When Are You Getting a Real Job? - 51 Years Later, This Pottery Business Has the Answer

Send us Fan MailDescription: After 51 years in business, Pickenpaugh Pottery proves that "getting a real job" was never the answer. Discover practical strategies for art market success, sustainable pricing, and building a multi-generational creative business.Episode Summary: Join host Kay for an inspiring conversation with Merry and MerryCline from Pickenpaugh Pottery, a 51-year-old family pottery business in Madison, Mississippi. Founded by Robert Pickenpaugh, this multi-generational studio has become the oldest business in their town. The mother-daughter duo shares hard-won wisdom about succeeding at art markets, pricing handmade work appropriately, and building genuine community connections that sustain a creative business across decades. Their story offers both practical advice and proof that artistic careers can thrive when you balance creative passion with smart business practices.In This Episode You'll Learn:The key to art market success: getting people INTO your booth (and how to do it)How to price handmade work without undervaluing your time and craftPractical conversation starters for engaging customers without being pushyWhy visiting markets before participating can transform your successThe importance of balancing bread-and-butter pieces with higher-end artistic workHow to handle criticism and maintain confidence in your pricingTopics Explored:Art market strategies and booth setup essentialsCustomer engagement and the art of educating buyersPricing psychology and value communicationBuilding long-term community relationshipsBalancing artistic integrity with commercial successMulti-generational creative business sustainabilityConnect with Pickenpaugh Pottery:FacebookInstagramIn Person in Madison, MissisippiBest Quote: "When are you gonna get a real job?" - What people asked Robert 51 years ago. Pickenpaugh Pottery is now the oldest business in Madison, Mississippi!Connect With Us: Subscribe to The Artist's Guide to Business so you never miss an episode, and leave a rating or review to help other artists discover these resources!Sign Up For the Vesselo Waitlist Here 🎉🥳🎉Please Help us reach more artists like you by leaving a review on your podcast player, or by sending it to a friend! The Artist's Guide to Business has a lot of blog posts and some resources at: www.theartistsguidetobusiness.com Join the newsletter to get updates between seasons and to stay in-the-loop! We've got some great things coming your way!