Ep 515: Stepping Outside Our Comfort Zone with Dave Conrey

The Maker's Playbook

#Entrepreneur #Arts #Business #Rebecca Ickes Carra #Podcasting Education #Ceramic #Pottery #Making A Living As An Artist #Life Of An Artist #Photographing Pottery #Photographing Art

35:00

The healing power of fitness goes far beyond physical benefits—for today’s guest, it’s a form of self-expression and a celebration of what the body can do. In this episode, host Nora McInerny sits down with fitness personality Ivylis Rivera, who shares her deeply personal journey of navigating life with Chronic Migraine while holding onto her passion for movement. Ivylis opens up about the struggle of staying active while facing the fear of triggering a headache or migraine attack and the resilience it takes to keep pushing forward—a resilience that carried her through the challenging journey of finding a Chronic Migraine treatment plan that worked for her. Join Nora and Ivylis as they explore the concept of “soft living,” a philosophy Ivylis embraces—staying active, listening to your body, and building trust in oneself. Click here for Product Information, including Boxed Warning and Medication Guide, or visit https://abbv.ie/prescribing_info See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

about a year ago 1:01:52

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A rare non-potter conversation today on the podcast with Dave Conrey, graphic designer turned email newsletter educator. We talk about the realities of making art and trying to sell that art, approaches to marketing our work without needing to be a part of the hustle-bro culture, and eventually get around to the notion that really piqued my interest when I first met Dave online - committing to one project and one project only for a set period of time in order to focus. It’s a rare conversation without mention of kiln gods or reclaim, but enlightening to see the cross over of similarities when it comes to making a living from the things you make in whatever medium that might be.

Guest Resources:
Dave's Instagram - @daveconrey

Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:
The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art
Bray Clay by the Archie Bray

Love this podcast? Support an episode! Click here to learn more.

Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybook
Have questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com

Chapters

1. Dave Conrey (part 1 + 2) (00:00:00)

2. Introducing Dave Conrey (00:05:05)

3. The Journey of an Artist and Graphic Designer (00:06:32)

4. The Evolution of The Hungry Newsletter (00:08:23)

5. The Social Media Platforms (00:09:34)

6. Balance and organization (00:14:20)

7. The Importance of Focusing on Your Goals (00:34:00)

8. The Challenge of Sustaining Yourself as a Full-Time Maker (00:35:52)

9. The Journey of Self-Employment and Artistry (00:42:06)

10. The Power of Self-Belief and Overcoming Self-Doubt (00:53:09)

165 episodes

Ep 515: Stepping Outside Our Comfort Zone with Dave Conrey

The Maker's Playbook

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Send us a text

Chapters

1. Dave Conrey (part 1 + 2) (00:00:00)

2. Introducing Dave Conrey (00:05:05)

3. The Journey of an Artist and Graphic Designer (00:06:32)

4. The Evolution of The Hungry Newsletter (00:08:23)

5. The Social Media Platforms (00:09:34)

6. Balance and organization (00:14:20)

7. The Importance of Focusing on Your Goals (00:34:00)

8. The Challenge of Sustaining Yourself as a Full-Time Maker (00:35:52)

9. The Journey of Self-Employment and Artistry (00:42:06)

10. The Power of Self-Belief and Overcoming Self-Doubt (00:53:09)

165 episodes

#Entrepreneur #Arts #Business #Rebecca Ickes Carra #Podcasting Education #Ceramic #Pottery #Making A Living As An Artist #Life Of An Artist #Photographing Pottery #Photographing Art

All episodes

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1
Ep 621: Can You Make a Living from a $45 Mug? 26:57

1 day ago26:57

26:57

Send us a text Can you make a viable living from creating a wheelthrown mug that you charge $45 for? According to a video currently racing around the internet, the answer is no. But is that true? According to some of the past potters I've talked to here on the podcast over the last 4 years, that answer would be no, that's not true. In fact, they are making a living for their entire households. On this episode we dig into 4 particularly important things to consider when it comes to definitive statements like this one and whether or not you can actually make a living with the work you make: 1) The early-stage career reality check, 2) The crucial Market Fit Venn Diagram we all have to find a solution for, 3) How it is actually possible to make a living from a handmade $45 mug, and 4) A tiny bit of tough love to connect it all together. Ironically, and unplanned, the full version of the shortened video I'm referencing in this episode also mentions how the first thing you have to figure out how to do is take good photos of the work you make. If you do need help taking better photos of your work, you can now access the Maker's Photography Styling System and The Maker's DSLR Masterclass whenever you need it! Click here to learn more . Love this podcast? Support an episode! Click here to learn more. Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybook Have questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com…

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Ep 620: Protecting Your Artistic Voice with Martha Grover 1:18:10

