Customer Reviews

The Potters Professional Handbook

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This is the book I have been looking for. I'm building a clay studio and wanted advice and tips on how to set it up. This is the only book I've found that gives really in-depth information on these topics. He also covers other topics you would want to know if you're going to be a professional potter.

Not only does he share some of his own horror stories (so you won't repeat them yourself!), but he also includes insets of the stories of other pro potters and their studios. Very helpful. He covers studio needs, selection, etc.; working with suppliers, vendors, contractors; equipment selection; and business practices, marketing and self-promotion (the hardest part of the business for me - and I think for most artists!). He also talks a bit about teaching and it's effect on your work (pro and con). The subtitle of the book says it all: "The complete guide to defining, identifying, and establishing yourself in the craft community".

This book is a must have for any professional potter and will be found very helpful even to hobbiests.

This book is so comprehensive and has answered so many of my initial questions regarding the start of a pottery studio and business. Steve writes in a language the layman and advance potter can both understand. The chapters are coherently laid out with the pertinent topics such as vendors, supplies, electrical needs, studio set-up, equipment making and purchasing, space needs, floor plans; the list goes on and on for the whole book. The back of the book has many vendors, suppliers and web links for reference. Although the web pages of many have changed, it is a great start on connecting with the pottery world. I highly recommend this book.

It is comforting to know that there is a book out there that is well written and primarily intended for people like me, who earn a living from clay. Naturally, most of us have already knocked our heads and come up with some soluations - discussed by Steve, but the confirmation of having made "right" decisions, etc., takes a load off and builds confidence. Had I been able to read a text like this six years ago, I would have had less bruises to my head and my ego! His other book, Raku: A Practical Approach is also a treasure which I notice is not listed here on Amazon - uhhmmmmm! Would be nice to have that as an Amazon selection.

This is a must-have. In addition to providing pragmatic advice about setting up a business and establishing oneself, in a beautiful introduction Braufman (sp?)describes his journey and the value of art in our lives. It was a transformative book for me and helped me clarify my goals and purpose.