Now that we are in February, it solidly feels like 2024 has begun. January is always such a weird time - trying to get back into a routine after the holidays throw everything into chaos. I really enjoyed making a 2022 wrap up blog, so I wanted to make sure I recorded some happenings from 2023 before it gets too far off.
2022 was the start of my YouTube channel, but in 2023 I only managed to put out one new video. Luckily, it actually became my most viewed video and I still went from 171 subscribers to 459 over the year.
Check it out here:
The video was about pricing my new design - Gelatinous Cube Goblets - inspired by Dungeons and Dragons. I’d had the idea for them in my head for years and finally took some time to make them. They took a lot of work, but I was nervous about charging the highest I had ever priced a piece of pottery. A few sold online, but the rest of the 12 sold out at the New York Renaissance Faire. It was so nice to see people so excited about them!
Speaking of the faire, I bought my booth at the New York Renaissance Faire in 2023, meaning I plan to be there for a long time! We added a new sign and built a better accessibility ramp this year, but I’m excited to keep making the booth my own! Will you be traveling to the faire this year?
I continued running my Patreon in 2023, and I’m so thankful for the community there! Because of my patrons’ support, I was able to make time to sculpt a new design - a Wizard Kitty! They were offered as a Patreon exclusive pre-order, and I am so happy with the results. I can’t wait to make more cute characters in the new year!
Looking Ahead in 2024
January 2024 started with an interview in CanvasRebel due to the gracious referrals by Skapa Leather and Just Terrific. In the interview, I talked about my journey to becoming a full time artist, how I had to pivot (like most of us) in 2020, and some tips for how I use social media.
This year I have some big goals. I already made two new YouTube videos about it, so there really is no taking it back. My hope is to make $100,000 worth of pottery. Obviously, I would also like to sell that amount of pottery, but you can’t sell what you don’t have, so I’m focusing first on the inventory side of the goal. In January I planned out my whole calendar by day and even by hour to see if this goal was realistic. You can watch that process here:
I’m keeping a positive outlook on the big platforms, but if you’ve made it off of social media to my little old blog, then I’m willing to tell you that claiming this goal publicly is a little scary. The first obvious risk is that I might fail, which will be pretty disappointing to announce. But I’m also worried that people might think I’m making loads of money and I don’t “need” their purchase. I’m sure you know, but this is just a quick reminder that even if I sell $100,000 worth of pottery - that’s not my take home pay. Just like how “normal” salaries have taxes, I have income taxes too, but even more than that are all the expenses to run the business. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to work for myself for as long as I have, but this inventory/ sales goal is really what I should be reaching for pottery to continue as a viable livelihood.
I appreciate every act of support. I know not everyone is in the position to make purchases. I’m not even close to being able to buy from every artist I admire. Every time you like, comment, and share my work, you’re helping this dream more than you know. If you are in a place to buy, the shop is recently restocked with new pieces made this year!
If you want to know how the $100,000 goal is going so far, you can watch my January recap video, which also talks about my goals for February and beyond. I’m really excited about this new monthly reflection format, because it will keep me more consistent with making videos. I already have more out for 2024 than I made in 2023!
Thank you so much for reading this far! It means a lot that you’re interested in the goings on of my little business. I hope you’ve had a good start to 2024 and we’ll talk more soon!