Packing & Shipping Pottery Workshop
Learn How to Pack & Ship Pots Like a Pro!
Virtual Workshop with Naomi Clement
Course Length: 2 hours
"Shipping and packing used to be the main reason I didn’t put myself out into the world. I'm slowly getting over that fear, and this workshop was super helpful!" Janna, Workshop Participant
Are you new to selling work online and unsure of how to safely, effectively, and professionally pack and ship your pottery?
Have you experienced breakages when shipping in the past?
Maybe you recently started selling your pottery online due to Covid shutdowns, and you’re nervous about packing and shipping your pots.
Or perhaps you've been packing and shipping pots for a while now, but have had some breakages, and/or are looking to up your game on the branding & packaging front.
I would love to teach you how to safely and professionally pack and ship your pots, to give them the best chance possible when they get tossed around by the folks at the post office! I have packed literally thousands of pots in my career, and sadly I’ve lost quite a few along the way. I’d like to share my hard-won knowledge with you, and help you avoid disappointing and expensive breakages.
"Naomi is a packing boss! She's been shipping us pots for years, and there has never been a broken pot. One of the few artists we can say that about, which is impressive considering her packages are travelling all the way from Canada!"
Eric Botbyl, Owner, Companion Gallery
Workshop Outline
By the end of this workshop, you’ll know how to professionally wrap and pack your pots so that they reach your customers safe and sound. You’ll also learn the tips and tricks I’ve learned from years of packing and shipping pots (I’ve literally shipped thousands of pots in my career!). A printable resource list of materials used, and general rules of thumb will also be provided.*
Here’s what the workshop will cover:
- You’ll get in-depth, step-by-step demonstrations of how I pack all of my different pottery forms (mugs, cups, bowls, plates, pitchers).
- You’ll get a full list of the supplies I use to professionally and effectively pack and ship my pots.
- You’ll also learn how to properly ship larger, multi-item orders to galleries and exhibitions.
- We’ll talk about sustainable materials to use, and ways to decrease the carbon footprint of your packaging.
- You’ll learn different ways to add personal and distinctive branding touches, to make your packages stand out, and enhance your customer experience when unboxing.
- Learn how I deal with inventory to ensure that each customer gets the correct order.
And of course, there will be plenty of time for your questions!
Here’s what the workshop won’t cover:
While I would love to be able to cover every facet of packing and shipping work, this is just a 2-hour workshop, so it has a very specific focus. My area of expertise is in shipping smaller functional pottery, so the workshop is focused on that.
The following topics will NOT be covered in the workshop:
- Shipping intricate sculptures and very fragile pieces.
- Shipping large work that needs to be crated.
- Issues around shipping internationally, and dealing with customs: if time allows, I’m happy to touch on this, and what I have found to work, but it is such a complex issue, and differs for every country, so I can't guarantee that I'll be able to address your specific issue, though I will do my best to point you in the right direction!
*Disclaimer: I am confident in the packing methods that I will be sharing with you (they are the same ones I use in my work after all!), however I cannot guarantee that they work 100% of the time. Despite our best efforts, sometimes boxes arrive that seem to (quite literally), have been put through the wringer. No amount of packing or precautions can account for these kinds of situations.
About The Instructor
Hi, I’m Naomi Clement, I’m a ceramic artist, teacher, and creative entrepreneur. I’ve been working in clay for over 22 years, and I’ve taught workshops and exhibited my work all across Canada and the US. I have my BFA from the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design, and my MFA in Ceramics from Louisiana State University.
When I graduated from art school (both times!) I had no idea how to go about actually being a professional artist and making a living. Sure, I knew how to make my work and talk about it, but navigating social media, creating websites, setting up a studio, working with galleries, and pricing my work? I had to figure that out on my own. So much of what I know and what I do as a full-time professional artist has been learned by trial and lots of error (LOTS of it).
I teach classes like this to share all my hard-won professional experience with folks, and help make things a little easier for y'all.
This is the class that I wish I could have taken when I was first starting out!
How do I access the recording and other course materials?
Once you register for the workshop, you’ll get all the info on how to access the course delivered right to your inbox within about 15 min. You will need to create a login password within Naomi’s e-learning platform, Thinkific. Please save that information in your browser, so that you can easily access the course materials whenever you like.
How long do I have access to this course?
You’ll have access to this course for 1 year from the date of purchase. You can watch it as much as you like during that time, and on any devices you own!
How does it work?
This is a virtual workshop, simply purchase it in the shop! After that, check your inbox for an email from my virtual platform, Naomi’s School, with a link to login to your new account and access the course. The zoom link to the live class will be in your student dashboard, along with any other course materials.
Note: if you have previously purchased workshops through my website, the new course will be added to your existing student dashboard. Simply login there to access the new course.
Refunds
Due to the digital nature of this product we don’t offer refunds.
" Naomi has such a relaxed and down-to-earth approach to teaching and is VERY generous with all she share. Love her workshops! I have attended two so far and look forward to more. Naomi is an EXCELLENT teacher! I've learned so much from her! "
“ I have taken two workshops with Naomi and I learned so much at both! She is so patient and open with information and tips, which makes her so approachable for students and people learning. After those two workshops I would definitely take another workshop with Naomi! ”
“ I took your surface decoration workshop awhile back and just wanted to thank you!! I’ve been stuck on a project for too long—your workshop was very inspiring and really helped me focus on simplifying my idea. ”
“ Great workshop again today. It was just what I needed. I'm motivated to get in the studio and dive in again – thank you! ”
" I've taken 3 virtual workshops so far from Naomi Clement, and each one gives me such inspiration! I find myself watching more than once, taking copious notes, and so totally engaged that I'm amazed 2 hours can go by so quickly! "
" Naomi is clear, concise, and very willing to answer all questions during the demo. I've asked Naomi questions post-workshop and she is incredibly responsive and kind. I really hope one day to take an in-person workshop from Naomi, but for now I will settle for online and look forward to more..."