Do you sketch? In particular, do you sketch out your pottery ideas?

If so, you may already be keeping a sketch journal. If not, check out why sketch journals (aka sketch diaries) can be useful to you as a potter, even if you can't draw.

Personally, my favorite sketch journal materials are a hardbound book of heavy drawing paper (currently I'm using Hand*Books by Global Art Materials) and Staedtler pigment liners (preferably the 0.3 size). I used to use Rapidograph pens, but the pigment liners are easier to use, indelible, lightfast, and waterproof.

If you keep a sketch journal, what are your favorite materials?

Question: "Can you please tell me what kind of color can I mix with the clay to get color slip?"

My answer: If you are using a fairly light-colored clay body and want a slip to use on damp greenware, I'd strongly suggest using that clay to create your slip. That way you know the clay and slip will match when it comes to expansion-contraction coefficients as well as shrinkage.

If you have access to commercial liquid underglazes, those mix well with slip ---- but you do have to use a pretty good amount to color the clay strongly.

You can also add frits or ceramic colorant oxides to the slip. Depending on how what oxide you use, how strongly colored you want your clay, and how much iron and other colorants are already in it, you may need anywhere from 2 to 15% (by dry weight).

Take it in a spirit of experimentation...Have fun, and try different ratios. (You can call it testing if you'd like, but don't get "test anxiety!")

Image Courtesy of Lakeside Pottery

This raku urn and bowl were made by Morty Bachar of Lakeside Pottery. Aren't they beautiful? Morty and Patty Bachar have told us about their experiences this past year with raku, and setting up and teaching raku workshops. Share your own successes and plans as you get ready for 2010!

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Question: "I have found that because of the existing market, people are not spending as much these days. Why should they buy hand made pottery when they can buy 'made in china' so cheaply. Do you have a view on all this? Do you have any advice on how to 'rise above' the typical spending patterns?"

Answer: I don't really write on marketing pottery (or other crafts and arts) --- Maire Loughran, the Arts / Crafts Business Guide, covers those areas. I'd suggest you take a look at her site for all sorts of business info, including marketing. Check out what folks on her forum have to say, and you might also want to keep track of her blog.

My own views are a bit complex. Here is a simplified version: First, know who you want to market to. Second, build in value (which can be a mental value, not a monetary value) into your work.

Do not try to compete on the same playing field as the superstores. You'll lose. Use the value you have built into your work to differentiate your work from mass-produced (or other craftsmen's ) products. Tell prospective buyers why your work is better!

Personally, I find it much less important to me how much I earn as compared to how much I enjoy what I do and how I can help or be of service to others. Plus, I guess I'm rather used to living pretty frugally.

You need to consciously decide on what your own measure of success will be. The next part is to make the goals that meet your concept of success. At that point, you will find it much easier to reach your own success.