Okay, so you're designing a new studio space… how exciting! Over the past seven years of practising ceramics, I've worked from two different studios and learnt plenty along the way (sometimes the hard way). If you're creating your own ceramic workspace, here are a few things I wish I'd known from the start:
1. Sketch it Out First
Are you starting in your shed at home? A room in your house? A community studio space? Let's draw it out. I'd recommend a logical flow to your space. It could look like:
Clay Storage → Making Area → Drying Shelves → Trimming & Finishing → Glazing Area → Kiln Room/Corner → Finished Ware Storage
A big tip of mine would be to separate your dirty and clean areas. Not only does it make the studio easier to organise, but it's also much safer when it comes to managing dust and materials.
Think about what you reach for often. For me, it's sponges, bats, ribs and throwing tools. Keep these within arm's reach of your wheel so you're not constantly getting up and down during a throwing session.
The more shelving, the better. I love the IKEA IVAR shelving system. It's affordable, easy to put together and can hold a surprising amount of work. If possible, have separate shelving for greenware, bisqueware and finished glazed pieces. Trust me, you'll fill it faster than you think. (I also use these shelves for my market setup!)
Utilise your wall space. Hooks, floating shelves, pegboards, tool racks, anything that utilises vertical space will help. Everything has a home and your clean benches will thank you!
2. Ergonomics
As someone with a nursing background, this is something I'm quite passionate about. Pottery can be surprisingly hard on the body, so it's worth thinking about ergonomics when designing your studio. Looking after your back, shoulders and wrists now will help you enjoy a longer, more sustainable career at the wheel.
The first few years, I was sitting at the wheel, but as a tall girly, this wasn't great for my back. Now I use a stand-up bench inspired by "The Personal Potter" by Taylor G. I bought and downloaded her design for an ergonomic and smart pottery wheel/bench setup.
You can find it here: https://taylorgdesigns.myshopify.com/. I can't rave about this bench more. It's a smart and stylish design.
I also stand on an anti-fatigue mat: https://www.bunnings.com.au/matpro-51-x-81cm-anti-fatigue-mat_p0497422
And lean (when needed) on this stool from Shimpo: https://www.ceramixaustralia.com.au/collections/quick-links/products/nidec-shimpo-adjustable-potters-stool
3. Powerpoints
You can never have too many powerpoints in your studio. I have fairy lights, my wheel, my heat gun, my phone charger, my heater and my pugmill all having to share only two power points. My kiln is on its own circuit with a dedicated powerpoint. It's much easier (and cheaper) to add extra outlets during the build than after you've moved in.
4. Cleaning
And I say that fully acknowledging that I need to practise what I preach. My studio is often a mess (thank goodness for curtains I can close when visitors come over!), but one thing it's never been is dusty.
Silicosis is real, and as ceramicists, we need to take silica dust seriously. When planning your studio, choose smooth, easy-to-clean flooring and think about how you'll manage dust from day one. Get into the habit of cleaning as you go rather than letting it build up.
I try to give my shared studio a thorough mop once a week, including around shelving and work areas. Most importantly, avoid dry sweeping, as it sends fine silica particles straight into the air. Wet mopping, wiping surfaces with a damp cloth, and using appropriate dust-control methods are much safer options.
5. Water Access
Think carefully about how you will access water. Do you have a sink? Are you using the garden hose? Regardless, have some clean water close by. You'll need throwing water, cleaning water, buckets, glazes, etc.
I don't have a clay trap, but it would definitely be worth looking into to save your sinks. I have seen some pretty nifty makeshift ones: https://ceramicartsnetwork.org/daily/article/How-to-Make-a-Better-Homemade-Sink-Trap-for-Your-Pottery-Studio
6. The Boring Stuff (lol)
Important, but ugly. Don't forget where you will store your packing supplies, boxes, labels, tubs and market setup equipment. I store these separately from my studio as they all don't fit, but if you have the space, I'd recommend a dedicated storage area for them.
7. Make it a Space You Actually Want to Come To
For me, that's cute fairy lights, paintings, wireless lamps, a fun test tile wall, a comfy bed for my doggos, and usually some fresh flowers. Plants and a speaker for music are also a good idea!
In saying all that, remember that studios evolve. My first studio looked very different to my second, and the studio I'm planning now will be different again.
Design for the way you work, not the studio that looks best on Instagram.