Small Batch Manufacturing Ceramics

I recently was approached for a legacy corporate gift for a client who could not find anyone to create a large batch of handmade items for her. This made me realize the disconnect in my industry and customer in what it means to create production pottery. What I call "small batch production" the customer often refers to as wholesale or bulk. 

There are varying levels in how a studio or artist produces work. There are larger studios using jolly jigger systems, molds, slip casting and heavy duty equipment to produce work. My hat goes off to the studios that can handle this level of production. I admire you but I realized a few years ago there is always a finite amount of work I can physically produce in the span of 12 months. My team helps with trimming, handle making and attachment, glazing, glaze mixing, kiln firing, kiln maintenance and shipping. But at the end of the day I am producing 85% of the work that they complete. The only items I can be 100% hands off with includes a small slip cast line and hand built trays using molds. 

Continuity is at the core of what we do. I can produce hundreds of handmade items for your clients with the proper planning. For example the scope of a current potential project of 300 is about ten weeks for my studio because of time, kiln space and shipping. This leaves room for error and if we are early everyone is happy! We also need time to get samples to together and with firings that can take a few weeks. We also have to say no sometimes to smaller projects to handle the bigger ones. I do my best to not turn down opportunities but I have to be realistic about what I can produce up to my standards of high craftsmanship. 

If you want to approach us with a project whether its custom dinner sets for your restaurant or a corporate gifting item visit my wholesale page to learn more and reach out!