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From the Studio

what's new in the studio?

{hot from the kiln}

Don't Quit Your Day Job

10/14/2012

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I


I didn’t – quit my job, that is.  Sorry to ruin the suspense, but as of this posting I am still employed (albeit part-time) by an absolutely wonderful environmental consulting firm in New Jersey.  And this, I have to admit, is a really good thing, because even though environmental consulting is no longer my chosen career path  (crossing my fingers), the job pays the bills and funds my “hobby” until my business actually becomes profitable.


High-relief Celtic Knot Tile
High-relief Celtic knot tile. Black glaze (wiped off surface) on buff clay with clear coat. (One of first attempts at tile making.)
Ground Ivy TileGround Ivy leaf impression tile on speckled clay. Black glaze with clear coat.
Yes, I am probably crazy: I actually want to sell my art (or crafts, as some would call my designs) in these “tough economic times”, and at some point down the line actually bring in enough to make Blue Willow Studio my full-time occupation.  I realize that the statistics are against me in terms of success, but who knows, maybe I will reach my goal!  In either case, I expect the process will be an amazing experience, and so in that aspect, this venture is definitely worth while.

The purpose of this blog is to document my progress in 1) generally starting up a small business to sell arts and crafts, and 2) gaining experience as a ceramics artist.  There a number of very helpful resources out there that address business startup, ceramics and stained glass (see the “Resources” page).  But at points along the way, I will probably run into questions where an answer is not readily available, or so seemingly insignificant that no one has documented it, though the problem has considerably hindered my progress (maybe I’m just slow).  Hopefully, though, the information I gather will help other beginners on their way, and perhaps I will be able to throw some ideas out there that have not been covered elsewhere (what are the chances?).



As a final note, my adventures in ceramics (tile making) began slowly a few years ago, though I still consider myself very much a beginner.  Therefore, I will have to backtrack on some of my posts to cover important steps in the process that occurred before this blog was conceived.


Enjoy!

Picture
Ceramic tile with carved Celtic knot design. One of my first tile making attempts.
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    Don't Quit Your Day Job

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