Setting Up a Home Studio
An vital workshop for anyone who is thinking of setting up a home studio.
The time spent with our technician Cellan Cox will give you a real insight into what it takes to set up your own studio.
This in-depth, practical one-day workshop is designed for aspiring professional ceramicists who want to set up a safe, efficient and sustainable pottery studio at home.
Whether you’re transitioning from shared studios, preparing to sell your work, or planning a serious upgrade, this workshop will give you the clarity and confidence to make informed decisions — and avoid costly mistakes.
Rather than generic advice, this is technician-led, real-world guidance based on years of hands-on studio experience.
What You’ll Walk Away With
By the end of the day, you’ll have:
- A clear plan for setting up (or upgrading) a professional-level home studi0
- Confidence to choose the right equipment for your practice and budget
- A realistic understanding of safety, workflow and space requirements
- Practical systems you can apply immediately
- Insight into common mistakes — and how to avoid them
About the Tutor
Cellan has been Head Technician at The Clay Studio for the past four years, supporting professional makers, courses and studio operations on a daily basis. Before this, he gained a degree specialising in Ceramics from the University of Brighton.
His role has given him a deep understanding of how studios function in real life — from kilns and clay systems to safety, maintenance and efficiency. This workshop distils that experience into clear, practical guidance tailored to home studios.
WORKSHOP STRUCTURE
1. Defining Your Practice: What Kind of Maker Are You?
We start with the foundations — because the best studio setups are purpose-built.
- Clarifying your goals as an aspiring professional
- Assessing your available space (garage, shed, spare room, outbuilding)
- What kind of work you want to make now — and in the future
- Do you need a wheel, a kiln, or both?
This session helps you design a studio that supports your practice, rather than limiting it.
2. Kilns: Choosing, Installing and Using Them Safely
One of the biggest investments — and biggest sources of uncertainty — made clear.
- Types of electric kilns and how they work
- Sizing a kiln for production, not just test firing
- Power requirements, running costs and efficiency
- Safety considerations for home use
- Live demonstration: loading and firing a kiln
3. Clay Knowledge for Studio Setup
Understanding clay choices from a studio-management perspective.
- Overview of commonly used clay bodies
- Earthenware, stoneware and porcelain — practical differences
- Firing temperatures and how they affect kiln choice and energy use
- Consistency and suitability for professional output
4. Wedging: Technique and Efficiency
Cellan will demonstrate his preferred wedging method.
- Why wedging matters for consistency and quality
- Efficient techniques suitable for regular production
- A clear, hands-on and engaging demonstration
5. Reclaiming Clay & Waste Management
An essential system for any serious home studio.
- Why reclaiming clay is critical for sustainability and cost control
- Equipment needed for efficient reclaiming
- Step-by-step overview of the reclaim process
- Clay traps and sedimentation tanks: what you need and why
- Protecting drains and plumbing long-term
6. Essential Equipment & Studio Layout
What experienced makers wish they’d known at the start.
- Strong work surfaces and table heights
- Storage for clay, tools and finished work
- Buckets, tools and consumables — right down to the right sizes
- Workflow, ergonomics and layout for efficiency
7. Safety, Practicalities & Common Pitfalls
Often overlooked — but absolutely essential for professional practice.
- Dust management and ventilation
- Electrical considerations
- Studio safety and good working habits
- Common mistakes when setting up a home studio — and how to avoid them
Questions & Discussion
There is plenty of time throughout the day for questions, discussion and shared problem-solving. You’re encouraged to bring your own plans, concerns and ideas — everyone benefits from hearing real-world scenarios.
This is a supportive, open and highly informative workshop designed to leave you feeling confident, capable and inspired.
Who This Workshop Is For
- Aspiring professional ceramicists
- Makers transitioning from shared or community studios
- Potters planning to sell their work
- Anyone considering investing in a kiln or wheel for serious use
What to Bring
- Notebook and pen
- Questions about your own studio plans
- Photos or rough sketches of your space (optional but encouraged)
- BYO Lunch. Tea, coffee and cake provided
After the Workshop
For those wanting more tailored support, Cellan is available for individual studio visits and follow-up advice.
To enquire about studio visits or ask further questions, please email him directly at: cellancox1998@gmail.com