Ceramics Designer-maker

Typical Salary

£16,000 To £30,000

Typical Hours

40 to 42 variable

in your own business managing your own hours

How To Become a Ceramics Designer-maker

You can get into this job through:

a university course
a college course
working towards this role
workshop courses with a private studio

College / University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

visual arts
3D design and craft
ceramics
fine art

a foundation diploma in art and design

1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

2 to 3 A levels, or equiva

You could do a Level 3 Diploma in Art and Design at college. You'll need to check that the course covers ceramics or pottery before you start.

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship are not listed for this job.

Routes into this Career

You could start as a design studio assistant and specialise in ceramics through workshops and training on the job.

Other Routes

You could attend workshops and training courses offered by ceramic artists and design studios. These can help you to develop your skills and make contacts in the industry, which could lead to work.

Courses vary in length and are often open to all abilities.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

to be thorough and pay attention to detail
knowledge of the fine arts
the ability to work on your own
ambition and a desire to succeed
the ability to sell products and services
persistence and determination
the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
customer service skills
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

In a large company, your day-to-day tasks may include:

interpreting client requirements ('briefs')
working closely with clients and production staff
creating designs for mass production, using materials like bone china, porcelain, earthenware and stoneware
managing the production process and checking quality

As a designer-maker, your tasks may include:

designing and producing one-off designs and sets
using hand tools to prepare the clay
creating items by hand using a mould or a potter's wheel
applying chemical glazes and clay 'slips' to pots to add colour and texture
preparing pots for firing in a kiln
checking quality and removing rejects
marketing and admin tasks for running a business

Working Environment

You could work in a creative studio, in a workshop or from home.

Career Path & Progression

With experience you could become a senior designer, or you could go freelance or set up your own business.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Career tips

You'll need to put together a portfolio of work that you can show to potential employers and course providers. You can also develop your own blog and website or use social media to market yourself as a designer and get your work recognised.

Further information

You can find out more about working in ceramics from the Crafts Council.

You can also explore other creative careers at Discover Creative Careers.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.