Introduction to Production Ceramics — 6-Week Course

Thursday Evenings | 6:30-9pm | April 16 - May 21

Taught by Sam Lee

Ready to level up from hobby ceramics to full production? Sam brings 10 years of production pottery experience—and all the insider knowledge that comes with it—to this immersive six-week course. You’ll get hands-on training and business-minded strategies to help you produce consistent work, refine your workflow, and build a solid foundation for a professional practice. Whether you throw on the wheel or handbuild, you’ll receive personalized guidance that fits your style.

You’ll receive advanced instruction in throwing, trimming, glazing, kiln loading, and photographing your work, along with guidance on pricing, revenue channels, and how to confidently sell your ceramics. Using a specialized cost-analysis spreadsheet, you’ll learn exactly how to break down your expenses and determine accurate retail and wholesale pricing.

Each student also receives a personal one-on-one review with the instructor, including feedback on finished pieces, production best practices, and individualized suggestions for your future path.

By the end of this course, you’ll have:

• Sample designs

• A set of consistent, production-made pieces (typically 4–12, depending on your design, dimensions, and experience)

• A completed cost-analysis worksheet with your pricing

• Guidance on how to move forward in your ceramics journey

Perfect for ceramic artists—both throwers and handbuilders—ready to level up and build a more intentional, production-oriented studio practice.

Instructor

Sam Lee is a multidisciplinary artist and ceramicist with over 10 years of experience in the field. Her work is featured in cafés and restaurants including Andytown Coffee Roasters (in SF’s Facebook building), Lazy Bear, and True Laurel, as well as in boutique hotels and luxury resorts such as Auberge Resorts and the Populus Hotel. She frequently sells her work at West Coast Craft Fair, and has won best booth in 2024. Drawing from a decade of professional studio practice, Sam brings a deep understanding of both craft and production, helping students bridge the gap between artistic vision and sustainable, efficient workflow.

Disclaimer:
This course is for educational purposes only. While we cover pricing, cost analysis, and other business-related topics, the instructor is not a professional accountant or legal counsel. All financial, legal, and business decisions you make in your ceramic practice are your sole responsibility. Please consult qualified professionals for legal, accounting, or financial guidance specific to your situation.

What’s Included

• Six weeks of 2.5-hour weekly classes

• Automatic Upgrade: a full 25 lb bag of any clay body (your choice, up to a $40 value)

• A notebook and pen from the brand Poketo for note taking

• All tools and studio glazes provided

• Firing of your class work

  • 4-12 pieces depending on the design, size, and dimensions

• Weekend open studio access

  • 2 hours/day during open studio hours (Saturday & Sunday, 12–5 pm)

• Option to purchase additional clay during class or open studio

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Course Curriculum:

This course structure will be unlike other courses. It will be half lecture and half making. Please plan on taking notes weekly. If you miss a class, do not worry, we can forward you the notes from the class. There is wiggle room in the 6 weeks for the completion of your small production run.

Week 1: 
Lecture: Outline of production, Making Samples, Discussion on Design, Dimensions, Clay and Glaze. 

Throwing Demo: How to go about making samples

Week 2: 

Lecture: Learning what your COGS are and going over basic finances

Throwing Demo: Throwing 4-6 pieces based on your sample

Week 3: 

Lecture: Different avenues of selling pottery and the pros and cons, Working directly with customers, Creating Terms and Agreements

Trimming Demo: Trimming your pieces consistently

Week 4: 

Lecture / Demo: Loading, Unloading, and Programming Kilns

Week 5:

Lecture and Demo on Glazing: Troubleshooting, and glazing consistently.

Week 6: 

Lecture: Photography, lighting, and key takeaways for a good product shot

Final Reviews - Everyone will have a 10 - minute one on one review with Sam where we will go over your COGS sheet, ideal pricing of your pieces, and which direction to take your work. 

We will set up a mini photobooth where everyone will have the opportunity to photograph their final pieces while final reviews are happening.