Meet Lindsay Langsdale

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

Hi Lindsay, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Brick and Mortar Studio emerged during the pandemic, opening its doors in August 2021. Prior to this venture, I had served as an operations manager for a larger San Francisco studio but found myself furloughed and later laid off in January of that year. Determined to establish a new creative space outside my kitchen and secure a steady income for rent, I started the journey toward studio ownership with just $2000 in my bank account.

I scouted properties, meticulously calculated costs, and spent countless late nights researching how to launch and sustain a business. Unable to secure a conventional loan, I turned to crowdfunding, launching a campaign with the slogan “you bring the funds, I’ll bring the hams.” The campaign featured sculptural cartoon hams, slip-cast from molds based on my original sculptures. Why hams? Because if I had to make a hundred of something, it had to make me laugh.

In May 2021, I launched the fundraiser, hoping for modest success but was overwhelmed by the support of my community—both online and offline. Within the first day, I had nearly $10,000 in ham sales, far surpassing my expectations and reaffirming just how much my community believed in my wacky, chaotic idea.

By June, the campaign had raised $20,000, supplemented by an additional $15,000 loan. With these funds secured, I signed a five-year lease on a space and began ordering necessary equipment. On August 1, 2021, Brick and Mortar Studio opened its doors, welcoming its first six independent artists.

Today, our community at Brick and Mortar has grown to over 50 members strong. We encompass a diverse group of students, hobbyists, emerging professionals, and seasoned independent artists, all empowered to create and sell their work. Together, we create a dynamic and welcoming studio that fosters creativity, community and collaboration.

I am forever grateful to everyone who supported and believed in my ambitious journey. Their belief in my vision not only helped me realize my dream but also created a vibrant community where creativity flourishes.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I didn’t always envision myself as a ceramic artist or studio owner. Initially, my education and passion were rooted in illustration and design. Though clay had been a part of my life since childhood, it didn’t truly resonate until my late twenties. My focus had primarily been on 2D mediums like painting and drawing.

After moving to San Francisco just before 2007, I faced job loss as a framer and art handler during the recession. This was alongside a loss of community as many artist friends left the city due to financial challenges. To pass time and my manage student loans, I enrolled in art classes at City College San Francisco. Starting with printmaking and textiles, I eventually discovered ceramics. The studio instructor fostered a supportive community, which filled a void in my life.

Post-City College, I began creating ceramic art at a community studio, applying to gallery calls while working full-time as an office manager for startups. In 2016, I embraced a part-time teaching and tech role offered by my community studio, prompting me to leave my office job and commit to a career centered around clay. Through managing studio operations for several years, I eventually founded Brick and Mortar Studio.

My advice to anyone pursuing a creative career is to continuously learn new skills and embrace community. The diverse skill sets acquired along the journey will intersect and enhance each other over time. Having supportive people who inspire and challenge you is crucial. Additionally, persistence in the face of rejection and consistent art-making are essential to success.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
San Francisco is an absolute gem when it comes to things to do and eat. If my best friend were visiting, we’d spend some time in the city’s parks. Dolores Park in the Mission is a must for its lively atmosphere, perfect for people-watching and enjoying the company of playful pups. Meanwhile, Golden Gate Park feels like stepping into an outdoor art gallery, with sculptures nestled among beautiful landscapes. For a dose of movie magic, we’d check out The Balboa or 4Star theaters in the Richmond district, hoping for the thrill of a Godzilla film fest or a campy double feature and drag show. We would do breakfast sandwiches at Devil’s Teeth on Balboa and coffee at Simple Pleasures. For a treat we would have get some Italian water ice from Bernie Bee’s on Mission Street, after tacos at Al Carajo.
A visit to the farmers market at Fort Mason would be a must, followed by a stroll down Crissy Field to the Palace of Fine Arts, where we’d enjoy a picnic of artisan bread, local cheeses, and fresh berries. Finally, a trip to San Francisco wouldn’t be complete without a walk to the Ocean Beach dunes to smoke a joint and watch the sunset.

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?
I want to extend a heartfelt shout-out to three original Brick and Mortar members who have been with me from the very start. In no particular order:

Nick Marchi, your empathy is unparalleled. Thank you for always lending an ear, even during my less positive moments, and for your incredible skill in coiling and pinching pots as large as our kilns.

Linnan Ye of Neko Co. Neko, you embody dedication and diligence as a craftsperson. Your presence reaffirms my admiration for the power and skill of bad-ass lady potters everywhere.

Alex Beck of Alex Beck Ceramics, your calm and grounding energy is a constant anchor amidst chaos. I deeply appreciate our collaborations and your gentle reminders that good things truly do take time.

These three individuals—hardworking, kind-hearted, and incredibly generous—are integral to the Brick and Mortar community. They inspire me daily and are a significant reason why I continue to persevere through challenges.

Website: www.linlangcreative.com www.brickandmortarstudios.com

Instagram: @lin.lang @brickandmortarstudio_sf

Image Credits
N/A