Does Size Make A Difference?

Recently I’ve been working on projects big and small. It has me thinking about how this affects the pricing of a finished piece I create. Although the amount of clay that goes into each one is a material factor and obviously proportional to their finished size, creative time and artistic effort are important to the end price calculation too. Here’s where it gets tricky. I may spend just as much or more time creating something that measures just a few inches as a large piece that stands over a foot.

This sugar/creamer set I started this week is much smaller in scale to the three planters I made. The set consists of eight separate parts joined together. Just because it is smaller in size doesn't necessarily mean it should be priced less than a large piece.

“How long did it take you to make that?” is a recurring question I get asked. Time is one more factor that helps calculate the end value of a piece of art. But it can be deceiving too. As an artist’s skills grow (another valuable attribute), the time it takes to complete a project may decrease. The original prototype of a particular clay shape takes me the longest to create. Once I’m satisfied and have made a template of the shape, I can recreate the original more efficiently.

Sometimes I create a texture just for one specific project. This is one more factor to consider in the end price.

Back to my opening question, “how does size factor into the creation process”? Furthermore, does/should the size influence the price of an item? I know clay artists that charge a set price based on the finished weight of their pieces. They have calculated a per ounce or per pound number and are comfortable going with that method. The larger the piece is, the pricier the item.

The prototype of these little holiday tags is complete. I'll sell them in sets. They can be used to decorate a gift with a handwritten personal message on the back. The recipient can treasure this keepsake for years to come! Now I'm working on how to package them. It's one more factor that goes into completion before I sell and influences the end price. 

I haven’t been able to reconcile the weight method for my clay art. When I price each piece I create, I do think about its size, the time it took to create, my creative effort, packaging, and finally factor in its perceived value. Size does make a difference, but it is not the only one of the factors of the end calculation.

Getting In Shape

Shape is an important aspect of pottery. Achieving a pleasant-looking form takes practice, a critical eye and willingness to experiment. I’ve been playing with the configuration of simple drinking vessels over the last couple of months.

This is a standard mug shape. It mimics the shape I used to throw on the potters wheel. After it is assembled, I use my fingers to bulge out the middle belly of the mug.

I begin by thinking of the useful purpose of each cup or mug. Will it mostly hold a hot beverage? Could it be used for a cold drink also? Where and when will someone choose to use this item?  Will it be used for the first cup of coffee in the morning?  Will it hold a mid-day beverage sipped while working? Maybe it will be used at the end of the day to wind down and relax. 

This is a new mug form for me. I chose to have a wider base and narrow top. This helps the functionality of the mug by keeping a hot beverage hot. 

Because I use hand-building methods to create my clay forms, subtle changes in the pattern alter the end result of the shape. Is the cup widest at the top or bottom?  Should it have a handle? 

I've been wanting to make a travel mug. So I started by ordering the lids to guide me in the overall design. Here's my first attempt. I'm playing with a one finger handle. I will fire and glaze this test piece to see how it works before I go into production.

Sometimes I create a shape just because it is pleasant to my own eye. Other times, I work to create a piece that must fit into specific calculations. Will it fit in the car cup holder would be one of those determining factors. 

These are some of the patterns I've created to make my drinking vessels. The top one is used for the standard mug I make. The middle pattern was used to create the wide-bottomed mug. the last pattern is the template for the travel mug. Subtle differences in the height, width and side angles all contribute to the overall shape of each piece. 

Speaking of shapes, I've created some new ones that will be used in the upcoming Potsticker Craft Party, July 20 sponsored by The Muse in Frederick, Md. If you'd like to have a fun evening creating a special garden or plant decoration -- this is the class for you. Click here to sign up! Class space is limited. 

ClayByLaura Club members received a special discount offer for the month of July. It's just one of the benefits of joining. Are you a member yet? No?!? What are you waiting for? It's easy to sign up. Click on the image above to join. Check and respond to the email you receive. That's it. You're in!