We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lindsay Langsdale a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Lindsay with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I grew up in a military household, with both of my parents serving in the Air Force. They were firm believers that you had to work hard for the things you wanted. Sometimes, they juggled more than one job, and even ran a side hustle baking birthday cakes, all to ensure we had a good life. While I had a relatively privileged upbringing, I understood from an early age that everything we had was a direct result of their dedication and sacrifice.
The first time I truly grasped what it meant to earn something for myself was in the 5th grade. I wanted to attend a two-week Girl Scout camp that summer, and while my parents supported the idea, they made it clear I had to help pay for it. For about two months, my dad and I woke up early three days a week to deliver newspapers before school. On Thursdays, I’d rise even earlier to collect aluminum cans from our neighbors’ recycling bins, and my mom would drive me to the recycling center to sell them.
I can’t remember exactly how much money I made, but I’ll never forget the pride I felt going to camp that summer, knowing I had worked for it. It was the first time I truly appreciated something I had earned through my own efforts. That lesson stayed with me.
My parents continued to instill these values throughout my teenage years, reinforcing a strong work ethic that shaped who I am today. By the time I was 13, instead of giving me an allowance, my parents had me bagging groceries for tips at the Commissary. At 15, they bought me my first car—a 1969 VW Bug—but I had to cover the gas myself, so I worked part-time after school.
These lessons built a foundation that would carry me through adulthood. Without that work ethic, I likely would have given up on my dream to make a living through art. I wouldn’t have survived financially in San Francisco for as long as I have, and Brick and Mortar Studios—the community ceramic studio I now own and operate—would not exist. My parents’ belief in hard work didn’t just give me a sense of responsibility; it gave me the resilience to pursue my passions, no matter how difficult the road ahead.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name is Lindsay Langsdale, and I’m a ceramic artist and the owner of Brick and Mortar Studios in San Francisco. I create and sell my ceramic work online, at in-person sales, and through galleries. Most of my current pieces are knit-themed, blending functional and sculptural elements. I work with colored porcelains and stains to craft vibrant, dynamic surfaces that are both playful and intricate. While I love making and sharing my own art, the most rewarding accomplishment has been opening Brick and Mortar Studios.
Brick and Mortar Studios is a community ceramic studio that I launched in 2021 during one of the most uncertain times of my life. After being furloughed and then laid off from a studio management position, I found myself broke and about to lose my own studio space. With only $2,000 in my bank account, I embarked on the journey toward studio ownership. Traditional loans weren’t an option, so I turned to crowdfunding. I created a campaign with the quirky slogan, “You bring the funds, I’ll bring the hams,” featuring sculptural cartoon hams—slip-cast from molds based on my original sculptures. Why hams? Because if I had to make hundreds of something, I wanted it to be fun and absurd enough to make me laugh.
I hoped for modest success but was blown away by the response from my community—both online and offline. Within the first day, I sold nearly $10,000 worth of hams, far exceeding my expectations and reinforcing how much my community believed in my offbeat idea. By the end of the campaign, I had raised $20,000—enough to make Brick and Mortar Studios a reality.
Today, Brick and Mortar has grown into a thriving community of over 50 members, including students, hobbyists, emerging professionals, and seasoned independent artists. Together, we’ve created a space that fosters creativity, collaboration, and community. It’s a vibrant hub where people of all backgrounds come to create and share their love for ceramics.
I am endlessly grateful to everyone who supported and believed in my vision. Their belief didn’t just help me realize my dream—it created a flourishing space where creativity thrives and a community comes together.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey as a ceramic artist and studio owner, I can confidently say that three qualities have been most impactful: perseverance, fearlessness, and tenacity.
Perseverance has been critical, especially when things didn’t go as planned. Whether it was starting with just $2,000 in my bank account or being laid off and needing to create a new path, the ability to keep going, even when the odds seemed stacked against me, made all the difference. My advice to anyone starting their journey is to embrace the setbacks as part of the process. You’ll face obstacles, but it’s how you push through them that defines your success. Build resilience by breaking big challenges down into smaller, manageable goals, and don’t be afraid to fail—every stumble teaches you something valuable.
Fearlessness was also key, particularly in the early days of starting Brick and Mortar Studios. Launching a crowdfunding campaign with a cartoon ham theme wasn’t exactly conventional, but it was authentic to me and brought a sense of humor to a difficult time. Fearlessness doesn’t mean being without fear; it means moving forward despite it. I encourage you to take risks that align with your passions and be bold in your choices. Not everything has to be perfect or make sense to others—trust your instincts and creativity.
Lastly, tenacity—the sheer grit to hold onto your vision no matter how tough things get—is essential. There were countless moments where giving up seemed easier, but staying committed to my dream, even in the face of financial or logistical challenges, is what made Brick and Mortar Studios possible. To develop this quality, surround yourself with a support system that believes in you and your work. And remember, tenacity isn’t about working non-stop; it’s about continuing to push forward even when the road gets rocky.
If you can cultivate perseverance, fearlessness, and tenacity, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the ups and downs of your own creative journey. Don’t be afraid to take chances, work hard, and stay committed to your vision. Success will come from your dedication to the process.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
As a working artist and the owner of a community studio, the number one obstacle I’m currently facing is finding a sustainable work-life balance. Running a business is inherently demanding, especially in a challenging economy like San Francisco’s, which is saturated with ceramic studios.
This year, I recognized the need to diversify my income streams to make ends meet, so I took on an elementary school program that allows me to share my passion for ceramics with young students. It’s been incredibly rewarding, not just financially, but also as a way to inspire the next generation of artists. Teaching these kids has reminded me of the joy and creativity that first drew me to ceramics, and it’s been a refreshing change of pace.
In addition to teaching, I’ve focused on selling more of my work in person, participating in local markets and craft fairs to reach new audiences. Engaging directly with customers allows me to build relationships and share my artistic process, which has proven beneficial in boosting sales and visibility for my work.
To address the challenge of work-life balance, I’ve also been more intentional about setting boundaries. I prioritize my time to ensure I’m not only working hard but also making time for self-care and personal connections outside of work. Finding this balance is a continuous journey, but I’m learning to navigate it with greater awareness and intention.
Overall, while the challenges are real, I’m finding creative solutions that not only help me maintain my business but also enrich my life. It’s about adapting, staying resilient, and remembering why I started this journey in the first place.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.brickandmortarstudios.com www.linlangcreative.com
- Instagram: @lin.lang @brickandmortarstudio_sf
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
