about Em's business below-----
Instagram - @pazfuldesigns
Website - https://www.pazfuldesigns.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pazfuldesigns
Etsy - https://pazfuldesignsstudio.etsy.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 wheeltalkpodcast@gmail.com.

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 newest line of Mid-Fire glazes at speedballart.com and see them in-person at NCECA 2024 at booth #208 in Richmond, VA.

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 Welcome Em (Paz) Stevens to the show to discuss balancing a full time job in the service industry and part time pottery. Em has a number of questions for us, especially related to how Ryan was able to sell $95k worth of work in a year that averages $35 while selling "part time." We cover a number of topics on this first installment of this chat with Em and we're grateful for her sharing some time with us.

-----Find more about Em's business below-----
Instagram - @pazfuldesigns
Website - https://www.pazfuldesigns.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pazfuldesigns
Etsy - https://pazfuldesignsstudio.etsy.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 wheeltalkpodcast@gmail.com.

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 newest line of Mid-Fire glazes at speedballart.com and see them in-person at NCECA 2024 at booth #208 in Richmond, VA.

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 to chatting just the two of them on today's episode. Most of the discussion involves updating everyone about their busy lives the past few weeks before getting into their time at Clay Con West this January. It was another great year spent with new and old friends and we hope to see you at NCECA 2024 in Richmond, Virginia or next year for Clay Con West 2025 in Saint George, Utah.

Join Ryan's upcoming workshop:
Bookkeeping Workshop with Ryan - Feb 10

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 wheeltalkpodcast@gmail.com.

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 newest line of Mid-Fire glazes at speedballart.com and see them in-person at NCECA 2024 in Richmond, VA.

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 are joined by Joshua Reed from Wellness with Joshua to talk how we can ensure our bodies can hold up long-term as potters and small business owners. Joshua has a varied background in physical therapy, biomechanics, physical training, nutrition coaching, and more to share his expertise with us for long term body care as potters. We hope you get value from our discussion and please let us know what you'd like to hear from Joshua if we have him back in the future.

-----Find more about Joshua’s business below-----
Instagram - @wellnesswithjoshua
Website - https://www.wellnesswithjoshua.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wellnesswithjoshua/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKPQl2fekxd9TXnUtkoWNsg

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 wheeltalkpodcast@gmail.com.

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

Ryan and Becca welcome back Will Donovan of Donovan Pottery to discuss a range of topics, including: sharing end of year recaps, growing your business with help, using paid ads to sell your work, and geeking out on Lord of the Rings. We learn a ton from Will's second time on the podcast and we hope you take some good nuggets into your own practice.

Previous episode with Will
Wheel Talk #181 - Meeting customer demand with Will Donovan of Donovan Pottery

-----Find more about Will’s business below-----
Instagram - @donovanpottery
Website - https://www.donovanpottery.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/donovanpottery/
Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@donovanpots
Clay King - https://www.clay-king.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 wheeltalkpodcast@gmail.com.

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

Ryan & Becca share insights about what they look for when seeking out workshop opportunities to expand their skills. We also share what valuable takeaways we typically come away with once we’re leaving a workshop.

Join Becca or Ryan at a future workshop they are teaching soon:
Throwing Efficiency with Becca - Jan 10
Selling at In-Person Shows with Ryan - Jan 25
Bookkeeping Workshop with Ryan - Jan 29 & Feb 10
Throwing Oil Bottles with Ryan - Apr 10

What would you do if…
a more famous ceramicist copied one of your designs.

Listener Questions
On this episode:
- What product or what system do you use to package and ship your pottery? I believe I heard Amy Brummond’s episode where both Amy and Ryan mentioned they used the ram pack system. I’ve been looking for a good packaging system and I was wondering where you purchased it. @kevinsceramics

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 wheeltalkpodcast@gmail.com.

