Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Craft Artist
What craft artists actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a craft artist?
Throw pots on the wheel. From there, the day usually includes design pieces, make crafts, and photograph work. Self-directed, often long hours before shows.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a craft artist working full time.
- Throw pots on the wheel.
- Trim yesterday’s pots.
- Photograph new work.
- Ship online orders.
- Glaze pieces.
- Load the kiln.
- Teach an evening class.
Where craft artists work
Craft artists work in studios and at markets and fairs.
Hours and schedule
Self-directed, often long hours before shows.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Design pieces
- Make crafts
- Photograph work
- Sell at fairs and online
- Teach workshops
- Manage a studio
- Market work
Tools you’ll use every day
- Potter’s wheels
- Kilns
- Torches
- Looms
- Hand tools
- Online shop platforms
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Creative freedom
- Be your own boss
- Handmade satisfaction
- Teach and share
What’s hard
- Uncertain income
- Business tasks
- Physical work
- Marketing yourself
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love making things
- I’m patient
- I want creative freedom
- I can run a small business
- I like teaching
- I don’t need a degree
Not sure? Take the free Craft Artist fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Ventilate kilns and glazes
- Use eye protection
- Handle hot materials safely
- Use tools safely