Meet Zach Steinkamp | Potter & Maker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Zach Steinkamp and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zach, what’s your definition for success?
I got my definition of success from Earl Knitingale. He said that success is the progressive realization of a worthy ideal. Working towards a goal means you are already on the path of success. This is because the secret to success is that we are what we think about. So if you focus your mind on a goal, and are determined to reach this goal, it is only a matter of time.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
It’s been two years since I took the leap into running a pottery studio full time. Rainy Day Studio had been a side project and creative outlet for me after college while trying to find my way in the world of marketing. After realizing that office jobs weren’t going to do it for me and needing to work with my hands, I switch into the trades. Being a carpenter and electrician taught me lots and were much more rewarding than the office grind but I still felt boxed in as I looked at what those paths had in store. Timing is everything, and about two weeks before the pandemic/lock-down happened, I walked away from the security of full time work to open up shop as a potter on the front range – bonus shout out to Hollie Connell for believing in me.

So far my takeaways have been this – not everyone will see my vision and that’s ok, and there will be moments of great setbacks and doubt but I shouldn’t give up. The trick is to believe in myself and to not let fear of failure hold me back, because I only fail if I quit. The paths most people take are comfortable, boring, and unrewarding so find comfort in the uncomfortable, and keep pushing towards the goal.

The things we make in Rainy Day Studio are handcrafted to fill the little moments in your life with joy; the first sip of morning coffee, the dinner plates you use while you catch up with friends and family, or the key dish that welcomes you home.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If this friend were to really twist my arm and get me off the ranch, I’d say we’d hit Asher Brewing for some great beer and darts in Boulder. Then maybe a comedy show at Denver Comedy Underground later in the week. Friday night we’d head to Lyons for a beer and pizza at Kinfolk Pizza and then the Pinball Arcade. Honestly though, that friend would know that we’d be spending most of our time wandering the mountains and fishing some secret spots, or pheasant hunting out east if they visit between November and the end of January. I’d take them to Indian Peaks Wilderness and RMNP, and then they could point anywhere on the map of Colorado and we would do a couple day trip to whichever mountains they want to see. The best parts of Colorado are the ones outside in my opinion.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A huge shoutout goes to my business/life partner Hollie Connell. She has jumped right into Rainy Day Studio and brought a voice to this production. She has a knack for organization and is a shipping wiz. It has been awesome to watch her develop her creative expression through various mediums in the studio, and am really looking forward to more items in the shop from her. Without her this endeavor would be lacking joy in a major way and I can’t thank her enough for all the support she’s given me.

Website: www.rainyday-studio.com

Instagram: @rainy.day.studio

Facebook: www.facebook.com/rainydaystudioceramics

Image Credits
Thomas Barwick