Life / Working It
Studio Life Levi in her workspace , in Red Hook , Brooklyn
Insta-Success “ You can grow your fan base online and show your work every step of the way ,” says Levi of how she ’ s used social media to expand her business .
This Is My Job
Helen Levi , 29 , turned her hobby — pottery — into her paycheck . Here ’ s how to make that happen .
I ’ ve been making things out of clay since my parents enrolled me in a ceramics class in first grade . I made everything from tiny animals to mugs and bowls . I kept at it through high school and college , and eventually taught myself new techniques by reading and watching YouTube videos . After I graduated I had a series of part-time gigs in New York City — waitressing , working as a photo assistant — and was making pieces on the side . Then I met fashion designer Steven Alan at an event in 2013 . He liked my colorful tumblers , simple off-white teacups , and terra-cotta planters , and placed an order for his new home-goods store . That was huge for me . I put all my energy into my business , and soon I was making plates for a Manhattan sushi restaurant and porcelain necklaces for a store in Brooklyn . I went from sharing a studio with 30 other potters to working out of my own space . I ’ m still not a big name , but I ’ m doing what I love and making a living while being authentic to me .
Woman at Work Above , Levi ’ s marbled Beach Series breakfast bowls , which take her about two weeks to make , and , right , the potter at her wheel
On my average day …
I get to the studio around 10:00 A . M . after taking my business partner — that would be my dog , Billy — for a walk . I check on whatever pieces I threw ( that ’ s potterspeak for shaping clay on the wheel ) the day before . I might put handles on a mug or apply glaze . I do my best work in the afternoon ; that ’ s when I ’ ll try out new ideas or tweak old ones .
The hardest part of my job …
I have a lot to balance : paperwork , sales , taxes , finding clay at the best price . My kilns are like cars : They need upkeep all the time ! I didn ’ t know anything about electrical work , so I had to learn . And I have to promote myself . Sometimes you don ’ t want to be like , “ Hey , look at what I ’ m doing .” But no one ’ s going to do that for you . I have to put myself out there .
The best part of my job …
Whenever I see a photo of someone ’ s kitchen and I spy one of my pieces on the shelves . It makes me proud to have my stuff out there in the world .
What I tell people who say you can ’ t make a living off art …
No one ’ s said to me , “ When are you going to get a real job ?” But the stereotype that artists can ’ t make a living persists . The truth : It is possible . Not everyone needs a 9-to-5 to be successful . My idea of success is , Do I feel good about myself ? I enjoy my day , I pay my rent , and I ’ m happy .
My best work advice …
Focus on the aspects of your job that make you the happiest . When I waitressed , I loved talking to people and cooking . I concentrated on those things so I could be content while figuring out my next move . That attitude helps you feel fulfilled no matter what you do . — as told to Lisa Liebman
LEVI : ATISHA PAULSON . LEVI AT WHEEL : JAMES CHOROROS . CERAMICS : HELEN LEVI
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