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 & Becca try a different approach on today's episode to discuss some of their top performing (and worst) Instagram Reels over the past 6 months. We chat about what we think made them so successful, some takeaways to think about as we produce content for future reels, and why some just completely flopped. We hope this is a useful discussion as you think ahead to content creation and finding interesting snippets of the work we all do in clay.

Listener Questions
On this episode:
- I have a kiln question. I have 3 kilns (one currently working) but it has a manual sitter that I have to flick switches on. Can I, or rather how difficult (or expensive) would it be to switch it over to a digital. Is it even possible or worth it? For reference I have a Gare kiln (3.5cu ft I think) with a LT-3K sitter. @grit.an.grace
- My question is related to studio visits by potential clients. If/when and how to manage them, especially when it comes to time spent and energy spent on visits when you're in the middle of projects and aren't really in the mood to have visitors. I know that some ceramists do a 'open studio' once a year, and others don't do visits at all. Maybe you could talk a little about your thoughts about the importance or non-importance of having visitors in a home studio, which type of boundaries you think are important to set, and different possibilities of managing studio visits to the curious client.  @peakstonepottery

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 wheeltalkpodcast@gmail.com.

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 & Becca welcome Noah Smith to the show today to chat about getting a community studio up and running very recently in Portland, Oregon. Noah's been making pottery for a few years, but has recently embarked on opening Heirloom Ceramic Studio in the Sellwood neighborhood outside Portland. We chat about the growth so far, how he's enjoying the teaching & managing side of the business, his offerings, and how he's planning for the long term of the studio with his local community in mind. Thanks to Noah for joining us on this very enjoyable conversation!

-----Find more about Noah's business below-----
Instagram - @nws_ceramics & @heirloomceramicstudio
Website - https://www.nwsceramics.com/ & https://www.heirloomceramicstudio.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 wheeltalkpodcast@gmail.com.

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 & Becca discuss leaving early for in-person shows from a recent experience Ryan had at a show before wrapping up their key takeaways from their year, even though there’s still a few weeks left in it. They get into goals, money, & possible plans for next year. Thanks for listening and have a great holiday season everyone!

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 wheeltalkpodcast@gmail.com.

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 & Becca have some thoughts today about how to handle negative feedback, whether it's a customer, fellow business owner, business you partner with, or otherwise. Handling these situations can be pretty tricky and we hope you get some good insight from today's discussion. Thanks for listening!

Listener Questions
On this episode:
- What's the best way to ship out 60 or more packages? Do you need to contact the post office? Do you just show up with a mischievous smile? Would scheduling a post office home pick-up thing (which I haven't ever actually done) possibly be better? @bluenosetrading
- I just finished a 3 day holiday show at a brewery (best sales to date🙌) and received an email from a customer that bought 2 of my carved winter mugs. She said when she unwrapped them the following day she saw one of them had chipped. She mentioned she was careful with her bag and knew I wrapped them up but asked if there was anyway I would replace the mug for her, and said she could maybe pay for shipping. - Have you come across this before and how did you handle it? - Does the type of item play a factor into your response? (These mugs sold out so I’d be making another for her specifically. -She spent $105 with me, before tax) - I’m reading this like she wants the replacement for free. Would you make a free replacement for the sake of keeping a positive customer experience/return orders? Vs customer having negative experience (even if based on false expectations) that could leave a bad review etc? @moonlight_mud

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 wheeltalkpodcast@gmail.com.

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 & Becca welcome Henrik Van Ryzin today from VanTiki Studios. He shares a wealth of knowledge about his evolution from a special effects artist to a full time ceramic artist focused in mold making & slip casting. Henrik and his wife Denise focus on producing ceramic tiki mugs and other goods that share their love of tiki with customers all over the world. Check out his YouTube channel for in-depth knowledge about the technical side of his slipcast and mold-making process.

-----Find more about Henrik's business below-----
Instagram - @vantiki
Website - https://vantiki.com/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/vantikistudio
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/vantiki

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 wheeltalkpodcast@gmail.com.

