Defining Your Style
Defining Your Style
With: Deb Schwartzkopf
June 16th-August 18th
Tuesdays 9:00am-11:00am
$285 (includes studio access, but does not include tools clay, or sales tax)
Join this in-person seminar of fellow clay artists wanting to grow their ideas and their personal style! Folks will get the most out of this class if they have taken two ceramics classes in the past.
This 10-week class focuses on developing artistic voice through reflection, research, and conversation rather than hands-on making. Using ideas from Eva Zeisel’s Book on Design alongside guided writing and visual exercises, students will investigate their influences, identify recurring themes in their work, and learn to articulate their intentions clearly. Each session includes artwork analysis, group discussion, and critique of both greenware and finished pieces, helping participants connect ideas to outcomes. Through structured prompts and goal-setting, students will build a framework for translating inspiration into a cohesive body of ceramic work outside of class. This course is ideal for artists seeking clarity, direction, and a deeper understanding of their own practice.
Essential for Class Readings:
On Design: The Magic Language of Things. This is a great book.
General Outline:
Week One: What are your goals - let’s talk about them and figure out some next steps (we will check in on these weekly)
Week Two: Tell Your Story! Developing an Artist Statement / Bio
Week Three: Websites - get one started or improve it!
Week Four: Ways to use social media
Week Five: Making a newsletter using MailChimp
Week Six: Class set topic/ Open to independent projects
Week Seven: Ways to sell work in person
Week Eight: Setting up a Clay Studio
Week Nine: Open to independent projects
Week Ten: Wrap up/ Potluck/ Class set topic
About Deb Schwartzkopf (she/her):
Deb is the founder of Rat City Studios & Rain City Clay. With a passion to engage and build community through clay, she uses her unique skill set to offer educational opportunities in her hometown of Seattle, WA. As a studio artist, she makes her own fabulous tableware that infuses life with purposeful beauty. Her adventurous spirit has taken her across the country and beyond to build a depth of experience, knowledge, and a supportive network.
Prepare for Class
Full information on how to prepare for classes is available on our Clay Q&A Platform (Links below).
Tools: Suggested tools are in the image on this class page.
Clay: Purchase clay separately through our communication platform (Links below)
Studio Access: Weekly Classes come with access to studio practice hours.
FAQ’s about classes: https://raincityclay.com/education-faq
RCC Communication Platform
Our studio communication platform, The Clay Q&A “Space”, is hosted on the Mighty Networks App.
Participation is required to take classes at RCC or have a membership at RCS.
Clay Q&A is essential to participants. It is where participants may:
Buy Clay
Schedule practice time
Learn about kiln deadlines/ kiln unloadings
Hear studio news & events
Learn more/ download the More about the Mighty Networks App, or text the Mighty Network App to your Phone.
This app can be used on a desktop or mobile device. This app is essential for purchasing clay during the session, scheduling practice hours, and keeping up to date with studio deadlines for kilns and finishing your art projects at RCC.
Studio Policies and Information
Registration Policies: Information on being prepared for class, refunds, and more.
Hold Harmless Agreement: View what you agree to when registering for a class.
Code of Conduct: Expectations of studio conduct for students, staff, and instructors, as well as ways to give feedback anonymously.
