Although pottery once felt like a dated medium—it does go back 20,000 years, after all—today there are communities of young ceramists sprouting up in cities across the world. Their experimentation with shape, function, and texture is unprecedented, and thanks to the internet, their craft is more accessible than ever. Prolific Instagrams and Etsy shops give consumers a closer look at the makers’ personalities and creative processes—which makes you appreciate their work even more. Design obsessives treasure artisanal goods for their uniqueness, and nothing is more hands-on than custom-made ceramics. The beauty of hand-thrown dishware and vases are the imperfections that distinguish each special piece. From Brooklyn to Australia , get to know these ten contemporary ceramicists who are personally changing the way we purchase pottery.

Natalie Weinberger Ceramics

Tucked away in Bushwick, this Brooklyn-based potter fashions gorgeous vases and kitchenware that capture the intimacy of her process. Each piece is thoughtful, character-driven, and designed to fit in seamlessly with innovative decor. Natalie Weinberger harnesses her lively energy and intuitive style to forge a path all her own in New York’s creative community. Breton Cup, $65; natalieom

BTW Ceramics

What started as a line of striped dinnerware in the fall of 2011 quickly became a successful venture in minimalist pottery. Brooklyn designer Brooke T. Winfrey’s idea of modern ceramics relies on embracing the irregular. Instead of aiming for perfection, she wants you to see the personality and one-of-a-kind details of each made-to-order piece. Her collection now includes everything from color-drenched planters to stackable serving dishes. Contrast Pitcher, $240; Contrast Mug, $48; btwceramicom

Bridget Bodenham

In her studio (a converted shipping container overlooking a vegetable garden), Australian designer Bridget Bodenham makes ceramic kitchenware, jewelry, and planters. She draws from the surrounding Victoria bushland to develop unique textures and tones. Much of her work is modest in size but full of vibrant patterns and gold details. Small Strip Plate with Foot and White Spoon, $33; bridgetbodenhamom

Andrew Molleur

As a student at the Rhode Island School of Design, Andrew Molleur originally had intentions of pursuing architecture. On a whim, he took a job assisting a sculptor in upstate New York and from there opened a studio of his own. He continues to use architecture as a driving force in his work, also channeling elements of Japanese and Scandinavian design. Hourglass Planters from $75; andrewmolleurom

Elephant Ceramics

Inspired by her rural Maine studio’s surroundings, which include the Eastern River, designer Michele Michael uses color palettes true to the natural world. Her blend of enchanting blues and greens is paired with organic shapes, yielding pieces that are sought after by those who appreciate the individuality of handcrafted goods. Teal bowls start at $50, elephantceramicom

Didem Mert

For ceramist Didem Mert, sculptures are meant to be interactive—whether that means bringing a design element to your morning coffee via a colorful mug or turning stacking bowls into a mini art installation. Her intricate vases and dinnerware, although delicate in appearance, are meant to be used. While she finishes an MFA at Edinboro University in Pennsylvania, her work continues to be shown in galleries across the U.S. Stacked Oval Bowls, $377 total; didemmerom

Cody Hoyt

Originally a formally trained printmaker and painter, this multitalented Brooklyn-based artist found success in his hand-built, slab-constructed ceramic vessels. He achieves his signature geometric, heavily patterned pieces by layering and piecing together colorful compositions of clay. Hoyt’s work is available at Patrick Parrish in New York City. Tetrahedron, $16,500; codyhoyumblro

CLAM LAB

In search of the perfect dishes to make your food photos pop? Ceramist Clair Catillaz has exactly what you’re looking for. Her collection, CLAM LAB, is full of clean, neutral colors and contemporary shapes that complement any meal. The Brooklynite has a memorable style and surprisingly makes her own glazes, rare among even the most seasoned potters. Bottle in Bronze, $240; Bottle in Mermaid, $240; clamlabom

John Sheppard

An expert in art direction, design, and digital development, John Sheppard found his foray into ceramics to be a perfect match. His angular Brutalist-inspired pieces challenge all traditional ceramic design practices, experimenting with shape and materials. Find his work in a number of shops from New York to California. Icosahedron in Charcoal, $215; johnsheppardet

Floris Wubben

This Netherlands-based ceramics studio has earned design accolades worldwide, exhibiting at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York and Singapore, Design Museum Holon in Israel, among others. Its work emphasizes the organic process while still proudly playing with low-grade technology. Its newest line, in collaboration with Cor Unum Ceramics, Erosion, boasts a beautifully aged look that is produced by human hands in tandem with a gas burner’s flame. Erosion Set, prices vary; floriswubbenl