Design Process

Sketching

Every design begins with an idea. Inspiration can strike anywhere — sometimes from a moment of observation, sometimes out of nowhere — which is why I always keep a sketchbook close at hand. It’s where I capture those first sparks of creativity and begin to shape them into something tangible. Sketching allows me to visualize and refine each project, documenting not just how it looks, but how it feels. I pay close attention to every detail — from form and texture to color and even the subtle sensory elements that give a design its unique character.

To Illustrate my design process, I will show how I create my ceramic vessels from start to finish.

Prototype: Model

Once a design is finalized through sketches, I move on to creating a scaled prototype — typically at a 1:5 ratio — to explore how the piece will look and feel in physical form. This stage allows me to study proportions, textures, and the overall presence of the design before committing to its full scale. While furniture designers often work with materials like cardstock, 3D prints, or other flexible mediums, I prefer to use smaller pieces of clay to model my vessels. This hands-on process helps me better understand the relationship between form and function, and how each curve or surface detail contributes to the final piece.

Creation Process

Once I’m satisfied with the prototype, I begin the process of throwing or hand-building the vessel. The practice and insights gained from creating the miniature model give me the confidence to approach the full piece with greater precision and intention. Each stage becomes both a continuation of the design process and an opportunity to refine my technique.

Ceramics is an art form that requires patience and rhythm. From the initial design to forming the piece, allowing it to dry completely, then bisque firing, glazing, and glaze firing — every step demands time, care, and attention. It’s a slow but rewarding process that reveals the beauty of craftsmanship through dedication and practice.

Finished Product

Once the product