How to Start a Pottery Business: A Guide for New Makers
Hey there, fellow potter! I'm Ali — founder of Modern Potters, a resource hub for makers who love everything about the ceramic arts. Whether you're just getting your hands muddy for the first time or you're ready to turn your passion into profit, this guide is here to walk you through how to start your own pottery business — the right way.
Let’s get into the clay and strategy.
Starting a Pottery Business
Thinking about launching a pottery business? It’s a great time to do it. More people than ever are seeking handmade, meaningful goods, and pottery fits the bill perfectly. But let’s be real — it’s more than just making beautiful pieces. From setting up your space to selling your work online, there’s a lot to consider. Our goal at Modern Potters isn’t just to sell equipment — we want to equip you with the tools and knowledge to succeed. So let’s talk about what it really takes to get started from the ground up.
1. Create Your Pottery Setup
You don’t need a huge studio or fancy setup to begin. Many potters start at home — in garages, basements, or spare offices, any dedicated space where it’s safe to work with clay.. Starting pottery from home is a great way to experiment and learn without a huge upfront investment. If you're still figuring out your home setup, these guides can help:
When you're ready to level up, explore our kiln guide — or take the Kiln Quiz to find your perfect fit.
2. Hone Your Skills First
Before jumping into the business side, improve your craft.
Focus on quality and style. Your pieces don’t have to be perfect, but they should feel like you. Consistency is key, especially as you scale up production.
From personal experience: when I first started, I thought I’d master it quickly. But it takes real time and dedication. The joy is in the journey — so keep learning, keep experimenting.
3. Sourcing and Equipment
Reliable sourcing and quality tools are non-negotiable when setting up a serious ceramic business.
Material Sourcing: Look into local ceramic supply stores or reputable online distributors for clay, glaze, and raw materials. Joining Reddit communities or Facebook pottery groups can help you discover trusted suppliers near you.
Essential Equipment: While you can get started with handbuilding to save on costs, eventually you’ll want to invest in a dependable pottery wheel and kiln — these will likely be your biggest purchases when starting out. These tools speed up production, allow for consistent results, and open up a wide range of techniques.
- Pottery Wheel: We recommend either the Speedball Clay Boss or Speedball Big Boss for aspiring professionals. They are both really durable and
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Kiln: Here are four kilns we recommend based on your stage:
- Olympic Doll E: Ideal for testing and beginners
- Olympic 1214-120HE: A bigger 120V for at-home potters
- Olympic MAS1823HE Ceramic Kiln: Great for medium batches
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Olympic MAS2327HE Ceramic Kiln: Perfect for production potters or larger work
Whether you’re in a spare room, garage, or basement, make sure your workspace is safe — especially when using kilns. Kilns need proper ventilation, the right voltage, and heat-safe surroundings. Always follow the manufacturer’s setup instructions.
4. Consider the Business Side
You’ve got the skills — now it’s time to think like an entrepreneur. One of the most common questions we hear is: can you make money selling pottery? The short answer? Yes — especially when you blend creativity with business smarts.
Legal and Financial Basics
- You may need a DBA, seller’s permit, or even an LLC. Check your state’s requirements.
- Open a business bank account to keep your finances clean.
- Keep track of all costs: materials, studio rent, Shopify fees, shipping supplies.
- Set pricing that reflects your time, skill, and materials.
Estimated Startup Costs (Example)
- Pottery wheel: $700–1,200
- Kiln: $1,000–3,000
- LLC or sole proprietorship: $50–300
- Shopify site: $39/month for Basic plan
- Shelving, mop bucket, tools, work tables: $200–500
Don’t let these numbers scare you — you can start small and scale as you grow.
5. Naming and Branding Your Pottery Venture
Choosing a name is a creative milestone. Your name should reflect your brand, your vibe, and the kind of customer you want to attract.
Tips:
- Make it memorable and easy to spell
- Avoid trendy or overly niche phrases
- Check domain and social handle availability
- Have fun with it!
The name "Modern Potters" came from our goal of serving modern-day potters, like you and me — and it stuck. Your name should feel like a natural extension of your creative vision.
6. Selling Online (Without the Overwhelm)
You don’t need to be a tech wizard to sell online. What matters most is getting your work in front of the right people. Start simple:
- Etsy: Great for tapping into an existing customer base
- Shopify: Best for building your long-term brand
- Instagram and TikTok: Perfect for showcasing your process and connecting with fans, clients, potters, and more.
Quick tips:
- Use natural light and clean backgrounds for product photos
- Highlight the handmade element in descriptions
- Include dimensions, materials, and imperfections honestly
- Post reels and TikToks often, don't worry about how many views or likes you get, simply stay consistent!
Selling pottery online is more accessible than ever, but it does take effort. Be prepared to tweak your listings, test pricing, and learn what works best for your audience. If you're wondering how to sell pottery successfully, remember that storytelling, clear photos, and authenticity go a long way.
People want to see YOU, the real person behind the handmade products.
Don’t forget the power of short-form video — Reels and TikToks showing your process or packing orders can be surprisingly effective.
7. You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
The pottery community is one of the most welcoming out there. There’s always someone who’s been where you are — and they’re often willing to help.
Where to find support:
- Online forums and Facebook groups
- Reddit communities like r/Pottery
- Local classes and shared studio spaces
- Online courses and business mentorships
Final Thoughts: Make It Yours
I started Modern Potters out of a love for both clay and business. I wanted to build something that helped potters — and gave me more time to create and make pottery myself.
Here’s what I’ve learned: success doesn’t happen overnight. If you’re passionate and you stick with it — through the messy days and the burnout — you will succeed. It takes mentors, community, and showing up when it’s hard.
Whether your dream is to build a thriving shop, create work full time, or just make a little money on the side — there’s room for you in this world.
Let’s build something beautiful together.
– Ali