Five Months into My Life as a Studio Potter

One of my new favorite pieces
that arrived last week

I've been in my new life for five months now.  And I love it.  I feel inspired on a daily basis. I find plenty of opportunities to interact with others despite having a home office.  And I use my education and work experience day in and day out.  I thank God I'm  able to use my degree- major and minor- and the roundness of my Berry College liberal arts education on a daily basis.   I find myself reaching back into my college days and using tidbits from here and there- and of course slide into my marketing/pr/business persona on a routine basis.  It feels good to be me.

There have been lots of surprises and lots of lessons.  I'll share a few here to help me remember them- and remember how far I've come.

1. I almost never get migraines anymore.  I had one last week which reminded me, that was the first one I've had in 2012. I focus on my health and well being much more now and it has been very rewarding for me. (Yet, I still didn't stop working when I got the migraine- I need to adjust my attitude about working through pain I think!)   I go to a gym regularly, play tennis sporadically, walk and even run sometimes.  I feel good most of the time and can pretty much do anything I want to physically.

2. I truly believe anyone who wants to can start a business and be successful.  Yet, it takes some very important ingredients.  Knowledge of and talent in your field.  Ability to run and sustain a business.  Motivation, Motivation, Motivation.  Love and the willingness to press forward are huge in self employment.

3. Impatience is bad.  I have the tendency to be incredibly impatient.  At the beginning of the year, I was so concerned about doing well and seeing fruits of my labor that I lost sight of my end goal.  Rather than focusing on the task at hand (make pots!) I focused on things I couldn't control (when will my kiln come in!) and lost productive juices on uncontrollable issues.

4. The first year is like a practice round.  I'm figuring out the show schedules, finding my pace, seeing trends in the online world and trying new promotions and marketing tactics.  And even though I've been a potter for a couple years, this feels like my very first year since it's the first year I am serious about it.  I've only gotten my feet wet before now and am slowly wading in.  There's so much out there for artists and I'm slowly learning more and more about this field.

5. Leaving room for creativity is crucial.  My work has to evolve if only for my professional satisfaction- but it also helps with keeping viewers interested.  So, allowing time to experiment and try new things even if they fail is so important to me.  It makes me happy (even if it fails) and adds a flavor to my days.

6. Planning and organization are key.  I'm a list person.  But I often loose my lists now that I don't have the structure that comes with an office and a desk.  Keeping things in order and planning out my week, days and hours are important to keep myself on track.  Firing schedules are time consuming and very inflexible so making sure I am respectful of that and take the time to properly prepare for each day makes my ability to create much much better.

7. Distractions are almost impossible to eliminate- multitasking is a reality.  Sure I could crate my dog and make her hold her bladder all day.  I could let the laundry sit and mildew.  I can ignore my phone calls and emails.  I could tell my sister to beat it when she comes for a visit.  But, I actually welcome most of these because they are needed breaks.  My dog makes me get exercise with her twice a day.  My laundry gets dry and is ready for Jon to fold when he gets home (I don't ask him, he just does it!) And my sister keeps me company and sometimes reads to me when she comes by.  My phone and email- I can choose to ignore or operate with muddy fingers.  Really, whatever mood strikes me is how I deal with it!  Though- I do set aside times to give attention to it which helps make sure I don't totally destroy my phone in the studio.

8. I spend so much less money.  The wardrobe of a potter is very relaxed.  I do not dress up daily so my dress clothes are usually clean and ready for me when I have an event- and don't get so tired looking.  I don't drive as much.  I eat breakfast at home everyday and most lunches and dinners.  I rarely see Starbucks.  And I don't need retail therapy as often.  When you are happy, you just need less stuff.  Naturally and mentally.

9.  Home is a wonderful place to be.  I had my sights set on finding a studio outside of my home but I've grown to love it here.  My workspace has everything I need and is in the most convenient place ever.  I actually know when the mail man comes, when the neighbor kids get home from school and what its like to sit on the porch in the morning with a cup of coffee and my computer.

10. I'm exactly where I need to be.  I had doubts in past years about where my life and career were going.  I looked at law school, MBA programs, transferring jobs and taking other positions.  But my sweet husband (fiance then) looked me in the eye as we sat at Paul's Oyster bar and told me he believed in me.  And that was all I needed.  I love him.

So, anyway, here are a couple of new pieces that are in my etsy shop. I've been having a lot of fun playing with porcelain, slip trailing and am about to try a new customized firing schedule that should help my glazes glisten and glow even more.  If you are local, I hope you will come out to Cave Spring this weekend.  The bulk of my show is in the kiln now so it truly will a tent full of brand new pots.

Love, 

Lisa