How to build a production schedule for your next show

Most missed deadlines aren't a making problem — they're a scheduling problem. The ware physically can't dry and fire fast enough because the plan never accounted for the time clay actually needs. Here's how to build one that does.

1. Start from the date and work backward

Put the show date on the right. The last safe glaze firing has to finish with a margin for cooling and a failed-load redo. From there, every stage steps left in time: glaze fire, glazing, bisque, bone-dry, leather-hard, throwing.

2. Budget real drying time

Thrown ware needs days, not hours, to reach bone-dry — typically 3–7 days depending on thickness and humidity. This is the stage people underestimate most. Don't compress it; you'll either crack ware or bisque it wet.

3. Size batches to your kiln

Count how many pieces fit a bisque load and a glaze load. Your throughput is gated by kiln capacity and firing frequency, not by how fast you can throw. Two kilns' worth of ware needs two firings — and the calendar to fit them.

4. Add a loss buffer and a redo slot

Make 10–15% more than you need, and leave one open firing slot near the end for the inevitable redo. A schedule with zero slack isn't a schedule; it's a wish.