To understand user motivations and challenges in a larger sample size, pottery related forums such as on Reddit and the Ceramics Art Network were used. Over 100 comments were reviewed in response to the search terms ‘beginner pottery advice’ beginner pottery challenges.

[D1 - https://community.ceramicartsdaily.org/topic/26168-newbie-needs-adviceinput/?tab=comments#comment-207511] [D2 - https://community.ceramicartsdaily.org/topic/28894-qothw-how-would-you-help-out-beginners-stuck-working-alone-with-their-processes/#comment-222076]

[D3 - https://www.reddit.com/r/Pottery/comments/vduolx/what_does_your_pottery_practice_look_like_right/]

[D4 - https://www.reddit.com/r/Pottery/comments/5hlqdw/what_do_you_love_about_ceramics/]

[D5- https://www.reddit.com/r/Pottery/comments/slija4/failure_and_frustration/]

[D6 - https://www.reddit.com/r/Pottery/comments/ytfqse/beginner_feeling_extremely_discouraged/]

[D7- https://www.reddit.com/r/Pottery/comments/2c55so/how_did_you_learn_how_to_make_pottery/]

Motivations to practise pottery:

• Therapist recommended [D1]
• To help with depression [D2]
• For the therapeutic benefits [D3]
• “I have a full-time job that brings me zero satisfaction and zero joy. Pottery brings me both, even when my pieces fail because I literally reclaim almost all the failures.” [D3]
• Versatility of practise, e.g make something functional or decorative [D4]

Challenges

• Knowing which class to choose, even though user had limited options (two studios in local area) [D1]
• Feeling overwhelmed on where to begin and which resources to use [D1]
• Availability of classes, for example being on evenings which does not accommodate late/night shift workers [D1]
• Unable to find private kiln to rent and studio prices are expensive [D1]