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 & Becca get deep into kilns on today's episode to give some insight into how you may choose your next kiln based on your studio production. They cover a range of kiln body sizes from the L&L & Skutt lines, as well as a few others along the way. Good luck if you're in the market for a kiln and let us know if you have any questions to help you make the decision a little easier. Enjoy!

Listener Questions
On this episode:
- Do you use Etys ads? If so, how do you decide what listings are best to advertise, and how much money to put into ads? Thanks friends @bluenosetrading
- I would love to get a larger kiln when I expand my studio space next year and I’m totally sold on an L&L! But I don’t know which kiln to get. Can y’all do a segment (sponsored or not) on kiln sizes? I currently have a Skutt 822. Not sure I could get a much taller kiln because I’m short (5’2”) but really am outgrowing the kiln size. What’s a great next size up for potters who do “semi-production” work? @thepotterymason

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 wheeltalkpodcast@gmail.com.

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 & Becca are back together this week to recap some of the points discussed last week on Becca's solo episode about her shows. To relate back to a more broad topic, Ryan get's into what he feels influences buyers to purchase from you at shows. Hopefully you were able to reflect on your booth set-up and interactions at shows to see where you're doing well and maybe some areas of improvement. Thanks for listening!

Listener Questions
On this episode:
- As the holiday season is gearing up, I’ve been trying to figure out how to maximize my time/output in the studio so I can take advantage of the additional shopping/spending this time of year, especially because I know January-April will be the slow season.   Do you make any changes to your studio schedule/the way you allocate your time to make sure you’re making the most of the holiday season? For instance, would you take vacation time from your full time job so that you can increase production in the studio during these month? Also, do you change your focus once January hits? For instance, do you focus on reaching out to wholesalers, focus on online updates, etc since there are less in person markets? @marg.ceramics

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 wheeltalkpodcast@gmail.com.

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

Becca shares some thoughts on her drive back to Indianapolis after a show weekend in Louisville, KY. She covers some thoughts around what a positive show looks like for her, how she's feeling about shows this year, and how she plans to move forward. We hope you enjoy this raw solo episode with Becca and stick around next week when Ryan shares some thoughts about it.

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 wheeltalkpodcast@gmail.com.

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 & Becca answer a frequent listener questions about how to keep your studio clean, from handling water usage, clay dust, reclaim, equipment, managing a packing & shipping station, and how we can make the space sustainable for the long term. Enjoy and happy cleaning!

Resources
For Flux Sake Podcast
Safety in the Ceramics Studio by Jeff Zamek

Listener Questions
On this episode:
- How do you know when it’s time to change thermocouple? I have a Skutt. The metal part of thermocouple looks black and dropping black flecks inside kiln. One person I asked said “wait until it fails and kiln will tell you”. Not sure I want to risk a kiln load of firing that way. Do you have a better recommendation? @sarahhagopian
- Health, safety and cleanliness in a (shared) studio space @annaduweke

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 wheeltalkpodcast@gmail.com.

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 & Becca share some updates about their lively week together before getting to some listener questions and finally the topic for today: building partnerships with companies. There's no copy and paste message you can send out to the companies you'd like to partner with, but you can certainly be yourself and share how you'd make a great person to talk about their products. Best of luck if you're thinking about reaching out to some companies for collaborations.

Listener Questions
On this episode:
- Hello, love the podcast and have been listening since the beginning! This is my first question on the show. SO, I was vending a show this past weekend and dealt with a very rude, disrespectful person which was unfortunately one of the other vendors. I've had unpleasant customers before but this was another level especially since it was a vendor. Since then I've been thinking about it and wish I had handled it differently... I was very passive/defensive but wish I went on the offense a bit more. So the question is how do you deal with a toxic person at an event? Thank you! @earthengoat

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 wheeltalkpodcast@gmail.com.

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