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PODCAST

Wheel Talk

Ryan Durbin & Becca Otis

Ryan Durbin (@rdceramics) & Becca Otis (@5linespottery) share their experiences as potters, makers, small business owners, and creatives. Becca is a full time studio potter, while Ryan is a full time website developer and part time potter. We"d love to share our ups and downs along the way as we build our skills as makers and small business owners in an honest, informal manner. We hope to bring you helpful tips we"ve learned over the years, learn from each other, and share expertise from a

business entrepreneurship

All Episodes

151:18

#284 - Reflections on 2024: Business Wins and Challenges

Wheel Talk ·

2025/01/04

Ryan and Becca reflect on their 2024 business journeys, sharing the highs and lows and evaluating whether they met their goals. They dive into their financial strategies, the importance of tracking expenses and income, and the lessons learned along the way. The episode wraps up with a discussion of their unique skills, perspectives, and Ryan’s insights from working with the soda kiln this year.ResourcesTry Hurdlr with Becca's referral code Join Ryan's waitlist for a bookkeeping workshopMaker ...

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119:43

#283 - Essentials for a small studio

Wheel Talk ·

2024/12/28

Ryan and Becca share some strategies for boosting attendance at upcoming workshops, emphasize the value of clear communication and marketing, and offer tips for optimizing studio spaces. They also explores affordable kiln firing options for beginners and introduces an exciting new podcast segment spotlighting emerging potters.Maker of the MomentCasia Joy - @casiajoyartAli Schorman - @ali_schormanListener QuestionsOn this episode:- Just started listing and my first one was the "Hands-on tips f...

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82:39

#282 - Handling problematic customers & soda kiln...

Wheel Talk ·

2024/12/21

Ryan and Becca share candid experiences with challenging customers and explore how their personalities and appearances can shape these interactions. Wrapping up the episode, they discuss the dream of Ryan building a soda kiln in the backyard and the logistics of installing a gas line for the project.Listeners QuestionsOn this episode:- What are you most proud of accomplishing in each of your pottery journeys? @paisleysoulpottery- Can you share some examples of past problematic customers? @bla...

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138:49

#281 - Teaching, digital art & craftsmanship with...

Wheel Talk ·

2024/12/14

Ryan and Becca chat with Bryan Wilkerson, a professor of art and design, about his journey in teaching, digital art, and the Impostors Cup Show. They dive into the challenges of firing techniques, behind the scenes of the Impostors Cup Show, why he likes attending NCECA over the years, and how Bryan uses digital tools to refine his craft while staying rooted in craftsmanship.-----Find more about Bryan’s business below-----Instagram - @bryanwilkerson, @impostorscupWebsite - https://www.bryanwi...

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106:58

#280 - What we're thankful for in the ceramics community

Wheel Talk ·

2024/12/07

In this episode, Ryan and Becca reflect on the many reasons they’re grateful for the ceramics community, from shared knowledge to the friendships formed through clay. They also tackle listener questions about navigating challenging show requirements and making tough choices when sourcing commercial clay bodies. Thanks for your continued contribution to the podcast!Listener QuestionsOn this episode:- I have a show in December and I’m thinking of backing out because they want me to donate 50% o...

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135:28

#279 - Worth it or not worth it

Wheel Talk ·

2024/11/30

In this episode, Ryan and Becca discuss a range of tools, techniques, and business practices that have tried and whether they have been worth it or not worth it. These range from buying a pug mill to mixing your own glazes to selling at pop up events to taking on commission orders. Thanks to Caroline from @revisioniststudio for the topic idea!Listener QuestionsOn this episode:- What is your favorite think to make, why? @ceramics_bymargaretSend us questions so we can answer anything you've bee...

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118:41

#278 - Hands-on tips for teaching short workshops

Wheel Talk ·

2024/11/23

Ryan & Becca share advice about hosting your own 2 hour workshops. Becca has been hosting a number of these recently and has so much to share! Questions include: how much should I charge, what’s reasonable to complete in 2 hours, and how should I structure the class. They both have some good life updates to share as well. Enjoy!Resources#240 - Mobile studiosWhat would you do if...you sent a new wholesaler your wholesale agreement and they declined to sign it?Listener QuestionsOn this epis...

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126:56

#277 - How do you feel about preorders?

Wheel Talk ·

2024/11/16

In this episode, Ryan and Becca answer a few listener questions before diving into the topic of preorders. Inspired by an Instagram story series from @themugmaiden, they discuss Ryan's experience as a customer of a preordered ceramic piece. They also explore the ins and outs of selling preorders, including tips for success and scenarios where offering preorders might not be the best option. ResourcesThe Hatch House Bed & BreakfastCorning Museum of Glass - Corning, NYListener QuestionsOn t...

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103:49

#276 - Turning Ideas into Art: Steal Like an Artist...

Wheel Talk ·

2024/11/09

Ryan and Becca return for the third chapter of the podcast book club, diving into Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative by Austin Kleon. Joined once again by Taylor Swilley, they explore key takeaways and connect the book’s themes to their own lives and businesses.We'll announce our next book club selection later in the year with plans to release the episode in February 2025.A special thanks to Taylor for joining us again and for recording the ads in today’s epi...

