FAQS

Private Lessons

  • I offer one-to-one ceramic lessons in my London studio and online via Zoom. Lessons are tailored to your goals, whether you are a complete beginner, returning to clay, or developing a more ambitious sculptural project.

    Studio lessons can include hand-building, sculptural flowers, porcelain, black stoneware, surface decoration, glazing, firing advice and project development.

    Online lessons are ideal if you already have clay, tools and a place to work from home or in your own studio.

  • Yes. You do not need previous experience. I will guide you step by step and adapt the session to your level, pace and confidence.

  • Yes. Private lessons can also be used as mentoring sessions for artists, makers and ceramic students who want support with technique, project development, clay bodies, surface, firing, presentation or creative direction.

  • Studio lessons usually include tuition, use of studio tools, basic materials and firing for agreed pieces. More complex projects, larger works, specialist materials, gold lustre, decals, large-scale firing or additional finishing may carry an extra cost. This will always be discussed in advance.

  • Ceramic work needs time to dry before it can be fired. Most pieces need to be left in the studio for drying, bisque firing and glaze firing. This can usually take around 2–4 weeks, depending on the work, studio schedule and kiln availability.

    Once your work is ready, you can collect it from the studio or arrange postage for an additional fee.

  • Please wear comfortable clothes that you do not mind getting a little clay on. Short nails are helpful but not essential. For longer sessions, you are welcome to bring any visual references, sketchbook ideas, images or project notes.

Mentorship and Intensive Packages

  • The mentorship package is a deeper one-to-one learning experience for artists, makers and ambitious beginners who want more than a single lesson. It can include technical guidance, project planning, sculptural development, porcelain or stoneware techniques, surface ideas, firing support and creative direction.

  • It is suitable for people who want to develop a complete body of work, create a larger sculptural piece, build confidence with clay, refine their ceramic language or receive more focused support with their practice.

  • Yes. Mentorship can be arranged in the London studio, online via Zoom, or as a combination depending on your needs, location and project.

  • Yes. Mentorship and lesson packages can usually be split across several sessions. For example, sessions may be arranged as shorter blocks, full days, or a combination, depending on the project and my availability.

Online Zoom Lessons

  • Online lessons take place on Zoom. Before the lesson, we will discuss what you want to learn and what materials you have available. I can then guide you through techniques, demonstrate processes, answer questions and help you develop your work from your own space.

  • Yes. For online lessons, you will need to prepare your own clay, basic tools and a suitable workspace. Depending on your project, you may use ceramic clay, porcelain, stoneware or air-dry clay.

  • Yes, depending on your goals. You can learn sculpting and hand-building techniques with air-dry clay, or you can work with ceramic clay and arrange firing locally. If you are unsure, please contact me before booking and I can advise you.

  • Yes. Online lessons can be booked as individual sessions or as a package. Packages are useful if you want ongoing support, a structured learning plan or help developing a complete project.

Online Course

  • The online ceramic course is currently in development and is planned for launch in the future. It will be designed for people who want to learn at their own pace from home.

  • The course may include step-by-step video lessons, written guidance, downloadable PDFs, tool lists, demonstrations and project-based learning. More details will be added once the course is ready.

  • Yes. You can join the mailing list to receive updates about online lessons, course launch dates, workshops and new ceramic projects.

  • Yes. Online lessons can be booked as individual sessions or as a package. Packages are useful if you want ongoing support, a structured learning plan or help developing a complete project.

Group Workshops

  • Group workshops are small, friendly, hands-on ceramic sessions in my London studio. They are designed to be calm, creative and supportive, with step-by-step guidance throughout.

    Workshops may include porcelain flowers, floral tiles, sculptural clay projects, surface texture, colour, glazing or other seasonal themes.

  • Yes. Most group workshops are suitable for beginners unless stated otherwise. If a workshop is more advanced, this will be clearly explained on the booking page.

  • Group sizes are kept small so that each person can receive guidance. The exact number depends on the workshop format and the studio setup.

  • Some longer workshops may include lunch or a relaxed break. Please check the individual workshop description before booking.

  • Yes. Private group workshops may be available for birthdays, friends, small team events, creative wellbeing sessions or special occasions. Please contact me to discuss the date, group size and project.

Bookings and Contact

  • You can book available lessons and workshops directly through the website, or contact me if you would like to discuss a private lesson, online session, mentorship package or custom workshop.

  • You can use the contact form on the website or email: info@orliivanov.co.uk