We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Madisen Potratz. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Madisen below.
Madisen, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
For as long as I can remember, my parents have been beyond supportive of my art. As a kid, they saved every art project and even had some framed and displayed on the walls. It was a clear signal to me that they thought I had talent and that art was worth doing. They were careful never to instill self-doubt in me, even though I definitely tested their boundaries when I came back from my first year of college and informed them I was switching from STEM to fine arts. In the end they trusted me, and a little part of me thinks they were excited to be along for the ride.
Even now, 10 years later, they’re still invested in my art. They come to every show, they tell people about my business, and they even care when I test out a new glaze or enter another market. For me, my parents have provided awesome support, but that support can also come from friends, teachers, partners, other artists — just knowing that someone is out there who genuinely cares about your practice can help keep your inner flame lit and keep you moving forward.
Madisen, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’ve always been an artistic person, but the one creative outlet that I really prioritize is pottery. I knew it was an activity that I wanted to build my life around. So a few years ago, I founded Good Art for Good, and from there things really took off. The mission of Good Art for Good is to create small-batch, functional pottery and use profits to support local charities.
Throughout my life, there were so many people who afforded me the opportunities to become the artist I am today, so I felt inspired to pay it forward and support my local community as much as they’ve supported me.
Aside from the pieces I create, I share a great deal of my creative process on social media. I like to show every step it takes to make each piece— whether it’s thrown on the wheel or formed by hand. I also enjoy offering advice and sharing techniques with other potters to help build community,
My life mantra is to lift as you climb, and with Good Art for Good, I’m doing just that. It’s my hope that customers will carry that same energy every time they use my pottery.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
If you know an aspiring artist, you can play an instrumental role in their growth and development. Offer words of encouragement, show up to their events, share their social media posts, buy their work! Your actions and positive affirmations have a direct impact on the people in your life.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Social media is something to take very seriously if you want to get your work in front of people. Most of us use social media on a personal level to connect with friends and family, but as an artist, it’s in your best interest to create a true business account. Share images of your finished work and post videos of your creative process. I’ve learned people love to see art in action more than they enjoy the finished product! Being successful on social media doesn’t often come from luck, it comes from posting consistently and creating content that performs well with your audience. But if you’re asking for a quick tip off the cuff: Invest in good lighting. The algorithm is much more likely to pick up your post if your images/videos are clear and well-lit.
Contact Info:
- Website: goodartforgood.com
- Instagram: goodart_forgood
- Facebook: goodart.forgood
- Other: TikTok @goodart_forgood