Becoming a master potter takes time and practice. Formal education is not required. Many aspiring potters seek a formal education to learn skills, improve skills, and increase job prospects. A master potter must know: making clay, making glaze, making pots, making a kiln, firing a kiln. It’s cheating to say you have mastery if you buy your clay from someone else but can’t make it.
Profitability in Pottery Business
Novice potters report earnings of just under $20,000 annually. Master potters make an average of $47,500 annually. Most businesses take 2-5 years to really get going.
Learning Pottery
Workshops and classes cater to beginners and provide guidance and resources to learn and enjoy the art form. Patience and practice are key. You cannot become a potter overnight or after a few lessons.
Famous Pottery Traditions
Many cultures around the world have long-standing pottery traditions that produce unique, recognizable styles. Some examples include Chinese porcelain, Italian maiolica, Korean celadon, and Pueblo pottery from the American Southwest.