Thinking about applying for a job in a pottery studio? You’re not alone. But what if there’s a better path — one that gives you creative freedom, full access to tools, and the time to build your own body of work? This page explores why more potters are choosing membership over employment.

Want to Work in a Pottery Studio? What If You Just Worked on Your Art Instead?

You love clay. You want access to tools. You want to be in the studio. So you start looking for pottery jobs — assistant, tech, instructor, front desk. Makes sense, right?

But let’s pause. Because the real question might not be “How do I work in a studio?” It might be: “How do I create as much as possible without working for someone else?”

A Different Kind of Access

At The Clay Hole, you don’t need to work here to have full studio access. As a member, you’ll get:

  • Nightly open studio access
  • Hundreds of glazes, slabs, tools, wheels, and molds
  • No cleaning up after classes unless it’s your own mess
  • No teaching responsibilities unless you choose to
  • Creative ownership — every piece, every minute, yours

Why spend hours scrubbing sinks or loading other people’s kilns… when you could just be making your own art?

Your Art Deserves to Come First

Pottery jobs can be wonderful — if what you really want is to teach, or run a business, or support others. But if what you want is to make, then giving away your creative energy to someone else’s schedule can burn you out fast.

In fact, some of our most active members are former instructors and studio techs who finally gave themselves permission to stop working and start creating.

As author Elizabeth Gilbert puts it: “You can measure your worth by your dedication to your path, not by your successes or failures.”

Conclusion

There’s nothing wrong with wanting a studio job. But don’t forget — you can access everything you need right here, as a member, on your own terms. The Clay Hole exists to support your art — not to make you work for it.

Start Working on Your Art Instead

Make the switch easier:

  • MYNEWSTUDIO – $100 off your first month if you're switching from another studio job or membership. Just show us something to confirm.
  • NEWMEMBER30 – If this is your first time joining any studio, take 30% off your first month instead.

Both offers are only for first-time members. Come reclaim your creativity — no job title required.

FAQs

Do you offer jobs at The Clay Hole?
Rarely. Our model is based on empowering potters to be independent, not employed.
Can I teach here someday?
Possibly! We sometimes invite members who’ve built a strong body of work to guest teach.
Is this studio just for pros?
Not at all. We welcome all levels — beginners to experts — and everyone gets full access.
See all FAQs

Related Pages You Might Like

Find Us on Social Media

Find Us in Draper, Utah

Written by Dan Pearce, ceramic artist, author, and founder of The Clay Hole—a 10,000 sq. ft. community pottery studio in Draper, Utah. With nearly 3 million followers across platforms, Dan is known for his expressive pottery, inclusive studio culture, and commitment to creative connection.