Pottery as a business. Profitable business: pottery workshop

Starting to create clay masterpieces at home, do not rush to purchase a potter's wheel. After all, there are a large number of a wide variety of techniques that at first will allow you to better “feel” the material, learn about its properties and “behavior” during and after work.

Historically, most of these techniques preceded potter's wheel shaping: hand sculpting appeared long before the invention of the famous potter's tool. The main tool of a true sculptor is his hands, and clay is just a material that obediently reflects the creator's fantasies.

You can sculpt from pieces of clay, assembling a whole from separate parts. This method is called constructive. It is suitable for the manufacture of various medium-sized decorative elements: toys, saucers, mugs. A vivid example of such modeling is the famous Dymkovo toy. When sculpting from separate parts, work begins with the formation of a large part, and then additional elements are literally glued to it, but in such a way that the seams of the joints are not visible.

The second popular sculpting method- plastic - from a whole piece: all parts are formed from one piece of clay. That is, a lump of clay must first be rolled into a ball, and then additional elements should be pulled out of it with gentle movements.

The third way is combined. As the name implies, it combines several types of modeling: constructive and plastic. For example, a bowl is molded from a whole piece, and handles are attached to it.

For the manufacture of various kinds vessels by hand molding (without the use of a potter's wheel), different techniques are used. Below are a few of the most common.

Spiral rope technique: Initially, plaits are made from clay, which are wound around an imaginary figure, forming a circle after circle of a real product. Even in ancient times, this technique was valued for making it possible to create vessels of very large sizes: those that cannot be made on a potter's wheel.

Modeling from stripes somewhat reminiscent of the spiral technique. However, it is much more difficult for novice potters: first you need to roll out the layer, then cut it into strips. The first strip is laid on the base with a notch, the next one is attached to it, and another notch is made at the junction (inside). Then a thin flagellum is placed on this notch from the inside, and the seam is smeared. All subsequent bands are joined in a similar way - they gradually "grow" into the figure conceived by the author.

It should be remembered that the disc just “does not fall behind” the product, so it must be wrapped in a plastic bag or covered with paper. And in a day (until the figures are completely dry) remove from the resulting clay product.

One of the most mysterious pottery methods molding of vessels on a rope is recognized: archaeologists have found dishes with a rope ornament inside many times. The question arose: for what purpose did the ancient masters decorate the vessels from the inside? The answer was hidden precisely in the method of making samples, and not in decorating techniques: a certain blank was wrapped with a rope; according to the obtained blank, a vessel was molded; then the rope was unwound, which made it easy to remove the vessel from the workpiece.

Speaking of decoration clay products , it is worth mentioning special techniques: molded patterns, relief molding, rope print, painting.

Beginners should know and the fact that solid objects (colored glass, beads, and so on) cannot be used as a decor for clay products until the sample is fully prepared: during drying and firing, the clay shrinks and literally squeezes out all “foreign bodies”, which often leads to deformation and damage products.

Pottery is always at the peak of popularity. The technology of their manufacture has not changed for several thousand years. Even materials such as glass, metal or plastic could not influence the popularity of these products. Since demand constantly exceeds supply, pottery can become a promising direction for creating a small and quite profitable business.

Where to start a business?

At first glance, it may seem that it is enough to simply open a pottery workshop, purchase raw materials and equipment, and you can start earning money. In fact, you need to carefully prepare before opening such a business. To be successful, you need to become a master potter. The manager who manages the business should carefully study manufacturing process and also get acquainted with the basics of pottery.

Legal registration

Such a line of activity should be registered under the code “Production of decorative and household ceramic products”. If issued individual entrepreneur, the number of hired workers should not exceed 5 people. In this case, you can choose a simplified taxation system. Thanks to this, you do not have to keep accounting records and fill out tax returns.

room

To organize pottery production at home, you need a small room with an area of ​​​​50 square meters. meters. In addition, it is necessary to allocate a separate area for a warehouse, with an area of ​​15 sq. meters. There you will store the finished product.

It is desirable that the pottery workshop be located on the first floor of the building. As for communications, the premises must have electricity, sewerage and running water. Also, do not forget about air conditioning and ventilation.

Equipment

For the manufacture of ceramic products, you must purchase a potter's wheel.