16 days ago1:18:10

1:18:10

Send us a text What happens when we approach our artistic development not as lightning-bolt inspiration but as intentional practice—exploring the minute details that fascinate us while carefully choosing which external voices we allow to influence our work? Throughout her 23-year career, Martha Grover has done just that, and the iconic look of her distinct thrown and altered porcelain vessels reveals how a pragmatic approach to the mystical journey of finding your creative voice can often be the most sustainable approach. In this episode, Martha shares the realities of being a studio potter in 2025 and how that actually looks like balancing her time between many different roles. Whether it be teaching workshops, running a community studio or maintaining her own making practice, Martha demonstrates how “success” for artists today often means deciding what is enough rather than giving in to constant growth. Even when you have a 101 person waitlist. Could the clarity to set these boundaries be what allows your unique artistic voice to thrive both creatively and financially? Resources in this Episode: Martha's Instagram Love this podcast? Support an episode! Click here to learn more. Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybook Have questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com…

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Ep 619: Building a Creative Practice Across Continents with Eva Champagne 1:13:38

23 days ago1:13:38

1:13:38

Send us a text As makers, we often believe that stability - often in the form of continuous access to the same studio and materials - is essential for building a creative business, but Eva Champagne's nomadic journey reveals a different path. Throughout our conversation, Eva shares how she's built a ceramics practice while constantly relocating - from Florida to the Virgin Islands, Bali to Montana, and numerous residencies in between - by prioritizing experience and adaptation over permanence. Despite the challenges of restarting with new materials, kilns, and glazes in each location, Eva embraces this constant reinvention as part of her creative process. Rather than seeing her nomadic lifestyle as an obstacle, she's transformed it into a strength, connecting with ceramic communities worldwide and developing a unique artistic voice that thrives on curiosity and discovery. Could insatiable curiosity and a willingness to constantly try new things be a new approach to unlocking something new for your own creative journey? Resources in this Episode: Evas' Instagram Love this podcast? Support an episode! Click here to learn more. Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybook Have questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com…

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Ep 618: A Journey to Gallery Ownership with AnnMarie Cooper of Good Earth Gallery 1:05:23

30 days ago1:05:23

1:05:23

Send us a text As makers, we often envy others' seemingly polished creative lives without seeing the winding path they took to get there. AnnMarie Cooper's journey from gallery employee to pottery gallery owner, cohorts program manager, and shared studio founder reveals how real artistic careers evolve through countless iterations - from taking community college classes and working in an 80-square-foot backyard shed to finding her voice through unexpected owl designs. Her story reminds us that the current stage of any maker's journey was built on multiple transitions, space adjustments, and boundary-setting exercises that responded to both creative and family needs. Behind every Instagram-worthy studio or established gallery lies years of gradual growth, experimentation, and community-building that transformed initial passion into sustainable creative practice. Resources in this Episode: AnnMarie s' Instagram Love this podcast? Support an episode! Click here to learn more. Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybook Have questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com…

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Ep 617: Part Two with Amy Roadman 1:02:45

6 weeks ago1:02:45

1:02:45

Send us a text Missed Part One? Listen here! Having established her community studio through careful listening and intentional growth, Amy Roadman now faces the challenge many creative entrepreneurs encounter: balancing business sustainability with personal fulfillment. What happens when you're finally the boss but struggle with pricing your work, protecting your creative time, and growing at the right pace? In Part 2, Amy shares how she navigates charging what she's worth (especially when protecting her team's time), finding resources through local grants and networks, and creating a business model that honors both her lifestyle goals and financial needs. Her journey reveals that perhaps the truest measure of success isn't found in rapid scaling or maximizing profit, but in building a creative business that provides both community connection and enough personal freedom to remember why you started making in the first place. Resources in this Episode: Amys' Instagram As always, the options are practically endless for figuring out what version of a maker business or side-hustle works for your unique life. And, as always , if you're looking for help figuring out what version of maker business fits your specific life circumstances right now, there are 100 other makers from all over the world having these very conversations inside The Community, including Amy! Click here if you want to learn more about the perks of Community membership (joining supports the creation of this very podcast!) Love this podcast? Support an episode! Click here to learn more. Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybook Have questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com…

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Ep 616: The Slow Growth Community Studio with Amy Roadman (Part 1) 48:24

