Hobby Ceramic Studio
In a traditional Hobby Ceramic Studio you can if you wish produce your own greenware, which your students then clean and fettle. Then after you have fired the pieces the bisque will be ready to work on.
Production of greenware can be hard work and messy but the thrill of producing all you need for your own studio is great. You also save a lot of money when you do not have to buy in bisque all the time. Once established the profits are a lot higher from a Hobby Ceramic Studio.
So you feel confident to be able to teach others this exciting new hobby.
Do you have a garage or outbuilding you can convert ? If not you can look around for a small factory unit or small lock up shop. New commercial developments aimed at small businesses are always opening up and your local chamber of commerce will provide a list of suitable affordable sites.
After teacher training you should be on your way to setting up your studio. You will need an area that your students can paint in. Set aside an area where students can clean and fettle their greenware so as not to cause dust in the painting area.
You will also need to keep an area where you will store your moulds and pour your greenware. Remember some moulds can be quite heavy so you need to keep this area on the ground floor.
Your office space and paint store will also be needed. Your kiln should be placed in an area where your students are not allowed to enter for health and safety reasons.
Once you have your studio set up you must provide a good selection of greenware and bisque. The more choice you have the more likely you will keep your pupils happy.
The cost of setting up your studio will depend on size rent ect but to stock your studio and have a kiln and pouring machine if required you will need approx 10,000 euros others may quote you cheaper prices but you need a wide selection of pieces to attract and keep your customers.
You can save money by linking with other studios and swopping greenware and bisque.
The mould selection will be your own personal choice but look around and see what other studios are offering there customers.
To keep ahead of the game you must continue to keep training. If you are constantly creating new designs you will keep your students happy. Introducing a few new moulds every month keeps people hooked.
One major thing you need to remember is most of the products we use have to be shipped form America or Australia so ordering in advance allowing for the shipping time is important.
A good dealer will be able to provide you with moulds of the shelf but the products are forever evolving and its sometimes hard to see which way a trend is going.
Apart from learning to teach you need to have a reasonable knowledge about promoting your business. We build a business management course into our teacher training. If you know how and where to promote your business you have a better chance of success.
Contact us about teacher training courses direct:
alansunderland@houseofceramicsfrance.com
We can also provide bisque by post for studios that want to try out new pieces but not spend on the moulds. You will be able to decide better once your students have seen the piece.
