Ways To Improve As a Ceramics Artist

Making a career of your passion for sculpting can be a dream come true, but doesn't come without it's challenges. You must focus on your art, and the ceramics techniques best suited to your style. But don't forget the other important aspects of achieving success.

Learn Various Techniques

Continued development as an artist is vital to your passion and interest in what you do. Always listen to your instincts and do what feels right. Experimentation is a great way to discover new and exciting methods, but is best employed after you have received some instruction as a foundation to work from.

Self taught artists can have great accomplishments, so don't be discouraged if you don't have much formal training. But if it's possible, try to take a class or two to get some basic knowledge to use as a stepping off point. You need to know the rules so that you can start breaking them! A qualified instructor can teach you time saving practices and safety tips. You'll learn how and when to choose a certain type of clay and where to source the best low-cost materials. Glazing your finished ceramics can be a complicated process, so you need a little background on how to layer and fire the glazes for best results. Other useful tips will come up, like how to build an armature, or support structure, for large sculptures to support them and help keep the right form.

Practice Self Care

Working with clay constantly can seriously dry out your hands. Not to mention the constant wedging and working of the clay can lead to muscle soreness and stiffness in the fingers or wrists. Take good care of yourself, and especially your skin, to prevent any uncomfortable side effects of this type of work.

A good CBD hand cream can do wonders for hydrating your skin to keep it supple soft. Keep one on hand to use often. Hand strengthening and stretching exercises can also be of benefit to prevent cramping and pain. Think about doing some yoga or simple stretches each day. Hand-specific exercises can be found to provide the greatest benefit.

Record Your Ideas

Always note down any design that pops into your head. Carry a sketchbook with you to jot down an idea. Peruse your sketchbooks often for inspiration and to feel your creativity and find great new projects to develop.

Spend some time outside the workshop to get a fresh perspective and fuel for thought to carry over into your work. Travel for a while. Plan a fun trip. Or just spend some time relaxing and enjoying yourself to recharge. You don't want to burn out and find yourself blocked from any amazing new ideas.

Create an Appealing Workspace

You will be spending a lot of time in your workshop, so make it comfortable and appealing. Provide yourself with a convenient work station where you can easily access all of the tools and materials you may need. A comfortable seat is a must. If you do a lot of standing, invest in a mat for support and to minimize discomfort.

Decorate your space. This is a place to create. So, make it visually appealing and inspiring with colors and textures. Add some life and improve air quality with some plants.

Another thing to include is a space to take breaks. Have a designated area to walk away and take some time for yourself. If you are going to spend the whole day in your shop, then you'll need access to bathroom facilities. A separate sink for clean up out in the open of your workspace is a good idea too.

Know Your Equipment and Materials

Familiarize yourself with the equipment that you use. Know how to use your kiln safely. Be aware of firing times and techniques to minimize breakage. This can save you the disappointment of a ruined project or the possibility of an accident.

Making your living as a ceramic artist can be such a fun and fulfilling career path. Take it seriously and see how far you can go. Focus on quality and you could gain a following of your work to be a great success.