Behind the wheel: a day in the life of a potter

Ever wondered what a day in the life of a potter looks like? It’s more than just spinning a wheel and shaping clay, It’s a whirlwind of creativity, routine – and the occasional curveball. Here’s a peek into my day in the studio, where I juggle the craft, the business, and my furry companions: Dylan, Spotty, and Stripey.

0600 – 0630: rise and shine

I’m up and ready to start the day. First things first – feeding my trusty dog, Dylan, and my two gorgeous cats Spotty and Stripey. They never fail to remind me that breakfast is always on time.

0630 – 0730: run or strength training

Next, I hit the pavement for a run or focus on strength training. Pottery might seem calm, but it’s surprisingly physical so this hour of exercise is essential to keep me feeling strong and ready for the day ahead.

0730 – 0830: getting ready

Shower, change, and I’m prepared for a day of pottery and business.

0830 – 0900: tidy the house

It might seem like a small task, but a tidy space equals a clear mind. It sets the stage for the creative work ahead, and when you’re running a business from home, a tidy house is a must.

0900 – 1000: admin time

Every business has its behind-the-scenes work. For me, this means emails, updating my online shop, scheduling workshops, and making sure everything is running smoothly.

There are plenty of ad-hoc tasks thrown into the mix, like applying for upcoming markets, developing new workshops, or testing new glazes. This is also when I take care of logistics, like dropping off workshop pieces or ensuring any new pieces get to their destinations.

1000 – 1200: clay prep, trimming, glazing, and packing orders

This is when the magic happens! I’m in the studio, prepping clay, trimming pots, glazing, or packing orders. On any given day, I might be doing one or two of these tasks, depending on what stage each piece is at. It’s a busy few hours, but it’s also very rewarding.

1200 – 1230: lunch and Dylan’s walk

Lunchtime arrives, and I usually grab a light meal to recharge. Afterward, Dylan and I head out for a walk. This is my time to clear my head, get some fresh air, and prepare myself for the afternoon’s creative work. A quick stop at the post office to drop off orders is usually on the agenda.

1230 – 1700: throwing, trimming, glazing

This is when I get my hands dirty. Throwing new pots, trimming yesterday’s creations, glazing. This is the heart of the work, where each piece comes to life.

If the kiln is ready to unload, I might take out a batch of freshly fired pieces or load in new ones. It’s a constant cycle that never gets old, as each piece has its own surprises when it comes out of the kiln.

1700 – 1730: tidy up, clean and wash down

At the end of the day, it’s time to tidy up. Cleaning down the surfaces, washing the tools, and sweeping the studio might seem mundane, but it’s essential to maintain a space that’s ready for the next day’s creativity.

1730 – 1800: admin (again!)

Yes, admin makes its return. Sometimes the tasks involve reflecting on my creative work too, like thinking about what went well with pottery pieces or areas for improvement.

1830 – 1930: Dylan’s evening walk

After a day in the studio, Dylan and I head out for our evening walk. It’s the perfect time to reflect on the day and unwind after a long day of creative work.

1930 – 2000: dinner time

After a long, fulfilling day, I’m ready to eat. A simple, hearty meal helps me recharge.

2000 – 2030: house clean, tidy and hoover

Another quick tidy-up around the house. It’s a small task that sets the tone for a peaceful evening and helps me prepare for the next day.

2030 – 2200: relax, read, sleep

Finally, time to unwind. A bit of reading, then it’s off to bed for a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow’s another full day of creativity and hard work. Bring it on!

The unpredictable bits

While I stick to a routine, every day brings a new surprise. Maybe a glaze doesn’t turn out as planned, or a pot breaks in the kiln. Some days, I might need to head out to deliver a workshop, showcase my work at a market, or attend a craft fair.

But that’s part of the fun of being a potter: no two days are the same. While it’s a lot of hard work, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of seeing a finished piece, each one unique, ready to find its place in the world.

If you’ve ever been curious about pottery, try a workshop or check out the new pieces in my online shop.