Online ceramics, also known as the "qitch," refers to the practice of creating ceramics using digital technology and techniques. In recent years, there has been a growing trend of artists and designers using online platforms to design, sell, and distribute their ceramic creations. One of the main advantages of online ceramics is the ability to reach a wider audience. Through social media platforms, artists can showcase their work to people all over the world, breaking down geographical barriers. This not only allows artists to gain exposure and recognition for their work but also provides them with new opportunities for collaboration and networking. Another advantage of online ceramics is the ability to experiment with new forms, techniques, and materials.
Another advantage of online ceramics is the ability to experiment with new forms, techniques, and materials. With digital technology, artists can easily create and modify designs, allowing for greater creativity and experimentation. Additionally, artists can use 3D printing technology to produce intricate and complex ceramic objects that would be difficult or impossible to create using traditional methods.
Minimum Wage Magic: A new DFZ series
My teenage daughter (Tali) and I enjoyed listening together to the audiobook editions of Rachel Aaron’s HEARTSTRIKERS series, so we were pleased to learn that Aaron wrote (and self-published) a spin-off series also set in the Detroit Free Zone (DFZ), which takes place a couple of decades after the end of Last Dragon Standing.
But you don’t need to read the HEARTSTRIKERS books first, so feel free to jump in right here with Minimum Wage Magic (2018).
The DFZ series, beginning with Minimum Wage Magic, stars Opal Yong-ae, a young mage who ekes out a living in the DFZ by working as a “Cleaner.” This nasty, but sometimes lucrative, career involves bidding for jobs to clean out apartments and houses that have been abandoned in the Detroit Free Zone. When a Cleaner bids on a job, they are hoping, during the cleaning process, to find valuable magical items that they can sell and profit from. It’s like an urban fantasy version of Storage Wars.
Opal is desperate for a good find. She’s totally broke and she’s got to pay somebody $10,000 by the end of the week. When she finds a mage’s dead body at the last apartment she bid on, and then somebody tries to shoot her, she wonders if she’s onto something big. When an attractive fellow cleaner named Nik offers to help her out, she isn’t sure she can trust him.
As Opal and Nik gradually solve the mystery, we learn about Opal’s background (she’s from North Korea), her family life (her family is wealthy and her dad is really important), and what brought her to the DFZ . We also get to explore a lot more of the DFZ than we did in the HEARTSTRIKERS series.
Minimum Wage Magic is the first of three novels in the DFZ series. Tali and I thought it was great to be back in the DFZ and to see it from a non-dragon perspective. We didn’t love the characters quite as much as we loved the Heartstriker dragons, but we had fun with this quick-paced adventure and we expect that Opal and Nik will grow on us. We want to see where Rachel Aaron is taking them.
Audible Studios, who produced the audio editions of the DFZ books, smartly chose Emily Woo Zeller to tell Opal’s story. She’s perfectly cast and her performance added a lot to our enjoyment.
Published in 2018. The DFZ, the metropolis formerly known as Detroit, is the world’s most magical city with a population of nine million and zero public safety laws. That’s a lot of mages, cybernetically enhanced chrome heads, and mythical beasties who die, get into debt, and otherwise fail to pay their rent. When they can’t pay their bills, their stuff gets sold to the highest bidder to cover the tab. That’s when they call me. My name is Opal Yong-ae, and I’m a Cleaner: a freelance mage with an art history degree who’s employed by the DFZ to sort through the mountains of magical junk people leave behind. It’s not a pretty job, or a safe one – there’s a reason I wear bite-proof gloves – but when you’re deep in debt in a lawless city where gods are real, dragons are traffic hazards, and buildings move around on their own, you don’t get to be picky about where your money comes from. You just have to make it work, even when the only thing of value in your latest repossessed apartment is the dead body of the mage who used to live there.
Online ceramics also offer a more accessible and affordable option for both artists and consumers. By eliminating the need for physical gallery spaces and middlemen, artists can directly sell their work to customers, resulting in lower costs for both parties. This allows for a more democratic and inclusive art market, where anyone with an internet connection can participate. However, there are also some challenges and considerations with online ceramics. One of the main concerns is the loss of the tactile and sensory experience that is inherent in traditional ceramic making. While digital technology allows for precise and detailed designs, it can sometimes lack the warmth and vitality of handcrafted ceramics. Additionally, there is a concern that online ceramics may contribute to the commodification and mass production of ceramic objects. The ease and affordability of creating digital designs and reproductions may lead to a saturation of the market, devaluing the craftsmanship and uniqueness of individual pieces. In conclusion, online ceramics, or the "qitch," is a growing trend in the world of ceramics. It offers artists and designers new opportunities for exposure, creativity, and accessibility. However, it also raises questions about the loss of traditional craftsmanship and the potential for mass production. It is important for artists, consumers, and the industry as a whole to navigate these challenges and find a balance between digital innovation and the preservation of ceramic traditions..
Reviews for "The Qitch Comes to Life: The Online Ceramics Experience"
- Ashley - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with my purchase of the Online ceramics the witch shirt. The design looked great in the pictures online, but the quality of the shirt itself was really poor. The fabric felt cheap and after just a couple of washes, the print started to fade and crack. I expected better from a brand like Online ceramics, especially considering the high price point of their products. I definitely won't be purchasing from them again.
- Michael - 1 star
I had such high hopes for the Online ceramics the witch hoodie, but it was a huge letdown. The sizing was completely off, even though I followed the size chart provided on their website. The hoodie was way too small and tight, and the material was uncomfortable against my skin. Additionally, the print on the front started to peel off after just one wash. I expected better quality and attention to detail from a brand like Online ceramics. I won't be recommending their products to anyone.
- Emily - 3 stars
I wasn't impressed with the Online ceramics the witch hat I purchased. The design was okay, but the hat itself didn't fit properly. It was too tight and uncomfortable to wear for extended periods of time. Also, the stitching was uneven and messy in some areas. The pricing was also quite high for the quality of the hat. Overall, it was a disappointing purchase and I wouldn't buy from Online ceramics again.