12 goals for 2024 for my small business selling ceramics

This year, I have set myself a nice set of 12 goals that I want to accomplish over the next 12 (11) months. Let's get to the most exciting one right away:

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Studio

1. Expand my studio space 

Last fall I got a new studio space in our basement WITH a window and it is so awesome. A post with pictures from that endeavor is coming to the blog very soon. Below are a couple of sneak peeks. We have another spare room right next to my new space that I have set my eyes on for this year. It would give me space for glazing and possibly a slab roller. That is the dream right now. This new space has carpet, so we would need to lay flooring in there as well. 

Education

2. Glaze mixing

I want to spend this year to expand my skills and my plan is to take some glaze mixing courses and then take on mixing my own glazes from scratch. This is a pretty time consuming task that involves lots of glaze test tiles, running small batches of test glaze. Color runs and note taking. I am both excited and a bit exhausted at the thought. However, this is the next natural step in taking control over my process going forward. I just know it will be worth it. 

3. finding a mentor

I would love to find a mentor for throwing larger vessels. And someone who can help me hone my craft overall. I am envisioning a dark haired woman for some reason and I have asked the Universe for help in sending her my way. I have no control over this goal. It will be interesting to see what, if anything, gets sent my way.

Products

4. Seasonal designs

This year I have defined 5 seasons that I would like to tackle: Valentine's, Easter & Mother's Day, Summer, Halloween & Thanksgiving, and Christmas. I have just finished Valentine's and you will see that collection later this week, but sneak peek below. I had a late start on Valentine's, but the rest of the seasons should come in more timely. It is a new way of scheduling my year and I am trying out different things to see what works best for me. 

5. dial in core products

I have a group of pieces that I really like to make and that people respond well to. This year, I would like to dial in what that core group of these pieces should be and I would like to name them as well. Below left is my "Douglas" vase. It is named for it's handsome tall-ness after the Douglas firs we have right outside our windows. Below right is my new "Sofee" bowl, which is named after my cousin, who loved this shape so much, she bought the first one before it was even glazed. You can see it (a bigger version) on my home page at the bottom - it's the video clip with the blue scalloped bowl, that I am swirling around.

6. Time management

There are so many steps from a lump of clay to a finished piece, it is sometimes hard to know how long it takes to make it. This year, I really want to get to know my process. I have started keeping a journal every day so I can get a good handle on my time management. By the end of the year, I want to know how long each of my core products take to make. 

7. Develop two leaf product lines.

Below is a particularly great result I had on a platter last year. This year, I want to test and refine the slip and clay selections for this design. Once dialed in, I have a number of things I would like to make. I also have a few ideas of a leaf shape line which I am also working on. The first couple of pieces have come out and I really like them. I can't wait to show you. 

8. Make cups and plates

This year. THIS YEAR. Is the year where I will be able to set my table in all my own wares. We are talking plates, bowls and cups. I debuted my tea cup design last year and they were very well received. This year, I want to add a coffee cup size of the same cup and I can not wait to make plates and bowls as well. 

Sales

9. Find markets

Last year I sold at 5 markets. This year, I would like to find a couple more. Also I want to find some markets that have styles closer to mine. Right now I am looking for a spring sale in March or April, and then I would like to add one before Halloween as well. I would also like to see what markets would be right for me for Christmas. If any spring to mind, please let me know on Instagram.com/ahomeforceramics

10. Shipping

Ahhh. Shipping. I have spent SO MUCH time on figuring out shipping. 2024 is the year where I WILL finalize my process around shipping so I can send out ceramics to people further away. I am looking at a couple of options to bring down the price of shipping, but everywhere the reviews are a bit mixed. I guess I just have to take the plunge and see how it goes. The thought about having a piece arrived broken and dealing with the fallout of that is making me nervous. Send help. 

Marketing

11. Look books

This is making me SO exciting. This year, each of the 5 seasons will get a look book. I just finished the one for Valentine's yesterday and I can not wait to show you. Think catalog meets magazine meets mood board design. Eeee. The Valentine's Look book goes live Friday. 

12. More reels

My goal for 2024 is to post 2 reels a month. I think it is so much fun to document the process of throwing and sharing with all of you, so you can expect more reels from me this year. Below are some stills from my next reel about making a candle stick. It will go up on Instagram in the next week or so. If you are not following already, you can do so here.

Aren't those a nice set of 12 goals for my 2024? I think so. I have already begun working on several of them and I am excited to see them evolve through the year. I wonder how many of them I can check off by January next year!

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This article: 12 goals for 2024 for my small business selling ceramics first appeared on http://ahomeforceramics.com.