In addition, you will need:

• Scales;
• Clay kneading machine;
• Kiln for roasting;
• Forms for frames and various figures;
• Paints and brushes.

You will have to invest about 300 thousand rubles in the production of pottery. This is a small starting capital that any novice entrepreneur can raise.

Before purchasing equipment, it is necessary to study the special literature in order to familiarize yourself with some important nuances.

Do not immediately buy new equipment. Sometimes you can find used pottery equipment in excellent condition through advertisements in newspapers and the Internet.

Staff

If you have an irresistible desire, as well as a certain amount of perseverance, you can perform all production processes on your own. But it is much more efficient to use hired labor.

To work in a pottery workshop, you can hire people:

• For kneading clay;
• Product molding;
• Roasting;
• Artistic design and painting finished products.

Technology for the manufacture of clay products

Home production of pottery is as follows:

• A solution of a certain consistency is kneaded from clay and water. Different grades of clay are used as feedstock;
• The mixture is sent to the potter's wheel, where the master makes dishes from it. Various figurines are made using special molds on a potter's table;
• Roasting in a kiln. This is the longest process. The longer the product is fired, the more durable and stronger it is;
• Finished product coloring.

If you are interested in pottery production, you can watch videos on the Internet on specialized resources. Also, see other ideas for making money in the field of manufacturing materials and products, for example,.

Income

Pottery almost always finds its buyers. To organize the sale of finished products, you can take it for sale in supermarkets or souvenir shops. This is not the most profitable way, so you should try hard to become a regular supplier of a large souvenir chain. In this case, the volume of one batch of products will be at least 1000 pieces.

It is worth noting that pottery as a business brings good profits. To increase your income, you can open training courses at the workshop. Many modern people who are tired of the daily hustle and bustle are happy to be creative. You can also organize refresher courses. In this case, you will need to purchase optional equipment for pottery production and consumables.

In addition, you can engage in the manufacture of pottery to order. Large companies often order large batches of souvenirs with their logo or symbols. The pottery business will be successful if you choose a competent pricing policy. For regular wholesale buyers it is necessary to provide a special system of discounts.

Purchase of raw materials

It is important to know that clay for pottery can be different varieties- white, red, as well as with lime or sand impurities.

Before you start purchasing equipment, decide what kind of clay you will be working with. The choice of equipment and its cost largely depend on this.

Experienced potters mostly use red clay. The most important thing is that it contains a little lime. Experts advise finding one certain place where you can always take raw materials. It is desirable that the clay be oily and contain no more than 1% metal oxide. You can learn about the deposits of such material from local geologists or local historians.

Features of pottery

Before you start sculpting, you need to prepare the mixture. The traditional technology of pottery production involves squeezing air bubbles out of the clay. That is, the mixture must be thoroughly interrupted. To do this, the workpiece must be rolled up several times on wooden board. With the help of a wire, it is cut into pieces and thrown against the table with force. After that, the workpiece must be twisted several times in a spiral. This is a very important process, on which the number of marriages largely depends.

Many aspiring entrepreneurs are interested in how to learn pottery? The most important thing is to be patient, because this art requires a long polishing of skill. If something does not work out for you, do not be upset. Think of those potters who worked several thousand years ago. They didn't have special equipment and literature from which one can draw necessary knowledge, but despite this, they created real masterpieces.

Summing up

Nowadays, finding courses in pottery is not difficult. Therefore, having a desire, you can easily master this profession.

Experts recommend not to turn your apartment into a workshop. Use for this cottage, garage or rent a room. Otherwise, you will pollute all the rooms, burn the wiring, clog the sewers and, as a result, quarrel with all the neighbors.

Pottery has always been and will be at the peak of popularity. They appeared in the days of Ancient Egypt (about 1500 BC). For those who don't know, let me explain. Pottery or ceramic objects are made from various types of clay by softening it with water, further sculpting and firing. This technology has not changed for three and a half millennia. Some processes were automated, but in general, the creation of modern ceramics implies all the same steps that the ancient masters took.

It must be said that even the emergence of new materials, such as metal, glass and even plastic, had practically no effect on the popularity of pottery. Demand for them, like many centuries ago, still exceeds supply. This means that this is a very promising direction for opening an interesting, non-standard and very rare business.

