Wheel Talk – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, Ryan and Becca recap their time at the Michiana Pottery Tour before answer a few listener questions. Questions include handling commission inquiries and the best way to turn them down, business startup basics (registering a business name and setting up a bank account), and pricing for custom wholesale requests, like adding a stamped logo to mugs, and how to account for the extra work. We hope you enjoy!

Resources
Kohler Residency Program https://www.kohlercompany.com/social-impact/arts/
Wheel Talk #188 - Answering your tax questions with Jamie Boyack from Aloha Friday CPA

Listener Questions
On this episode:
- Hey Ryan & Becca! I would love to hear how you handle commission inquiries, and specifically when turning one down. Do you educate the customer on why? Help them understand the pottery process? Or is it better to keep it short and sweet? @moonlight_mud
- Hey guys! love your show! I was wondering if you have done a show going over a check list on business start up? things like registering a business name, setting up a business bank account and getting a EIN Tax number... If so can you tell me which Episode? thanks for all your help! Kelli Fahey @wild.whim.vt
- I’ve been asked to add a stamp to a wholesale mug order…I think I can do it without a sprig…just stamped into the mug maybe with underglaze in the recessed parts…maybe not. I was wondering how much you add to the price for these requests. @overbrookclay

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.

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 tackle a range of listener questions, offering valuable insights for potters with varied years of experience. They start by sharing their experience with mystery boxes—how many pieces to include, what types of pottery work well, and why they’re such a hit with customers. The discussion then shifts to kiln firing programs, where they weigh in on their preferred settings and how switching from default programs can elevate your work. A thoughtful question about the heat retention of glazed versus unglazed mugs sparks a conversation on the factors that influence functionality, from material to shape and thickness. To wrap up, they offer practical advice for managing inventory after shows and preparing for multi-day events, ensuring your booth and work stay in top shape.

Resources
https://www.mightysink.com/
https://manychat.com/
Etsy's Creativity Standards related to "mystery boxes"

Listener Questions
On this episode:
- I wondered if you could give more insight into mystery boxes. How many pieces do you put in them? What kinds of pieces? How much do you sell them for? And what’s the lure for the customer? I’m thinking of including a few in an upcoming show and wanted to see if you had any guidance. I know they’re a success for Ryan. Thank you as always for anything you can offer! @thepotterymason
- I was wondering if you guys have ever done an episode on kiln firing programs? I use the default on my L&L kiln (which I LOVE, btw), but I’m thinking of moving to a different one and would love to hear what you and Becca do. Cheers 🍻 @jelo.designs
- I had a customer email me a weird question about heat retention in my mugs. Basically, she used an unglazed mug at a hotel and liked the way it retained heat and asked if my glazed mug would be the same way. I asked a handful of potters and got a lot of eye rolling….because….realllllly??? And most expressed dismay at her drinking out of an unglazed pot. Anyway, I told her that I believe unglazed pottery has more even heat distribution, but I am not sure that affects retention. I also told her that the shape and thickness of the mug may also be a contributing factor. Any thoughts on this? Oh- then she emailed me back again and asked if I have ever tested the heat retention and how it compared to other mugs. Now, I am eye rolling! @selvageandbriar
- Do you have episodes on either of the following: 1. How to manage inventory after a show so it doesn’t take a week to open your online store back up? 2. I’m doing my first 2 day show. Do you have any suggestions? Do I leave everything out overnight? Pack up the pottery and displays and leave the tent? Etc. etc. etc. Thanks! @jelo.designs

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

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 tackle a listener question today about the importance of having a cohesive style in pottery. Two Sisters Pottery includes a sibling duo creating work in varying styles today. We discuss the balance between creative freedom and branding, offering insights on how diverse styles can coexist within a single pottery business. Thanks for listening!

Listener Questions
On this episode:
- I’ve been doing pottery for several years now, but just got into doing it full time and making larger scale works (8lb+). I noticed when I have days I’m throwing all day that my lower back is just completely spent. Even just bending over the sink is really difficult to maintain balance at the end of a throwing day. I have very, very, very minor scoliosis which might also be contributing to this. I don’t really notice this on days I’m throwing small pots, but only when I’m centering larger amounts. Do you have any tips, tricks, or even certain exercises to minimize physical issues like this? I know Becca has mentioned she has carpel tunnel. I do wrist stretches but am not sure how to position myself so I don’t have that much back pain (other than configuring a standing wheel). I’m only in my mid twenties and want to continue doing this for a long time @Hannahsceramicstudio

- I’m wanting to know your opinion on having a cohesive look throughout your work. I’ve been doing pottery for over 3 years now and still in love with all the techniques that are possible. Maybe there is more cohesiveness than I think but how important is that for a business do you think? This is my sister and my page as she also does pottery. Her style is much more whimsical and there’s also not many of her works as she doesn’t do this nearly as much as I do. Thanks for answering! Love the podcast!! -Natalie Deters, Two Sisters Pottery

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:

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 get into how they have each planned and hosted their own home studio sale. A lot of makers host a small (or large) sale from their home or studio to give the public access to an intimate setting to shop for the holidays or otherwise. It can be a big or small undertaking depending on what you'd like out of it and could be worth a try for you. Enjoy!

Listener Questions
On this episode:
- Just curious if you have an episode taking about how you named each of your businesses? @jessie.buckingham
- I had a question with regards to the home sale that Ryan does. Is there any episodes on how to go about doing that process? I have a nice big home studio so I’d like to host an open studio sale for Christmas but I have no idea where to even start! @passionateartsandcrafts
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].

