We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Annie Lim a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Annie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

How did you learn to do what you do?
I actually got started in ceramics by taking a class back in 2018 in San Francisco. I was hooked right away—the process of working with clay just clicked for me. It was kind of like finding something I didn’t know I was looking for.

Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process?
Honestly, just more practice. I wish I’d spent more time at the wheel or even just sketching out ideas. Also, diving deeper into research—studying different techniques and artists more thoughtfully—would have probably sped things up for me too.

What skills do you think were most essential?
The basics, for sure. Learning fundamentals like centering clay and understanding form really set the foundation. It’s like you can’t build anything meaningful without mastering those essentials.

What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
Time was probably my biggest obstacle. Balancing everything else in life while trying to grow my craft was a challenge. Time management is key, and that’s something I’m still working on!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hey! I’m Annie, and I’m a ceramicist and artist who fell in love with clay in 2018 during a ceramics class in San Francisco. It was my first real experience with ceramics, and I instantly knew I had found my medium. There’s just something about shaping raw clay with your hands, creating something both functional and beautiful, that speaks to me in a way other materials never did.

My work is a blend of form and function. I create a range of ceramics from unique, hand-thrown pieces like mugs, bowls, and vases to more artistic, one-of-a-kind sculptures. Whether it’s a perfectly shaped coffee mug that someone uses every day or a decorative piece that sparks conversation, I like to think of my creations as part of people’s daily lives.

What sets me apart? I think it’s the thoughtfulness and attention to detail I put into each piece. No two are exactly alike, and I love embracing the imperfections that come with working by hand—it’s part of what makes each item special and unique. I also take pride in using sustainable practices, from sourcing my clay to the firing process. It’s important to me that my work not only looks good but also feels good in terms of how it’s made.

When it comes to clients, my goal is to provide pieces that enhance their spaces and their lives. I want my ceramics to bring a sense of joy and connection, whether that’s through a piece that’s purely functional or something that’s more about form and expression.

What am I most proud of? I’d say it’s the journey. Going from that first ceramics class to where I am now, constantly learning and growing, feels pretty incredible. I’m proud of every piece I create, knowing that it reflects my passion and dedication.

What I want people to know about my work is that it’s more than just objects—each piece has a story, and I hope that my work helps others slow down and appreciate the beauty in everyday things. Whether you’re buying a vase or a sculpture, you’re getting something made with intention, and I hope that comes through in every piece.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

When I first started on social media, it was more about sharing my personal journey with ceramics. I posted photos of my process, my successes (and failures), and just what I was learning day by day. People seemed to connect with that authenticity. I didn’t overthink it too much in the beginning, and that actually helped me stay consistent.

As I started to get more comfortable with my style and voice, I made an effort to engage with the community. I followed other artists, interacted with their content, and built real connections. I found that being genuinely interested in other people’s work made them more interested in mine as well. It wasn’t just about promoting my pieces; it was about being part of the conversation around ceramics and art.

Over time, I also started sharing more behind-the-scenes content—videos of me working at the wheel, process shots of pieces in different stages, and tips for other ceramicists. I think people love seeing how things are made, and they get to connect with the artist behind the work. That helped build a stronger connection with my followers.

Advice for those just starting out? First, be patient! Building an audience takes time, and it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers, but focus on quality over quantity. Post content that feels true to you and what you do, not just what you think will get likes. Be consistent, but don’t stress over posting every single day—just keep showing up in a way that works for you.

Engagement is key, too. Social media is about building relationships, so respond to comments, show love to other artists, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Share your story, your process, and even your challenges. People connect with authenticity.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment. Try out new types of posts, reels, or stories, and see what resonates. Social media is always changing, so be flexible and have fun with it!

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

The main goal driving my creative journey is to show people that anyone can make art, and your art can be whatever you want it to be. You don’t have to follow strict rules or have formal training to create something meaningful. I really want to inspire others to bring more art into their daily lives, whether that’s through ceramics, painting, or any other medium. Art isn’t just something you hang on a wall—it’s something you can engage with every day.

I believe that making art is incredibly empowering, and I want to encourage others to explore their creativity, no matter their skill level. It’s about expressing yourself and finding joy in the process, not about perfection.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://anniechlm.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anniechlm/

Image Credits

Annie Lim