Inspiring Conversations with Emily Winter of Artist for a Day

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Winter.

Hi Emily, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
For many years, my family and I were regular visitors at Artist for a Day—sometimes with as many as four generations painting together around the table! We always loved the creative, welcoming atmosphere where we could unwind, talk, laugh, and make art side by side. It was such a special place for us, and over time, it really started to feel like home.

Art has always been a big part of my life. My love for it started when I was young, learning to draw from my Papa. That early spark led me to study graphic design at Ohio Northern University, and after graduation, I spent over 20 years working in graphic and web design for printing and marketing companies around Cleveland.

In the spring of 2022, everything changed with one phone call. My mom, Amy, called to tell me that Artist for a Day was up for sale. As we talked about it, we both got more and more excited about the idea—and before long, we decided to take the leap and buy the studio together!

Now, more than three years later, Artist for a Day is still going strong under our mother-daughter ownership. We love brainstorming creative events and new ways to bring people together through art. It’s truly a family effort, too—my sister Annabelle is part of our team, and my kids often help out when we need an extra set of hands. Our husbands, Andrew and Sam, are our behind-the-scenes heroes, taking care of maintenance, building props, and helping us design our fun seasonal window displays. And as the oldest of six siblings, I’m lucky to have even more family who jump in to help whenever they can!

Being able to bring families together through creativity—while working side by side with my own family—brings so much joy to my life. Artist for a Day is so much more than a business for us. It’s a place filled with love, laughter, and shared memories—and I feel incredibly grateful that we get to share that with our community every day.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like any new adventure, there were definitely some learning curves! Early on, I had to get up to speed quickly on firing and maintaining our three kilns. Even though I took ceramic classes in college, I didn’t have much experience with the finishing process—so I dove right in and started learning everything I could.

Joining the Contemporary Ceramic Studio Association (CCSA) was a total game-changer for us. Through their amazing resources, conventions, and the network of supportive studio owners, I found so much guidance and inspiration. The pottery studio community is incredibly generous—everyone truly wants to see each other succeed, and that sense of camaraderie has meant so much to me.

Attending conventions also opened the door to some really fun new additions at our studio, like our clay classes, splatter room, and all kinds of fresh class ideas. We’ve loved being able to offer guests the chance to create something completely from raw clay—it’s such a rewarding and hands-on experience! And soon, we’ll be introducing MugBags—walk-in clay bags that include a pound of clay so you can sit down and create whatever your heart desires. It’s a fun new way for everyone to get creative, no experience required!

As you know, we’re big fans of Artist for a Day. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Artist for a Day, we’re all about creating a warm, welcoming space where people can slow down, get creative, and make something special—no experience required! Whether you’re painting pottery, creating with clay, or just looking for a little creative escape, our studio is designed to be a stress-free zone where art feels approachable and fun. There’s absolutely no pressure to be “perfect” here—just time to play, explore, and express yourself in your own unique way.

We’re known for our friendly, easygoing atmosphere and the wide variety of creative experiences we offer. Whether you’re walking in for an open studio session, joining a class, or attending one of our special themed events, our goal is always the same: to help you relax, have fun, and create something that feels uniquely yours. One of our favorite things is watching how a group of painters can all start with the same project, yet every finished piece turns out completely different—it’s such a beautiful reminder of how creativity shines differently in everyone.

We’re incredibly proud of the atmosphere we’ve built and the community that has grown around it. Guests often tell us how peaceful and uplifting it feels to spend time here, and we couldn’t agree more! We love walking around the studio, chatting with painters, offering little tips or encouragement, and celebrating those “aha!” moments when someone sees their vision come to life.

What truly sets us apart is the heart behind what we do. We’re a family-run studio, and that sense of warmth and connection is woven into every part of the experience. From the moment you walk in, we want you to feel inspired, supported, and surrounded by creativity. Whether you’re here to unwind after a busy week, celebrate a milestone, or simply spend time with friends and family, Artist for a Day is a place where joy, art, and community come together.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Over the next several years, I see our industry continuing to grow as a space where people can slow down, unwind, and reconnect—with themselves and with each other. In a world that’s constantly buzzing, we’re really focused on keeping our studio a calm, welcoming place where anyone can come to relax, create, and learn something new.

We’ve recently introduced clay, which has been such an exciting addition and something so many of our customers have asked for! We’re thrilled to be expanding with new ideas and events each year, while still holding onto the traditions our community loves—like our ever-popular Diva Nights. We’re also exploring new mediums like stoneware (which is incredibly fun and a little addictive!) and adding our new MugBags—walk-in clay kits where you can grab a pound of clay and create whatever your heart desires.

What I love most about this industry is how it naturally evolves with culture and trends. No matter what’s happening in the world, people always find creative ways to express what they love through art and glaze. Our Taylor Swift parties are the perfect example—fans come together to paint, laugh, and celebrate their favorite songs, creating something that reflects who they are. That’s what makes this work so special to me: the way art brings people together who might have never crossed paths otherwise. That sense of connection and joy is exactly what our studio is all about.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://artistforaday.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artist4aday/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Artist4ADay/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Artist4ADay
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@artist4aday