It would seem that everything is simple, you just need to start making money. But not everything is as easy as you might think. Indeed, in order to succeed in this difficult business, first of all, you need to become a master of pottery. This important point, regardless of whether you are going to participate in the process of manufacturing ceramic products, or prefer to manage the business from a managerial position. Knowledge of the manufacturing process is very important. Therefore, first of all, you must master at least the basics of pottery.

This can be done in several ways. The first is to enter the Moscow State Academic Art Institute named after V. I. Surikov, where for six years you will study and learn a new promising profession(Faculty of Sculpture). Of course, with such a wealth of knowledge, you will not be afraid of anything, and you are guaranteed to take your place in this area. But you probably don't want to spend six years of your life studying at a university.

Fortunately, there are other ways to learn pottery. The fastest and most effective is to hire a tutor. Master's lessons are very expensive. From 1000 rubles per hour of class. But, if you dream of making ceramic products yourself, this is one of the best and fastest ways to learn. If you are only going to run a pottery shop and want to understand the production process, short courses are ideal. The cost of such training will cost you 10-15 thousand rubles for 2 months of classes (twice a week for 3-4 hours). It is unlikely that after such courses you will become a master, but you will understand the process of making ceramics.

So, let's assume that you have learned the basics of ceramic art and are ready to open your own pottery workshop. What's next? And then you need to go through several mandatory steps. First of all, you must know that the organization this business will require investments in the amount of three hundred thousand rubles and more. The "ceiling" depends on the planned scale of production, the number of employees and the level of equipment purchased.

Location and premises for a pottery workshop

The room is small - from 50 square meters. This is quite enough to organize the production of ceramic products. In addition, you will need a warehouse space - from 15 square meters. Here, as you already understood, finished products will be stored.

The requirements for the premises are as simple as possible. It should be located on the first or basement floor of the building (after all, this is a production workshop). Of the communications necessary for operation - the electrical network, water and sewerage. In addition, you need to take care of the ventilation and air conditioning system.

Equipment for a pottery workshop

For the production of ceramic products self made you will need a potter's wheel. In addition, accurate scales are needed for dosing clay, a machine for kneading clay mass and, of course, a special kiln for the final firing of finished products. Also, various forms can be additionally useful for creating some kind of figures, frames or fridge magnets. And one more thing - for many ceramic products (for example, for figurines) you will need paints and brushes.

Pottery workshop staff

If you wish and a certain amount of perseverance, you can do all the production processes yourself. But it will not be possible to achieve success quickly in this way. Much more efficient is to use the division of labor (which was invented by the great Henry Ford). Let one person knead the clay, the second shaping, the third firing, the fourth coloring the finished ceramic product. And at this moment you will deal with organizational issues, look for suppliers and distribution channels.

Pottery production technology

The whole production process looks like this. First, a clay mixture is created. To do this, the clay is mixed with water and mixed until the desired consistency is formed. You should know that there are a lot of varieties of clay. And for each product, whether it is dishes or a photo frame, you need your own type of clay.

If it is dishes, then the mixture is sent to the potter's wheel, where the master creates the necessary shape. A potter's table or special molds can also be used.

At the last stage, the ceramics are fired in a kiln. This is the longest process, taking up to 80 percent of the production time. The better the product is fired, the stronger and more durable it will be.

The final touch is to give the product a finished look by painting, varnishing and packaging (if necessary).

Distribution channels for finished products

First, you can organize your own retail outlet to sell your products. Secondly, you can open an online store, which will save you from many monthly expenses, such as the cost of renting a visit. Thirdly, you can conclude contracts for the supply of your products with gift and souvenir shops. There are many options. You just need to choose the most suitable for you.

And further. You can earn not only on the manufacture and sale of ceramic products, but also on teaching pottery to everyone. You can open a school or courses right at the production site. Considering the cost of such lessons, potter training can be a great source for you. additional income. We wish you good business!

Few people can imagine that on such trifles as figurines, photo albums, watches, fridge magnets, pots and vases, you can earn quite impressive money.

However, this is true. In Russia, the souvenir trade brings a very tangible profit, and forecasts for further development this business is very rosy. It turns out that your own pottery workshop is quite capable of bringing you a stable and considerable income.

