We recently connected with Sarah Hutchison and have shared our conversation below.
Sarah, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
I started pottery after taking an introductory course at my local pottery studio. After the first initial class, I was hooked. However, when I began researching into how much it would cost to start throwing pottery in my own home, I didn’t think it was financially feasible. But about a month later, my family surprised me with my first pottery wheel for my birthday, and I decided to dive in head first. I started doing research on everything pottery – learning about different types of clay and glazes, and about the science of pottery. I taught myself everything from YouTube and a LOT of Google searches, as well as getting helpful tips and tricks from local potters in the community. Having patience and discipline when learning a new skill and running your own business are essential. Being able to stay motivated and not afraid to fail are extremely important as an artist. I’ve found some of my favorite pieces have been made when I was just having fun and not worrying about what others might think. I remember when I first started pottery, a lot of people wondered when I would get a “real” job, as if being a potter or artist, or running your own business, isn’t an actual career choice.
Sarah, 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 have always been an artistic person. My mother and grandmother were exceptional oil and acrylic painters, and my dad did quite a few beautiful woodworking projects when I was younger, which was always a big inspiration for me. Even now, I have pieces of my dad’s woodworking and my mom and grandma’s art in my home that I look at or use every day! Even though I knew I was a creative and artistic person, I never really found an outlet that was the right fit for me. Once I stumbled upon pottery, I knew that it was my medium. Creating something beautiful out of a plain ball of clay is such an involved, yet rewarding, process. A lot of my inspiration and drive comes from places my husband and I have traveled to. I love seeing how different cultures create and make art. Just like when traveling, you realize that even though you’re from different cultures and some things may be culturally different, a vast majority of our human nature remains the same – including the way we all have an internal need to be creative or artistic. But more importantly, I love to make things that will make others happy. My current obsession are my little ring holders shaped like geese, along with my whimsical mushroom mugs. It’s always exciting to see someone light up and smile when they are looking at something you made with your own hands. I very rarely make two things identical, because I am always trying out new designs, color combinations, and techniques. I’m most proud of building my business from the ground up, and being able to show others that, with the right discipline, time management, support from family and community, and taking the risk, you can create a business you’ve dreamed of. It won’t be a smooth road, but it will likely be an incredibly rewarding one.
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?
Running your own business, especially as an artist or creative, takes time build and start earning a livable wage. It’s not like a job that you apply for and immediately start getting paid, it’s a long term investment. Creatives and artists pursue this career pathway because of the overall reward is greater than the risk. It takes years to perfect your craft. So if you know an aspiring artist, give them grace, love and support. It takes serious determination, dedication, and drive to run your own business.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Before becoming a potter, I actually worked in healthcare. When I was let go from that job, I vowed to be my own boss, to be able to make my own schedule, and be able to take days off to travel without having to save up my time off and request for vacation. My sister-in-law introduced me to virtual assistance, and I started doing a few “behind-the-scenes” tasks for businesses, which in turn ticked a few of my “creative” boxes, although I still felt like a piece was missing. I pivoted into a role of podcast editor and manager. That role was a bit more creative and enjoyable, yet I always had a pull for physical art, which is when I decided to take my first pottery class. And, well, the rest is history.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://travelhip.etsy.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/travelhip
