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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