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month:
https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Support Becca’s Patreon https://patreon.com/superpotlady if you want to get better and more efficient in your making process, plus she knows her shit!

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.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 are covering what to look out for when buying used equipment, specifically kilns and wheels. We mainly cover some consideration the think about when you're shopping for kilns: electrical, kiln quality, pricing, where to look, etc. We also go through some sample listings on Facebook Marketplace to share what we are thinking as we consider buying them. We hope you enjoy today's episode.

Resources
Cincinnati Coffee Festival
@trevorclayworks
#67 - Buying & selling pottery wheels
#69 - Kilns, Kilns, Kilns

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].

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month:
https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Support Becca’s Patreon https://patreon.com/superpotlady if you want to get better and more efficient in your making process, plus she knows her shit!

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.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 are way off topic for today's episode talking about some new happenings for them both before getting to business. A couple listener questions are answered about handbuilding & asking fellow artists their sales at a show before getting to the topic of the day where we think about how we are going to share a booth space at the upcoming Cincinnati Coffee Festival.

Resources
@ashenwrenceramics
Cincinnati Coffee Festival

Listener Questions
On this episode:
- So I have a question or two I just wanted to throw your direction and to see if you guys have episodes that discuss this, or know of other artists that may specialize in extrusion pieces. We just got a new extruder at my college studio and I was curious if you guys had any extruder die ideas or maybe shapes that you found useful or interesting to play with? @the_untortured_artist
- I love the transparency of you both sharing what your sales are after a show. My price range is from $4 to $65. I have a lot of lower priced items for sale. My average sale per person at my most recent show was $28. I have been scoffed at by other potters at art shows for offering lower priced items. At my most recent show I was one sale away from having $6,000 in sales. It was a 2 day show. I really would like to know how my sales compared to other potters at the show who offer only higher priced items. My question is have you asked other potters at a show how much their sales were? If so how do you go about it? Keep in mind that these are juried art shows and a lot of them act like they think their #%*! don't stink. @TheWateringCanPottery

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].

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month:
https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Support Becca’s Patreon https://patreon.com/superpotlady if you want to get better and more efficient in your making process, plus she knows her shit!

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.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 sit down with Sarah Anderson to talk all about social media, inspiration behind her graphical work, selling at various art shows, accepting commissions, applying for gallery shows, van life, & a bit more. It was a good time covering such a range of topics with an up and coming ceramic artist who is local to us.

-----Find more about Sarah’s business below-----
Instagram - @sarahandersonceramics
Website - https://www.sarahandersonceramics.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sarahandersonsart/
Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@sarahandersonceramics/
Ceramics Monthly Article - https://ceramicartsnetwork.org/ceramics-monthly/ceramics-monthly-article/capturing-the-story
Mobile Makers Clay - https://www.mobilemakersclay.com/
Marret Metzger - @marretmetzger

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].

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

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 cover a topic raised from a listener question today about storing and managing inventory in the studio. We cover a range of ways to keep track of work for shows, tips for packing, and using what you have to keep your work tidy without having to buy all new storage containers. We hope you enjoy after hearing about our recent life happenings to start the episode.

What would you do if...
you woke up at 8:30am for a 10am show that’s 30 mins away?

Listener Questions
On this episode:
- I am going to Europe in the spring of next year to visit a friend and decided to check off my bucket list and am taking a pottery course for two weeks in Italy! I am so excited but really nervous about getting the pieces I made back to Canada. My husband and I will be traveling for another three weeks afterwards, going to different countries so having them in my luggage makes me nervous for weight and breakage. My husband thinks I should ship them back home from Italy but trying to find shipping supplies and not speaking Italian seems really daunting plus it would be very expensive. What would you guys do? @alexa.michelle.pottery
- Idk if y’all have done an episode on how to store/organize your inventory. But I’m just starting to selling and I’m a bit overwhelmed on where to start. I don’t have much room so I’m limited on shelving space. But keeping stuff in boxes might be difficult to keep organized.  @palmetto_mud_pottery

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].

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month:
https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Support Becca’s Patreon https://patreon.com/superpotlady if you want to get better and more efficient in your making process, plus she knows her shit!

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.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 are fresh off their interview with Tim See to talk about what they got out of the discussion that could be incorporated into their businesses. Hopefully this is a good exercise for you to reflect internally or with a friend after hearing discussions that could make your studio practice or business better.

Resources
#131 - "We're LIVE!" at Clay Con West
Clay Con West - Jan 13-15, 2023
The Maker's Playbook
Tales of the Red Clay Rambler
Brickyard Network

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].

Support the show on Patreon for as little as $3 per month:
https://patreon.com/Wheeltalkpodcast

Support Becca’s Patreon https://patreon.com/superpotlady if you want to get better and more efficient in your making process, plus she knows her shit!

Follow us on Instagram:
@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery

Visit our website:
www.wheeltalkpotcast.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 have a great time chatting today with Tim See from Tim See Ceramics. He is known for his robotic illustrative work, Facebook commentary in the Clay Buddies group, & hilarious personality. We cover such a wide range of topics across our 3 hours of discussion and it was such a fun ride. We hope you enjoy!

-----Find more about Tim's business below-----
Instagram - @timseeclay
Website - http://www.timseeceramics.com/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTkXls_DXtwl9f2lt5qmosw
Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/TimSeeClay/
Facebook group - Beginners Throwing Class with Tim See
Facebook group - Tim's Pottery Sale Group

Resources
Ceramics Monthly Workshop Logistics - https://kiefferceramics.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/kieffer-workshop-logistics-2020-cm.pdf

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].

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

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