Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Colin Peterson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Colin, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Taking risk is scary. Uncertainty isn’t comfortable, but sometimes it’s necessary to grow and be successful. For me this major step to starting my own pottery business.

I moved to Charleston, SC five years ago. I moved to this town because of a job opportunity that had nothing to do with art. It was an unfulfilling position, but a way for me to make money and afford my new life in the city. Though I was making money, I was making it while doing something that didn’t bring me any fulfillment. I had a need, or maybe innate drive to do something creative.

I had made attempts in the past to get a pottery business off the ground, but these efforts were half in. The fear of being unsuccessful was crushing, and made it difficult for me to follow through. But once I moved, I took that as the opportunity I needed (or maybe a sign) that now is my time to go all in. So that’s what I did.
I took the necessary steps to brand my business. I started posting more images and be more engaging on Instagram. I built a website, and had a friend create a new logo and brand package. It was only after taking these necessary steps that things started to feel more real and things began to fall in place. My business looked more professional, and I felt more professional.

But all of my success can be attributed to the family and friends that supported me, and gave me the reassurance that I could in fact, do this. Without that constant support, I’m not sure any of this would’ve been possible.

So yes branching out and taking a risk is very scary. But something I find far more frightening is not following your passion and always wondering what could have been.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Clay came into my life at an early age. I have two aunts that both were ceramic artists. After taking a pottery class in high-school under my mentor Alan Boyd, I really fell in love with the medium. I attended East Carolina University where I studied under Chuck Chamberain, Jim Tisnado, and Seo Eo. It was here that I learned glaze calc, firing processes and varied ceramic techniques and processes.

After college I moved back home to Wilmington, NC and continued working with clay. Five years ago I moved to Charleston, SC where I live and work as we speak.

One of my biggest creative influences is surfing. Surfing has always been tied to almost everything I do. It has integrated itself into all facets of my life, and pottery is no exception. Both throwing and surfing require the ability to not force things, and to work with the natural flow to achieve the best results. When trimming on the wheel you are slowly carving away the surface of the pot. Working with the shape of the clay. In surfing trimming applies to the way you can manipulate the shape and surface of the wave to help you gain momentum. You’re working with the wave to maximizes that energy.

I want people to approach pottery with the same mentality they have for their produce and food. It’s nicer knowing where it came from and who it came from. I make pots not just for someone to use, but to also give that person a connection directly to me. To make the experience more personal. The world is filled with one time use items and products that are factory made with no personality. When most things are manufactured I’m proud to be producing handmade one-of-a-kind pieces with that have a distinct individual flare and not a serial number.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Content content content. Keep posting and keep engaging. It’s definitely a grind, and you have to treat your time on the gram as another job. I personally haven’t spent much money into promoting on this platform but the few times I did I had some good results.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I relish in the fact that I can take an idea and turn it into something tangible.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.trimpottery.com
• Instagram: @trimpottery
• Other: Check out all the other talented ceramic artists at www.studiounionchs.com

Image Credits
Karson Photography @karsonphoto Karsonphotography.smugmug.com Moosewears @moosewears Moosewears.com