How to Start a Clay Painting Studio

Clay painting studios made a big splash on the crafts scene in the 1990s, as Gayle Soto Stodder notes in "Entrepreneur" magazine. You don't need to have a ceramics background to open your own clay painting studio, but it helps you guide customers new to painting clay. Opening a clay painting studio in the right location, choosing an array of inventory to paint and providing a welcoming atmosphere will set you apart from other craft vendors near you.

Step 1

Shop around for a location that gets plenty of walk-in or drive-by traffic, so you can get noticed. Make sure there are no competing clay painting stores nearby, since the already-successful store can drive down your business. Settle on a location that gets lots of visitors, such as a chic downtown shopping area or an upscale shopping mall with boutiques.

Step 2

Follow up with your local chamber of commerce or city clerk's office to get information on the type of business permits you need for your location, such as a business license or seller's permit. Apply for the permits that you'll need to open. Pay any related fees.

Step 3

Calculate your business expenses, separating out what you need to open from things that would be nice but aren't necessary. For a paint-your-own-pottery studio, you'll need a kiln, ceramic glaze, molded ceramic pieces for painting known as bisqueware, and chairs and tables so customers can sit. Stencils and inspirational art books add a nice touch but aren't necessary to open.

Step 4

Purchase all of the equipment you need to open. Since the clay shapes and glazes make the bulk of the experience at your shop, purchase a wide range of colors, styles and shapes so customers will have lots of choices for repeat visits. If you have money left over, get some of the ancillary items that enrich the customer experience.

Step 5

Create a website, business card, brochures and marketing materials. Once you open, you'll get walk-in traffic, and initial customers who enjoy your clay painting studio will spread the word. Still, traditional marketing media help you advertise your services. In these materials, be specific about what sets you apart. If you close down the studio for birthday parties or special events, list information about this. If you offer wheel pottery classes, list rates and a brief description.

Step 6

Hire additional staff members. You can't do everything yourself. If you don't have a potter's background, consider hiring a ceramic teacher to run classes or help troubleshoot when things go wrong. Hire a couple customer service folks to greet customers, set them up painting their own pottery and work the cash register.

Step 7

Open your doors when you have the needed permits, the equipment in place and staff to help you run it.

Tip

Keep informed on the industry by subscribing to trade magazines, such as "Ceramics Monthly," and joining industry groups like the Ceramic Manufacturers Association.

References (4)

About the Author

Elton Dunn is a freelance writer with over 14 years experience. Dunn specializes in travel, food, business, gardening, technology, beauty and fashion writing. His work has appeared in various print and online publications. Dunn holds a Masters of Fine Arts in creative writing from Emerson College.

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Saturday, July 13, 2013