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91:16

#275 - Exploring Etsy HQ and brewing success at the...

Wheel Talk ·

2024/11/02

In this episode, Ryan and Becca recap their time at the Cincinnati Coffee Festival, comparing sales, discussing what changed from last year, and exploring the new items Becca introduced. They also share highlights from Ryan’s recent trip to Brooklyn, New York, where he visited Etsy headquarters and attended the in-person Etsy Holiday Pop-Up event in NYC, while enjoying new tiki bars and stand-up comedy with Rachel.Listener QuestionsSend us questions so we can answer anything you've been think...

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141:21

#274 - Big city, small business with Sarah Hussaini...

Wheel Talk ·

2024/10/26

Ryan and Becca chat with Sarah Hussaini of Not Work Related about the challenges of growing her ceramics business in NYC. Sarah shares her journey of hiring and trusting others to maintain quality, balancing high overhead costs, and prioritizing sustainable growth. She also discusses how she evaluates large opportunities, using her Instagram as a portfolio that’s led to exciting collaborations. For those aspiring to go full-time, Sarah offers practical advice on navigating expenses, making sm...

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112:59

#273 - Commissions, business startup tips, and...

Wheel Talk ·

2024/10/19

In this episode, Ryan and Becca recap their time at the Michiana Pottery Tour before they 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!ResourcesMichiana Pottery TourKohler Residency Program https://www.ko...

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112:56

#272 - Listener Q&A: Perfecting mystery boxes and...

Wheel Talk ·

2024/10/12

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 th...

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78:29

#271 - Countdown to Pot Swap 2024: what’s new this year

Wheel Talk ·

2024/10/05

Ryan & Becca are back with a special episode all about #PotSwap2024, our 7th year hosting this global event! We’ve got some exciting changes this year, and we’re covering all the details in today’s episode.Registration opens on Sunday, October 13th at 12 pm EDT and costs $5. It’s first come, first serve, with 1,000 spots for USA/Canada participants and 200 for international participants, so be sure to set a reminder! (We’ve shared a reminder in our Instagram stories @potswapofficial). If ...

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142:54

#270 - Creating monumental installation art with...

Wheel Talk ·

2024/09/28

In this episode, Ryan and Becca welcome Jackie Head, a ceramic artist based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Jackie shares insights from her journey through her BFA at Indiana University Bloomington and her MFA at Alfred University, as well as her experiences in ceramics residencies. Now a working artist, Jackie discusses her large-scale installation projects, including those involving over 600 identical tiles. They dive into the challenges of pricing such jobs, managing time, maintaining communicat...

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89:38

#269 - Workshops, sales, and solving glaze problems

Wheel Talk ·

2024/09/21

In this episode, Ryan and Becca catch up on Ryan's recent shows and his soda-firing workshop, while Becca shares details about her upcoming workshop. They also dive into a discussion on this year's sales trends so far. Later, they shift focus to the topic of the day: Ryan's recent struggles with a couple of problematic glazes. They explore potential causes behind the issues, brainstorm solutions, and discuss the steps Ryan plans to take to resolve them. What would you do if...you're making a ...

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149:09

#268 - Blending military life and ceramics with...

Wheel Talk ·

2024/09/14

Ryan and Becca welcome Delvin Goode of D Goode Art to share his creative evolution while balancing a military career the past 20+ years. We discuss his experience getting an MFA from Fort Hays State University while still serving before getting into his process as well, from blending wheel-thrown and slipcasting to his evolving use of mixed media. Since retiring, he's elevated his experience as a Speedball Professional Artist to work directly for Speedball in a product marketing role. Del off...

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140:02

#267 - Embracing a Creative Life: Big Magic with...

Wheel Talk ·

2024/09/07

Ryan and Becca return for another chapter of the podcast book club, diving into Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert. They’re joined by Taylor Swilley—voice actor by day, potter by night, and cat snuggler in between. Together, they explore key takeaways from the book, discuss thought-provoking concepts, and highlight areas that didn’t quite resonate.Don't miss our next book recap on Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative by Austin Kleon, co...

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98:10

#266 - Creating through health struggles with Aleatha...

Wheel Talk ·

2024/08/31

Ryan and Becca are back to finish their chat with Aleatha Aiken-Sherrer. Aletha flips the interview a bit and starts asking the hosts questions as we get deeper into topics ranging from commission orders to developing a style to being prepared for a busy show schedule. Enjoy!-----Find more about Aleatha's business below-----Instagram - @aleathabeanWebsite - https://aleathabean.etsy.com/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aleathabean/Wheel Talk #147 - Shooting the breeze with Aleatha from alea...

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84:00

#265 - Creating through health struggles with Aleatha...

Wheel Talk ·

2024/08/24

Ryan and Becca welcome back Aleatha Aiken-Sherrer from Aleathabean to chat on a range of topics. Aletha has some insights on using a cheap Amazon pottery wheel to sustain her business the past few years. We also get to hear more about how Aletha lives with Crohn's disease the past few years and how it impacts her business. Come back next week for the rest of our conversation.-----Find more about Aleatha's business below-----Instagram - @aleathabeanWebsite - https://aleathabean.etsy.com/Facebo...

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328 results

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