Ep 611: When Things Need to Change with Megan Sward

The Maker's Playbook

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Most of us dream of turning our craft into a thriving business, but what happens when achieving "the dream" — the large following, sold-out shop updates, and steady sales — still doesn't translate into a sustainable living? When former full-time potter Megan Sward faced this reality, she discovered that the gap between making work you love and building a viable business involves far more than just mastering your craft. What if the key to longevity isn't just about making better pots, but about developing a clear strategy for everything from production methods to pricing to self-care? The surprising truth is that thoughtful planning and honest self-assessment may matter more than pure creative talent when it comes to building a sustainable making practice.

Resources in this Episode:
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Chapters

1. Megan Sward (00:00:00)

2. Welcome to the Podcast (00:04:47)

3. Transitioning Back to Traditional Employment (00:05:05)

4. Building a Pottery Studio for Mental Health (00:07:52)

5. arker (00:08:35)

6. Starting to Sell Pottery (00:08:41)

7. The Cost and Effort of Pottery (00:09:19)

8. The Importance of Buckets (00:09:33)

9. Finding Your Voice in Pottery (00:15:02)

10. Challenges of Being a Full-Time Potter (00:15:21)

11. Balancing Art and Business (00:21:06)

12. Choosing the Right Strategy (00:49:34)

13. Developing Essential Skills (00:51:04)

14. Balancing Business and Creativity (00:53:54)

15. The Reality of Pricing and Market Demand (00:55:13)

16. Navigating Social Media and Marketing (00:57:54)

17. The Physical and Mental Toll of Pottery (01:05:08)

18. Final Thoughts and Advice (01:07:58)