Clay Tile Mom Posted January 13, 2016 Report Share Posted January 13, 2016 I was conflicted as to put this under business and marketing, or making/studio op. It does pertain to making so here I am. I did my first wholesale show last march, and I am gearing up to do my second one this march. I kept my line very basic last year, because I really wanted to see how it went. I did great, and my line was well received. I stamp images onto hand built work. I have a mug line which is mid range porcelain, and an earthenware line of two small trays, and a 11 inch oval platter and small bowl. I also have little pendants. I am currently in a situation where a few people have suggested that I make a large bowl or platter, or a large vase.. One of the suggesters is the person who curates and puts on the gift show. She says I have a gap at the high end of my line. I have prototyped all three of these, and I just don't feel like they are ready design wise for me to release them wholesale. At least, I keep making up excuses and reasons why they just don't fit with the rest of the work. Reason 1: If I am going to do a large platter, I think it should be stoneware like the mugs. This platter will not go with the earthenware platters I already have in my wholesale line. I want it to go with the dinnerware line that I have been designing, but have yet to develop. I could do a platter and pitcher duo in porcelain, but I see it glazed very different from the mugs. Reason 2: I have a few other small items that I would like to bring out with the work this year. A cup and a tumbler to go with the mugs. And a ring dish and medium bowl to go with the earthenware. I am running out of time. Here is my question: Should I bust my butt and bang out the platter(and pitcher) set before I feel like they are really ready. Or stick with just the NEW smaller items and leave a gap in the line at the very top end? I would consider all of the items I currently have in the middle and low price range. you can preview my work at http://jessteesdale.com/portfolio/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark C. Posted January 13, 2016 Report Share Posted January 13, 2016 All you work is on the small to meduim size. I would think covering the larger size would do you the most good. You already have small down. my 2 cents All the work looks pressed or hand built no throwing right ,so I assume this will be true with the larger forms . Is this why you are hesitant to do the larger stuff? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clay Tile Mom Posted January 13, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 13, 2016 I actually do production wheel throwing for another potter. My work is all hand built. I do have a new wheel thrown bowl that I have been making for a customer. But throwing more than 3-4 pounds is difficult for me. I really do not like throwing large on a regular basis. and I do not think that my personal thrown work is very me. I have a hump mold for a 14" square platter and I made one out of the midrange porcelain. I do not want to make it out of earthenware. Mostly because I use commercial earthenware glazes and it will use a pint to glaze one. I know thats a lame excuse. The durability is also a factor. See how I just have all of these excuses. I will make a few more large platters tonight to see how it goes. I do like the idea of 6 mugs on the platter as a set... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Campbell Posted January 13, 2016 Report Share Posted January 13, 2016 There is nothing wrong with waiting until YOU are ready to present this design. For some reason you are calling your analysis ''excuses' rather than 'good reasons'. You are the artist and you will still be around for next years show and the one after that. You can also send emails to your clients announcing a NEW design at any time of year and they will be happy to hear it. Just my opinion mind you ... Try not to be rushed into selling something you might dislike making all year long. It could end up being a best seller! : - ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark C. Posted January 13, 2016 Report Share Posted January 13, 2016 I agree with Chris above do the testing and do not rush into a new item until you are sure of it working. The next years show will be here sooner than you think. I made my comment after looking at your line for sale and seeing whats not there in it more than any other thing. On the plus side small things sell better anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.