We recently connected with Sarah Beth Elkins and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Sarah Beth thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I always knew I’d have to do something creative, but after college I didn’t know what that looked like career wise. I decided to go the teaching route and taught High School Ceramics & art courses for 7 years. Over that time I really dove in and found a direction that I knew could take me out on my own full-time.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I was raised in a very creative household. My artist father was always up to something and allowed my sisters and I to tag along. Growing up I always had an interest, but never really knew the specific lane I would be in long term. I got a degree in studio art, and at that time was introduced to the world of Clay. After graduating I still had no clue what life as an artist would look like. I went into teaching thinking that would be reliable and I’d still be able to make art. I soon realized I was meant to do my own thing and with the encouragement of my husband made the jump to full time. I’ve been fortunate to always have such incredible support from my friends and family, and making a living off of doing what I love has been so rewarding. Like any small business it’s had its ups and downs but I am thankful that I have been able to make and sell my work for almost 8 years now. I mostly make functional pottery that is packed with color and texture. Before I had children I would be in the studio creating all day. Now with a 3 and 1 year old it takes a little more planning to make it out back to my studio. It may take twice as long, but I still do my best to get the ideas I have out of my head and onto pots. Something I used to struggle with as an artist is not having a specific ‘style’ and sticking to it. I like to chase any idea I have and see what happens. I’ve since accepted that my style ebbs and flows and I’m ok with not having ‘one line’ of work. Keeps things interesting! I’m always up for a new challenge or to learn new things about this art form. The Ceramics community is so generous and I’m thankful to be a part of it.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
This happens more often than you’d think. Being a full time artist is not something a good deal of people understand. Especially Ceramics. I think people view it as a craft or hobby, which it totally can be, but they have a hard time translating that into a full time job. I’ve had comments made like ‘you don’t have to work’ or ‘your little business’ and I think those people don’t comprehend the work that goes into an art-related business. Or small business in general. Getting established is hard. Getting seen is hard. Selling is hard. The rest of the behind the scenes things are hard. What’s NOT hard is the actual making. I could literally do it all day. The rest of it is what deters people from going full time because it IS a full time job, and then some…times 10! Until you’re ready to hire out for certain things, you’re it. You’re responsible for the making or breaking of your business venture. I also think in the world of ceramics and pottery people have a hard time when the ticket prices are higher than say, Target. That’s a whole different rabbit hole but handmade is just straight up better. It’s made by two hands and taking probably twice as long as you’d imagine. You are allowed to value you work however you see fit. If pieces are selling, keep it up! If they aren’t, adjust. I have been known to spend a total of 20 hours total on a mug including sculpting, altering, painting, glazing, etc. Why is that piece of art any less valuable than a painting that someone spent 20 hours on?
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
The only advice I can give is be yourself. There’s a million ways to do it but being open and honest is the easiest. Including behind-the-scenes and tidbits of your real life is also important, I think. I believe it helps your audience/prospective buyers get to know who they’re potentially investing in and that makes the piece they end up with so much more meaningful. Knowing a little bit about the journey that the mug you drink your morning coffee from or afternoon tea went through is pretty cool. Every ceramicist I know pours their heart into their work. It’s somewhat inevitable with clay. Shedding light into your process through social media is such a a gift that I am thankful for. Keep making, keep sharing your work and your passion for it. People will have no choice but to gravitate towards it!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sarahbethpottery.com
- Instagram: @sarahbethpottery
- Facebook: Sarah Beth Pottery