Business organization

If you decide to organize your own business, you must understand that there are certain subtleties. A pottery workshop can be opened with as little as $10,000, which can be considered not that much of an investment. You will need to find a room, the area of ​​\u200b\u200bwhich should be 50-80 square meters.

If you are interested in how to equip a pottery workshop in a private house, then you should understand that with such a free area, this is already quite realistic. You will also need a small warehouse where they will be stored finished goods. It is also necessary to purchase some equipment, namely: scales, with which the clay mass will be accurately dosed, a kiln for firing products, a potter's wheel, and a kneading machine. To create photo frames and fridge magnets, you will need to stock up on a variety of molds.

Peculiarities

If you are interested in a pottery workshop, then you should know that the production technology is not too complicated, as it might seem at first glance. First, clay is kneaded, while for each type of product it can be of different varieties - red, white, with impurities of limestone, sand and other things. After kneading, clay is laid out in a potter's wheel, in molds or on a stucco board. After the product dries, it is sent to the oven.

So, when compiling a business plan for a pottery workshop, you should understand that organizing a business alone will not work. You must have skilled workers. It is not at all necessary to look for professionals, it is important that everyone has their own responsibilities and scope of work. It usually takes about two hours to make one pot.

The financial side of the issue

Naturally, a pottery workshop requires certain financial investments. As already noted, they are necessary for renting premises and purchasing equipment and tools for work. As the business develops, it will be possible to purchase new molds in order to master the manufacture of other products.

Technology of pottery production

To make a product from clay, it must first be kneaded. Can be used for different products different types raw materials, which will affect their quality. The next step is the formation process. For this, molds, a potter's wheel and a stucco board are used. After completion of the formation, it is required to dry the product, and then subject it to firing. It is important to know well technological process. Due to poor quality molding or incorrect determination of the initial drying time, it may turn out that 20-30% of your products will be defective.

Organization of the production process

So, if you already have equipment for a ceramic workshop, and it is located indoors, then you should know that you should not take on the production process alone. You will need several specialists with the help of which it will be possible to organize and establish a continuous production process. These should not be super-masters, since it is important for you to develop the business, and not to make competitors.

Each of them must take on their own area of ​​work. The first kneads the clay, which will also require a clay mixing machine, the second forms future products, and the task of the third will be firing. When each of them achieves due professionalism in their operation, their joint work will lead to a high quality of work.

One pot is made in about 2 hours, while kneading and shaping take 10 minutes each, and firing makes up the rest of the time.

Sources of income

So, the pottery workshop should generate income. And for what? Molded clay products always find their buyer. However, it is not always easy to negotiate with representatives of supermarkets or owners of souvenir shops. There may be a variety of overheads in the form of kickbacks.

In addition, the conditions for the sale of products are not always favorable for the supplier. In the event that a batch of goods of one name exceeds a thousand pieces, you can try to become a supplier for the Russian souvenir network. If the product is sold in small shop, then its volume should be smaller.

If you have a pottery workshop, then you can open training courses on its basis. A lot of people are willing to pay for such an activity to take a break from their Everyday life. When you can attract people and get them interested in pottery, then gradually you can think about organizing refresher courses.

Further, it will be necessary to hold various competitions, exhibitions, competitions. However, for such a school of pottery, additional costs will be required. Classes must be organized in a room located within the reach of public transport. Students will need additional materials and equipment.

The owner of a pottery workshop may well be interested in another source of income - this is the manufacture of clay products to order. It is possible that you will receive an order for the interior decoration of the premises, which is considered great luck: it can be the interior of a restaurant, theater, bar, country house.

Perfect option

The workshop is working on the production of large batches of pottery, which is sold to supermarkets and wholesalers. The school is continuously engaged in training and conducts mastery courses. Separately, the production of new goods in small batches works. And the entrepreneur always controls the quality of products and monitors all processes. If a person is busy own business who loves, all this turns out to be quite possible. This is what an ideal pottery workshop should be like.

In the manufacture of ceramics, you can build a profitable business, both in large-scale and full-scale production, and as part of the opening of a small pottery workshop. The latter option, as experience shows, is even more cost-effective.

Basically, this direction of activity is chosen by entrepreneurs who already have some experience and are familiar with the specifics of pottery.