7 weeks ago48:24

48:24

Send us a text Transitioning from classroom teaching to entrepreneurship - In some ways it’s a huge shift, in others, it can be all too easy to maintain the old habits of overworking and prioritizing others’ needs over your own. So many of us can struggle with finding the balance between serving our communities or caring for ourselves. Is it possible to start a business and protect your own creative needs while helping others? What would that even look like? Amy Roadman's journey of launching a community pottery studio reveals how listening closely to student feedback (from class scheduling to glaze options) transformed her teaching approach and business model while preventing burnout. Her story reminds us that rapid growth and 100s of thousands of internet followers isn’t always necessary for success. Instead, perhaps the deliberate practice of slow growth can produce a small business that sustains the life you actually want to have. Be sure you've subscribed to this podcast wherever you're listening so you don't miss out on Part Two! Resources in this Episode: Amys' Instagram As always, the options are practically endless for figuring out what version of a maker business or side-hustle works for your unique life. And, as always , if you're looking for help figuring out what version of maker business fits your specific life circumstances right now, there are 100 other makers from all over the world having these very conversations inside The Community, including Amy! Click here if you want to learn more about the perks of Community membership (joining supports the creation of this very podcast!) Love this podcast? Support an episode! Click here to learn more. Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybook Have questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com…

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Ep 615: The Importance of Mentorship with Lisa Orr 1:15:30

8 weeks ago1:15:30

1:15:30

Send us a text Here on the podcast, we often talk about the delicate balancing act between creative fulfillment and business sustainability - a struggle that can feel overwhelming without guidance. What if finding the right mentor could be the pivotal moment that transforms your creative practice and career trajectory? When Lisa Orr sought out Betty Woodman as a mentor, it completely shifted her perspective on materials, giving her permission to pursue colorful earthenware despite the stoneware-dominated ceramics world of the 1980s. Through her journey from studying with established potters to international research and eventually becoming a mentor herself, Lisa reveals how these relationships provided not just technical knowledge but practical business skills alongside the confidence to challenge current assumptions. Could the difference between struggling in isolation as an artist and building a sustainable decades-long pottery career be found in actively seeking mentorship and finding your creative community? Resources in this Episode: Lizas' Instagram Looking for your own creative community? THE Community is the place to be! With over 100 makers from all over the world, The Community is where you can dive deeper into any of the topics we’ve started talking about here on the podcast. Whether it’s the debate back on episode #509 about choosing between Etsy or your own website, or trying to sort out what type of side-hustle or full-time business works for your own personal life after hearing so many different kind of stories here on the podcast, if you’ve been listening along and find yourself wishing for more at the end of an episode, The Community is that more. Learn about more of the perks of membership by visiting makersplaybook.com/community or send me a message and I can put you in touch with one of our members to get an insider’s perspective. Love this podcast? Support an episode! Click here to learn more. Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybook Have questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com…

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Ep 614: The Aligned Potter with Elizabeth Schlatter 1:06:41

10 weeks ago1:06:41

1:06:41

Send us a text Many of us learn to accept the aches and pains of making as just part of the creative journey, assuming sore wrists and "potter's back" are inevitable companions to our craft. What if the physical discomfort of creating could be significantly reduced through simple awareness and intentional adjustments to how we work? Elizabeth Schlatter, creator of The Aligned Potter, draws on her experience to show how small changes—from joint inventory checks between tasks to understanding your unique body mechanics—can transform your making practice. Taking care of our bodies isn't just about preventing pain, but about creating a sustainable practice that allows us all to keep making what we love for decades to come. Want to continue chatting with Elizabeth directly? The Community is the place to be! With over 100 makers from all over the world, The Community is where you can dive deeper into any of the topics we’ve started talking about here on the podcast, but especially this episode because Elizabeth is also a member of the Community herself! If you’ve been listening along and find yourself wishing for more at the end of an episode, The Community is that more. Learn about the additional perks of membership by visiting makersplaybook.com/community or send me a message and I can put you in touch with one of our members to get an insider’s perspective. Resources in this Episode: Elizabeths' Instagram Love this podcast? Support an episode! Click here to learn more. Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybook Have questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com…

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Ep 613: Where Are They Now with Kara Leigh Ford 1:23:20

11 weeks ago1:23:20

1:23:20

Send us a text As an avid podcast listener, long before I ever started this show, I was always curious about what had happened to entrepreneurs and small business owners after the interview was over. was everything still working the way they described during that interview or had things changed? On this "Where Are They Now" series, we answer that very question of some of our past podcast guests. This week, I'm sitting back down again with Kara Leigh Ford to discuss all that's changed since I last spoke with her back in January of 2021. Since then, her husband has left his corporate job to pursue his own passions, which has shifted the demands of Kara's business into being the primary source of economic support for their household. Through strategic pivots—balancing pottery-making, teaching, Patreon content, and publishing two books—Kara has discovered that success isn't always about exponential growth but intentional choices that protect joy and wellbeing. Their household has not only survived this transition but found new equilibrium, with Tom now signed to a record label and Kara experiencing greater clarity about her priorities as a maker. This chat with Kara is a great reminder that the true measure of success isn't necessarily constant expansion, but rather designing a business that supports the life you actually want to live. Looking for more support in trying to figure out how to be create your own unique version of a creative life? The Community is the place to be. With now over 100 makers from all over the world, The Community is where you can dive deeper into any of the topics we’ve started talking about here on the podcast. Whether it’s the debate back on episode #509 about choosing between Etsy or your own website, or trying to sort out what type of side-hustle or full-time business works for your own personal life after hearing so many different kind of stories here on the podcast, if you’ve been listening along and find yourself wishing for more at the end of an episode, The Community is that more. Learn about more of the perks of membership by visiting makersplaybook.com/community or send me a message and I can put you in touch with one of our members to get an insider’s perspective. Resources in this Episode: Kara's Instagram Love this podcast? Support an episode! Click here to learn more. Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybook Have questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com…

