Breakfast in Style with Deb Babcock

While browsing etsy sellers, my eyes were attracted by the wonderful colors of Deb Babcock's pottery.
Her ceramics are not only full of life, they also have an amazing style.
If you like something, just get it as the creations are absolutely Unique. 

A little interview with the designer, just for you:

- How did you get started ?
I got started in pottery after I sold my marketing research business in Michigan and moved to Colorado to change directions. I started volunteering for the local arts council and they put me through a series of art classes in all media. I fell in love with pottery and started taking classes at the local college, then continuing my pottery education with summer workshops at such places as Anderson Ranch in Aspen.

- Where are you from?
I am originally from Saginaw, Michigan.

- Are your creations limited editions or unique?

My creations are one-of-a-kind pieces, all handmade. However, I often produce things in a series, so while each piece is unique, I may have several that are complementary to each other in the same style.

- How long have you been doing it?
I have been doing pottery since 2001.

- Are you a professional artist or is this a hobby?
I guess I'm a professional artist since I have a gallery/storefront as part of my studio and do sell my work. It's more of a nonprofit business at the moment *smiles*

- What inspires you?
I am inspired by lots of things, such as the beautiful mountains where I now live, books I read, everyday things, my garden.

My favorite piece is often the last one that I made. However, I do have a very soft spot for this piece because of the way the crystals formed on it in the kiln. Also, there are only two above ground lithia springs in the world, and one is in Steamboat Springs where I live. You need lithium in order to grow these crystals, so I use some of the water from that spring in my glaze.

- How do you promote your work?
I promote my work via postcard mailings, signage outside my shop, a little bit of activity in the forums, helping out on a few etsy teams making treasuries, etc., entering art shows and participating in an annual holiday sale with other potters in my community.

- What is your favorite material?
My favorite material is porcelain. I love the way it feels when I throw it on the wheel, the smoothness, the way it can be manipulated, and the way glazes are so bright on it.

- What advice you wish someone had told you when you started?
Advice when I started. Hmmmmm. I'm often not very good a listening and usually need to find my own way. BUT, I do have to say that the forums on Etsy have been invaluable in learning how to run your online shop in terms of getting noticed, saving time on shipping and listing, and general support.

- Do you have any advice for fellow artists?
My only advice for other artists is to treat people how you would want to be treated. I guess that boils down to communication. Acknowledge an order or an inquiry. Do what you say you're going to do, and if something comes up to prevent that, be sure to let your customer know there's a hangup. Thank them. And make your work as high-quality as you possibly can.

- any special promos?
Special promos? Right now, I'm running a special on all the jewelry and holiday items in my store...50% off the regular price.

- what would you like to be when you grow up ?
When I grow up? I don't plan on doing that.

- favorite jeweller ?
My favorite jeweler? I bought these earrings  a while back and just love them.  I also have a wonderful bracelet that I bought from beadgrrrl that I wear often. There are so many great jewelry artists in Etsy, it's hard to choose just one.

And, one of these days, I might have to get these ones from you!

- favorite websites ?
One website that I go to often is www.majaba.org for the etsy stats they offer. I also have been checking out twitter and a couple other selling websites such as HandmadeFuzion and 1000markets.

Visit Her site to see more...