In this case, it will be faster and much more efficient to implement a business idea, but, on the other hand, lack of experience is a fixable matter, and everyone would be willing to study the nuances of manufacturing ceramic products. Moreover, such products are now used in great demand which is growing every year.

room

To accommodate a pottery workshop, a room with an area of ​​​​about 70-80 sq.m. will be required, which should be divided into a production area, a warehouse for raw materials and finished products, a staff room with a shower room and a bathroom.

It is recommended to separately equip a room for glazing products, since the composition of the glaze contains substances that are harmful and hazardous to health, for example, lead, working with such a composition requires the use of respirators, a professional ventilation system, and water and electricity supply is also required.

As for the location of the pottery workshop, large ceramic manufacturers, if possible, place their workshops closer to suppliers of raw materials or clay deposits. A small pottery workshop can be located within the city, but not necessarily in the center, this will help reduce rental costs.

Equipment

Necessary equipment for a pottery workshop - directly production units (potter's wheel, clay kneading machine, oven, glaze mill, scales and ready-made stencil forms for small items), handy tools (potter's knives, shovels, threads, files, compasses, spoons and other pottery tools), furniture for craftsmen (tables, chairs), equipment for storage and storage of raw materials (tanks, racks, shelves).

Approximate calculation of costs at this stage:

Potter's wheel - from 900 to 1500 dollars;
Clay kneading machine - 950 USD;
Scales - from $ 180;
Tool - from $ 150 and above.

Firing of ceramic products is carried out in muffle furnaces. average cost one furnace - 2-2.5 thousand dollars.

Some pottery specialists, in order to save on the purchase of a muffle furnace, manage to convert electric stoves for the needs of firing.

Raw material

The cost of purchasing the first batch of raw materials (clay, enamels, paints, glazes) will be 1500-1600 USD. Clay is imported mainly from Ukraine. One ton can be purchased at a price of 100 USD. and higher.

Staff

Usually in small pottery workshops up to 50 sq.m. 2-3 masters work. The salary of such workers is 400-450 dollars per month, it all depends on the fullness of employment, the level of qualification of specialists.

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An accountant is also needed, the functions of a manager for the purchase of raw materials and sales are often assumed by the owner of the workshop, appearance products are handled by an incoming or full-time designer, graphic designer. The model range and success of the manufactured products will depend on the imagination and creative flight of thoughts of this specialist.

Specificity of activity

It is most profitable to start such a business in resort areas and cities with high tourist attendance, then ceramic products - original and authentic - will definitely be in demand. Of course, it is important to take into account the fact that there are competitors or suppliers of a similar group of goods.

Many believe that it is difficult for local pottery manufacturers to compete with cheap Chinese products. But it is worth remembering that a mass product is not as interesting as an individual development, besides, Chinese products, although cheap, are not of high quality.

When creating products, it is important to remember that each region of the country has its own history and traditions, which are reflected in ceramic souvenirs and paintings. And the clay, which has been mined for centuries and the way it is processed, is a kind of calling card areas, so, for example, Slavic, Gaivaretskaya, Cherry ceramics and others appeared, which Chinese manufacturers definitely not repeat.

It is not necessary at the first stages to engage in the manufacture of a huge range of ceramic products at once. The most popular dishes, decorative plates, mugs, magnets, vases.

The sources of income for the pottery workshop are the profit from the sale of the products themselves, as well as the recently popular services of holding master classes in pottery, courses and renting out the workshop and equipment.

Prices for such services: the cost of a master class per person - from 10 dollars, the rent of a workshop - from 35 USD. at one o'clock.

Markets and distribution mechanisms

The main sales markets are retail chains, small firms, flower and gift shops, souvenir shops, wholesale markets, small boutiques of gifts and souvenirs in large shopping and entertainment centers.

Effective advertising of services and sale via the Internet, own website, presence of an online store, promotion of goods through social media, electronic bulletin boards. In such electronic and printed sources, it is convenient to place information with a price list on products, as well as prices for pottery training services.

Investments and profit

The starting price for a simple clay product (using a stamped magnet as an example) is $1.5-1.8.

At a cost of 0.7-0.9 c.u.

Summing up, we note that the total investment for starting a business will be 7800-8000 dollars.

The payback period of a business project with intensive advertising promotion, active sales and search for potential customers, high quality products, unique design and creative fantasies of the artist does not exceed 12 months.

Video: pottery workshop from the inside