Wheel Talk
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 number of guests with you also. Please join us for some Wheel Talk!
Wheel Talk
#325 - Planning Ahead for Seasonal Sales Lulls
In this episode, Ryan and Becca answer a listener’s question about how to prepare for slow sales months and boost online shop performance during Q1. They share strategies for connecting in-person show customers with online buyers, building momentum for website sales, and navigating seasonal lulls. Ryan also recaps recent pottery events, including successful sales at the Columbus Coffee Festival and upcoming travel plans, while Becca shares about leading a pottery painting event at Speedball that drew over 70 participants. They also touch on the launch of PotSwap, pottery business strategies like pricing and inventory management, and the importance of balancing studio time with marketing, rest, and setting boundaries for long-term sustainability.
Maker of the Moment
- Spinning Silica Art Collective - @spinningsilica
- Autumn Aslakson - @aslaksonpottery
Listener Questions
- What are some strategies I can implement now, to bring in some sales in the very slow Q1 of 2026? More specifically, I’d like to focus on selling my work on my website, which I launched last year in November. @csdhart_ceramics
Sponsors
L&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.com
Speedball Ceramics - Check out the brand-new Speedball Boss Ribs, designed to make centering on the wheel easier and more accessible for all potters. Available now in multiple colors, exclusively at Clay King. Explore the full Speedball Ceramics lineup at speedballart.com
Soolla® - The brand-new Studio Pouch from Soolla is the perfect sidekick to your studio bag, designed to keep your favorite tools organized and close at hand. Available in eleven colors and durable, machine-washable canvas. Find your new studio bag at soolla.co and save 15% at checkout with coupon code "WHEELTALK" (exclusions may apply).
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@wheeltalkpodcast
@rdceramics
@5linespottery
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