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Ep 612: Being Your Own Boss with Amy Brummond of Pine Zen Potter 1:11:03

12 weeks ago1:11:03

1:11:03

Send us a text As makers transitioning from hobby to business, we often forget the most powerful perk of self-employment: you're the boss who makes the rules, not just the employee doing all the work. What if setting clear boundaries, creating a sustainable schedule, and giving yourself permission to evolve creatively are actually your responsibilities as a good boss to yourself? As Amy Brummond shares her journey of artistic evolution, we see how honoring her creative restlessness not only reignited her passion but actually strengthened her business when customers responded enthusiastically to her new work. Could the courage to follow your changing creative voice—even when it means risking established success—be what ultimately creates the sustainable making practice that allows you to thrive both creatively and financially? Looking for more support in trying to figure out how to be your own boss? The Community is the place to be. With now over 100 makers from all over the world, The Community is where you can dive deeper into any of the topics we’ve started talking about here on the podcast. Whether it’s the debate back on episode #509 about choosing between Etsy or your own website, or trying to sort out what type of side-hustle or full-time business works for your own personal life after hearing so many different kind of stories here on the podcast, if you’ve been listening along and find yourself wishing for more at the end of an episode, The Community is that more. Learn about more of the perks of membership by visiting makersplaybook.com/community or send me a message and I can put you in touch with one of our members to get an insider’s perspective. Resources in this Episode: Amys' Instagram Love this podcast? Support an episode! Click here to learn more. Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybook Have questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com…

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Ep 611: When Things Need to Change with Megan Sward 1:43:34

15 weeks ago1:43:34

1:43:34

Send us a text 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: Megans' Instagram Love this podcast? Support an episode! Click here to learn more. Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybook Have questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com…

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Ep 610: Business is... Boring? 35:17

16 weeks ago35:17

35:17

Send us a text There is an underlying current of anxiety about keeping up with the latest trends and strategies, especially when it comes to running your business online (and even more especially when it comes to social media). But what if the real secret to success isn't about chasing every new thing, but rather embracing the "boring" parts of business? Trying every new trending strategy often leads to scattered efforts and minimal results, not to mention most definitely leads to burn out. Embracing the boredom of consistency and repetition however, while perhaps not as exciting as the latest viral strategy, are often the key ingredients to building a sustainable creative business. And giving yourself permission to be boring might just be the most revolutionary thing you can do, not only for your business, but for your life. For a similar conversation check out episode 313 on the Myth of Growth. Want to keep this conversation going? Come join the over 100 fellow makers from all around the world inside of The Community! Love this podcast? Support an episode! Click here to learn more. Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybook Have questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com…

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Ep 609: Where are They Now? - Restarting through Trauma with Sarah Wells Rolland 1:19:23

18 weeks ago1:19:23

1:19:23

Send us a text When I last spoke with Sarah Wells Rolland, The Village Potters in Asheville, North Carolina was 13 years into it’s incredible, communal existence. And frankly (at least from my perspective) was a well oiled machine. With a residency program, community classes, a gallery, and 17 kilns it wasn’t on my short list wondering “gee, I wonder where they are now?” That is, until Hurricane Helene hit. And absolutely everything changed. Introducing: Where are They Now? A new series on The Maker's Playbook podcast where we check back in with past guests to see where this journey of making a living from the things they make has taken them. The Village Potter's GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/b08bbe30 Sarah's Instagram: @sarahwellsrolland Love this podcast? Support an episode! Click here to learn more. Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybook Have questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com…

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Ep 608: The $20 Mug with Isaac Shue 1:19:05

19 weeks ago1:19:05

1:19:05

Send us a text The ways in which our decisions in life are so interconnected it feels endless. The same is equally true in business, especially a ceramics business. And there's no way you stay in business, as a fully self-employed household with kiddos, while offering a $20 mug without thinking through all of that interconnectedness. My chat with Isaac Shue on this week's episode perfectly highlights how every step of our making process can also inform the endless steps of our small business (or side-hustle). Resources in this Episode: Isaac's Instagram Love this podcast? Support an episode! Click here to learn more. Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybook Have questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com…

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EP 607: Financial Systems with Seanin Rosario 1:27:43

20 weeks ago1:27:43