Ceramics/pottery designer

Ceramics designer job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Ceramics designers and potters use a range of techniques and their creativity to make domestic (table and chinaware), decorative (ornaments and sculptures) or industrial (pipes, fittings, tiles) products from clay. Typical activities include:

• generating original ideas;
• producing sketches and sample designs;
• preparing clay and other materials for use;
• using kilns, a potter’s wheel and/or moulds to produce items;
• using a variety of techniques to create finished products;
• investigating and choosing appropriate production processes and materials (stoneware, earthenware, porcelain etc);
• maintaining awareness of current design trends, fashion and influences;
• liaising with suppliers, galleries, store buyers, clients etc;
• undertaking market research, marketing and business development activities;
• managing budgets and accounts;
• running workshops/teaching classes;
• giving demonstrations;
• producing photographs, catalogues and/or design portfolios;
• attending/displaying work at exhibitions and craft fairs;
• selling products directly via galleries, craft shops, studios, the internet etc.

Most ceramicists are self-employed/freelance or work for large ceramics/pottery companies (including Denby, Wedgewood and Royal Doulton). For experienced designers, opportunities also arise with large retail chains (such as Ikea and Habitat), although such vacancies attract strong competition. Jobs are advertised via the Internet, in local and national newspapers and trade publications including Design Week, Ceramic Review and Design Nation. Speculative applications are worthwhile, for which it is essential to produce a sound portfolio of design work to demonstrate creative/practical skills.

Qualifications and training required

Formal academic qualifications are not essential – creativity and good design skills are more important. However, there is strong competition within the profession and a degree/HND in a subject such as fine/visual art, graphic/3D design, ceramics or applied design is advantageous. For candidates without relevant qualifications an apprenticeship or vocational training is usually required – many colleges offer a variety of part-time, weekend or summer vacation pottery courses, that can offer a useful starting point. Pre-entry experience gained via vacation work, placements, design competitions and final year projects is also helpful.

Key skills for ceramic designers and potters

Employers seek creative, innovative candidates with good visual and spatial awareness combined with well-developed practical skills. Attributes including commercial awareness, patience, dexterity and good marketing, communication, organisational and time-management skills are also highly valued.