Works
ISABEL BELDAD
I am Isabel, a 32-year-old ceramist. I live in Madrid and at this moment, I have my atelier in my hometown (Villafranca de los Caballeros, Toledo). I plan to move with my atelier close to the seaside when is possible!
I’ve been in ceramics for six years now, learning in different workshops and art schools (Escuela de Cerámica de la Moncloa, Escuela de Arte Ramón Falcón in Lugo, etc.). It was two years ago when I started to run my own ceramic studio and spend more time on this project, showing and selling my work, understanding it as a little business.
I reached this point by being obsessed with the material (clay) and its infinite possibilities. The way to achieve my goals in this area wasn’t easy at all (and it is still this way).
I make fun and colourful ceramics, mainly utilitarian. For me, making ceramics is a celebration, so I always try to have fun when I’m working with clay. I’d like that my clients feel the same about my work, I want my ceramics to cheer their daily life! Their little celebrations of the day-by-day.
My business objectives are:
I’d like it to be sustainable over time. It doesn’t need to be my full-time job, but at least, my part-time job. I want my business/activity to continue throughout my life, prevail with me, and I want the same for my inspiration and desire! For this goal, my work needs to be self-sufficient, so I will put my long-time efforts into it.
I prefer durability rather than intensity.
My learnings from the Crafting Business Programme:
The main learning: we should spend at least half of our working time on business activities such as communications, finance, etc. And the other half for production. The importance of creating a well-constructed brand in order to sell.
My 5 top tips that I have learnt on this journey: