dnarthun

I work on a pretty tight schedule, so often there's not really the time before the show to take photos, and usually if it's something I want photos for, it all sells at the show. But I am planning to take some of my downtime to fire and do photography without having to rush things off to a show right afterwards

I already commented, but later the topic got me thnking about whether I did have a piece I regret having been sold. I remembered a sentimental favorite from when I was in art school. Gas-fired terra cotta, no glaze.  I made this for my parents--representing my maternal grandmother who would sit on her porch to  "snap beans" for dinner. It was sold when my last parent died and everything was being licquidated. I was in a bad place at the time and couldn't deal with wanting anything, or driving south for 5 hours to get anything, and so it is gone. But I found a photo!! 

I am so bad at remembering to take photos! I often take photos while I'm at shows, because the pieces are out and on display

In my experience, teaching is not a good way to supplement your income as a potter. Teachers get paid very little! Even if you are a star who can teach weekend workshops that command a high fee, the ceiling on income is very low compared to how much you can earn for making/selling pots at a good quality art fair or craft show. Teaching is also very time-consuming, if you care about a doing a good job that is. I did one workshop near the end of the pandemic, only because there were no shows to do at the time. I enjoyed it, just to be around people again. But the amount of work and the pay involved is not something I would choose over doing shows. 
The pay for teaching weekly classes to recreational potters is even worse! When I reached a point in my pottery business where I could no longer teach weekly classes AND keep up with demand for my pots, it was a no brainer to drop the classes. I can see how it might be worth it if you OWN the classroom studio and also teach the classes, but not if you are just an employee.
These days I produce video lessons and sell them online. Once a video is finished, the income is almost totally passive. It’s the only way it makes sense for me to do it within my schedule. 
I don’t have experience teaching college level ceramics. I can see that the income/benefits/stability would actually provide a meaningful living. But I suspect that this is more about being an academic than a potter. Not better or worse per se, just not the same. I taught college level graphics courses a long time ago, and I found the academic environment to be very unpleasant. And the amount I was being paid to teach those classes was much less than I was making for my design work. 

Every Year I push hard at Xmas season all  of November and the 24 days of Dec keeping the galleries and stores stocked and selling at my own booth full of wares as well. I stop sending any mail order out before thanksgiving. Then I pack it up and take at least 6 weeks off from Xmas day to mid to early Feb. Tax prep and tree pruning, clean studio etc.
The start of the new new sales year for me is Dec 26th really that’s when it can either stay sleepy or pick up with mail orders via email
Every year its different. I like the sleepy years-a Hundred-dollar minimum slowed orders a lot 2021 which was the idea.
They seem to always show a theme-from sleepy to busy and now this year-space cadets
So, this year I have had 4 emails asking about pottery in past week and only one follow thru
It’s what I call the new space cadets. I broke a fish plate can I get another as asap. Yes, I have some but you will have to come out to studio, ok no problem, so I send him a photo of 7 choices of what he wants-and 3 days later no response. Packed them up and moved on today. The next two where a bit like the 1st one. It’s the new  world order of I want it but not really .
Wholesale is a bit more work but no space cadets. I'm starting to like the separation from the cadets
Today’s order is looking solid ,4 huge mugs to Ma. I do not want to count these chickens before they hatch
Wens update  Mugs got paid  for and shipped today of to MD
I hope this ends the space cadet run

Over time I realized that the idea that someone would enjoy something I made was the feel good I enjoyed most. So sold or given as a gift I am addicted -zero regrets. Now finding out something is resold at a profit ………… that definitely puts a damper on the feel good part.

i thought the huge, black platter with a pink swirl would be my most visible piece at a show back in the 90s.   visibility counts in a 2 day show where there are many crafts available for the buyers. 
when i set it up on the top shelf, i turned around to get another pot and saw a man about 50 feet away look at it and begin to walk fast toward me.   he bought it before i had a chance for a photo.  fortunately, he set the tone for that event and i sold most of my work.

has happened to me.  and then realized i forgot to take photos.  take photos of everything!!!  hard to remember sometimes what made something new so special!!

Normally I have no attachment but there have been several pieces in the last few months that I wish would have stayed around longer because they looked great to me and I priced them higher, they all sold immediately and my display is left with the "boring" work.
How do you deal with/feel about the ones that are "elevated"?
 

Last year's Open Studio event, to my eye, a medium jar was the "best of show."
A well-known watercolor artist (well known locally) visiting my Studio, was reaching for that jar before finishing her first sweep of the main display with her eyes.
"Oh, I'm taking this one."
The following weekend, well-known local potters (I believe they do more volume than any other Los Osos potters...) visiting my Studio reached for the teapot set right away.
"I want this."
It was, my opinion, the "best of show" at that point.
I did feel bit sorry to see them go; on the other hand, I still feel a glow that someone else saw the same "best pot" that I was seeing.
 

On a yappy and love your new images in the gallery.
One thing about working with clay, your mind gets totally centred in the process.
Take care.