How to Start Your Pottery Journey: Tips for Beginners

Pottery isn’t just a craft — it’s a tactile, grounding experience. You get your hands dirty, you shape something real, and if you’re patient, you walk away with something beautiful. But like a lot of new things, starting out can feel a bit overwhelming. Especially when we are bombarded by so many social media platforms, it’s hard not to get overwhelmed. Lucky for me, when I started pottery, Instagram was in the early years which meant that there was not an overflow of information and the social pressure to keep up. Now with so many social media platforms, its easy to get lost in the race to keep up without having the clarity of what you exactly want. 

Commissioned decorative vases for a restaurant called Omny Kitchen by Chef Vicky Ratnani

As a practicing studio potter and a pottery teacher, I am sharing my two cents for those who are just stepping foot into the beautiful world of Pottery and are a bit confused as to what they want and what they actually need. I wouldn’t call it a guide but merely my own journey and experience to help you dive into pottery without spinning in circles.

Pick Your Path: Wheel or Handbuilding?

Wheel Throwing : I am sure you’ve seen it — spinning clay, wet hands, hypnotic movements. This method of pottery has been made especially popular since the iconic pottery scene from the movie Ghost which turned a quiet craft into a symbol of romance and sensuality. Wheel throwing is indeed gorgeous but to reach the stage where you look more like Demi Moore while working on the wheel instead of your confused, hyperventilating self needs a lot of time and patience. In the initial sessions, you might start doubting yourself because wheel throwing is a technique driven skill and takes time to master. But once you understand how to guide the clay on the wheel, it’s quite addictive. 

Wheel thrown vase

Handbuilding : As the name suggests, its mainly freehand technique and there is no wheel needed. You use your hands, slabs, or coils to shape pieces. Slower, more forgiving, and perfect for beginners at home. This technique is very fluid and unlike wheel where the forms are all round and circular in shape, this method lets you explore a lot of unique shapes and allows a lot of wiggle room.

Hand building a character from The Velveteen Rabbit storybook

Find a Studio or Class

If you’re new to this, find yourself a pottery teacher or a community studio who has a full time instructor. A lot of people think that you tube videos and online tutorials are a good source lo learn without having to spend money but its always a good practice to invest in a good teacher. Because clay has no chill—it wobbles, collapses, and sticks where it shouldn’t. A good teacher helps you avoid frustration, learn proper techniques, and build confidence (and actual pots!) faster than YouTube ever could. They’ll spot your mistakes before they become habits—and turn your muddy mayhem into mindful making. Plus, you’ll get access to tools and a kiln, which are expensive to own upfront.

If you are in Gurgaon, you can look at Zeventien Ceramics Studio, which is my studio where I have been practising and teaching pottery for almost half a decade.

Get the Right Tools (Without Overdoing It)

Start with the basics: a good sponge, a needle tool, a wire cutter, a craft knife, a rib or two and a bowl of water. That’s all you need to shape, trim, and survive your first few clay disasters.

Yes! That’s it. The clay doesn’t care how fancy your tools are - it just wants your time, patience and maybe a towel for the mess! Build your kit slowly, as your skills (and pots) grow and your Wishlist become more specific. 

Be Ready to Fail (A Lot)

Your first few pieces might collapse, crack, or fly off the wheel—and that’s totally okay. Failure is part of the game. Each wonky bowl and lopsided mug teaches you more than perfection ever could. Pottery is a skill — not a gift. The more you practice, the better your hands and eyes will sync. The beauty of pottery is that you can always squish it down and try again.

Stay Inspired, Not Intimidated

Instagram and Pinterest are full of flawless pottery videos. Don’t compare your early work to a 10-year pro. That beautiful therapeautic pottery video you saw on Instagram! It probably came after hundreds of wobbly ones. Everyone starts with lumps and learning curves. Your journey is just beginning—let it be messy, slow, and completely yours. Celebrate progress, not perfection.  

Pottery is about slowing down and connecting with your hands. It’s messy, meditative, and sometimes frustrating — but always rewarding.

Whether you’re building a mug or just playing with clay, the key is to begin. The rest you’ll figure out one pot at a time. Happy Journey to you…