Mark C. Posted November 23, 2016 Report Share Posted November 23, 2016 As a functional studio potter for over 4 decades I thought I would share my current forms list with you This list does not cover all pots I currently make like two size square plates and two size dinner plates-thats why there are blank lines in the form. I also make several sizes of different forms not on the list like small rectangle baking dishes for example. As the list changes over the years and I add a form I try to take one off. The list is currently at 35 lines and I have a few extras-Not so many years ago I did not make sponge holders but had pincushions . I like to hold the line at 30 some forms no more. Once you have mastered a form and it sells well you start to build your list. These are forms I offer my outlets -not all outlets but some Keep your list fluid to what works for both parties-wholesale or consignment or retail at shows for yourself. I have another list for limited forms like say a wholesale mug outlet.I'm currently in a New large Natural Foods store in a small town I always wanted to have a outlet in (think Whole foods like)I started working on this deal with the owner when store was a set of blueprints and just an idea. Now in my 4th month its about 1k a month in mug sales with a 60/40 split turning to whole sale next year for mugs and sponge holder only.I go there every two weeks to fill stock orders. This list is longer than most potters have but I have been at this a long while.When something slows down It off the list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dhPotter Posted November 23, 2016 Report Share Posted November 23, 2016 Excellent, Mark C. Thank You for the insight into your business. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glazenerd Posted November 23, 2016 Report Share Posted November 23, 2016 Mark: For the record, only NERDs use forms. Nerd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark C. Posted November 23, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 23, 2016 On another note a home office is also needed-it can be a small space but I need a word program a computer with a printer/copier and a cup of coffee. The great news on this space is -its just like your studio space all a write off in square footage in . terms as a percentage of whatever covered space you have. For an example lets say you have a small house and for this example your studio and home are totaling 1000 square feet the studio and home office are 30% of that thousand square feet. Your write off against things like heat and taxes and homeowners insurance all utilities like garbage and phone would be 30%. I just am throwing this in there for you folks who have a business in clay. This does not apply to hobbyists who do not sell work or have a business. It also means bookkeeping-lots of record keeping. Back to the forms list-I make these in rotation depending on whats needed. I make a list of needs at the end of a art show and work from that unless one or more outlet request certain forms which I make as needed.I tend to have a van full of all the forms all the time and work on filling any holes in that stock . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joy pots Posted November 23, 2016 Report Share Posted November 23, 2016 Good list. I have several, 1 for pricing, 1 for sizing & a similar one like yours. A hint save them on a stick or disc or separate drive. Our computer just crashed with no recovery I lost the most recent invoices but have paper copies. Joy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark C. Posted November 24, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 24, 2016 Joy I keep a pile of printed sheets so I could scan them in a crash but I have a better back up than that as well. I have yet too have a crash on any of my macs since the really 90s and I have a time machine that automatically backs up onto a 2-3 tera disc.Good computers cost more but I found they are worth it.My last one was 5k but it has all the bells and whistles . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcia Selsor Posted November 24, 2016 Report Share Posted November 24, 2016 I am going to have to scale down. I have one sunroom for storage/packing and another sunroom for photographing, plus a studio and kiln shed. It is, as mark says, a great tax deduction. Hope everyone has a happy holiday. We have macs and time machine too. It is a real life saver if you get a virus and have to delete to before the contact. Then just start it at that time. Marcia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark C. Posted November 25, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 25, 2016 Having a list of weights for specific forms is a given . I keep mine at the scale next to wedging table. After many years you know the weights well and do not need your list much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcia Selsor Posted November 27, 2016 Report Share Posted November 27, 2016 I had Joy pots confused with another Joy from Wyoming. Many apologies.That Joy will visit me in Montana. Marcia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark C. Posted December 4, 2016 Author Report Share Posted December 4, 2016 It will be a joy either way Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcia Selsor Posted December 4, 2016 Report Share Posted December 4, 2016 it will be. I have so many friends up North. and Joy is one of them even if she is a new friend through Potters Council. marcia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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