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ceramics designer
Ceramics designers design a range of products to be made by shaping and firing clay. These include:
- tableware
- kitchenware
- gifts and decorative items.
Designers either:
- oversee production; or
- (as self-employed designer/makers) carry out all processes from design to completion of the end product.
In large companies, designers usually:
- produce designs for mass production
- interpret product briefs
- liaise with clients and other staff such as artists and modellers
- design items using materials including bone china, hard porcelain, earthenware and stoneware
- are involved in overseeing production.
Self-employed designers are more likely to:
- design and produce one-off designs
- sell directly from their own studio, gallery or shop, at craft fairs or exhibitions, or through other shops or galleries
- produce items by hand or using a mould or potter's wheel.
In order to ensure that designs are commercially viable, designers will need to keep up to date with current trends. Ways of doing this include carrying out research and attending trade fairs and exhibitions.
Please see the ceramic/pottery maker and ceramic decorator profiles for more information on these areas.
Hours and Environment
Ceramics designers employed by companies usually work set basic hours, although they may need to do extra hours to meet deadlines.
Self-employed or freelance designer/makers' hours vary according to the work available, and they may supplement their income by working in related areas such as teaching.
Skills and Interests
To be a ceramics designer, you need:
- to be creative
- an appreciation of colour and shape
- to be aware of the properties of materials and the technical processes involved
- to be able to communicate ideas through sketches or computer-manipulated images
- the ability to research and evaluate relevant design information
- effective communication and negotiating skills
- business and marketing skills for those wishing to establish their own businesses.
Entry
Most employed designers have a degree. You can do these in various relevant subjects, including:
- 3D Design
- Art and Design
- Ceramics
- Design Crafts (Ceramics)
- Ceramic Design.
In England and Wales you will often need to do a recognised Art and Design Foundation Course to be considered for a degree course, but one of the following may also be accepted:
- two subjects at A level/three H grades
- another level 3 qualification, such as an AVCE in Art and Design or a BTEC/SQA National Diploma in a relevant subject area.
To search for colleges and universities offering art and design foundation courses, HNDs and degrees see Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)
To be accepted on an art and design foundation course you will usually need:
- 5 GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3); and
- 1 A level/2 H grades.
In Scotland degree courses last for four years, with an initial year which is similar to the Art and Design foundation courses in England and Wales.
For all courses you will need to present a portfolio of your work. You will be assessed by interview, and examination of your portfolio If you are a mature entrant you may be accepted without the usual academic entry requirements if you have exceptional talent. If you need help in assembling your work you could check if your local college offers portfolio-building courses.
For all courses you should check with colleges and universities for their specific entry requirements.
You will also need an effective portfolio when looking for a job. It can be worthwhile researching companies whose products match your style, and making speculative approaches. Entering competitions, exhibitions and shows may also be a good way of being noticed by employers.
If you do not have a degree but have relevant craft skills, you may be able to move into designing/making on a self-employed basis, but companies will usually employ graduates. The design field is very competitive, and success involves high levels of talent, determination and persistence.
You can develop practical skills on a wide range of pottery courses offered by local colleges, and some pottery studios run summer and weekend courses.
If you are between the ages of 16 and 24 you may be able to enter the ceramics industry by doing an apprenticeship. These are available in some areas in manufacturing and decorating ceramic products. Please see the Training section for more information on apprenticeships.
You can find information on courses, events, competitions, awards and galleries, and a directory of designers to which members can add their details on the Studio Pottery website. Please see the Further Information section for a link to the website.
If you are self employed designer you will need to find premises. The Crafts Council or the crafts officer of your local regional arts board may be able to advise on studio availability and possible sources of funding. Please see the Further Information section for contact details.
You can download a business start-up guide from the Design Trust website. Please see the Further Information section for a link.
Training
You will need to keep up to date with new technological developments, new materials and design trends. You can do this by attending short courses and workshops. Information from the Studio Pottery website could be useful for this.
If you have a degree you can do relevant post-graduate courses to develop your knowledge, or to gain additional skills which could be used to supplement your income. An example of this is the Post Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) if you want to gain a teaching qualification.
Apprenticeships may be available for those under the age of 24. In England these are currently Apprenticeships (level 2) and Advanced Apprenticeships (level 3). To find out more about these, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk
Apprenticeships may be different in other areas. For further information see Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland
Opportunities
Employers include large ceramic producers, often based in North Staffordshire (although the need to remain viable in an increasingly competitive field has resulted in downsizing in many companies) and retail outlets. It is often necessary to enter at a very junior position in order to build up experience. There may be opportunities to progress to managing teams of designers.
Many designer-craftworkers run their own businesses, selling their work directly to the public from their own studio or at craft fairs, or indirectly through shops and galleries. This allows more creative freedom, but success depends on the ability to find markets for the finished products, and increase the client base.
Annual Income
The annual income section is intended as a guideline only.
New entrants may earn around £12,000 a year.
Experienced designers may earn up to £25,000 or more.
Freelance designers earnings depend on the success of their business.
Further information
London
WC2E 7DL
Tel: 020 7420 5200
London
SE1 1RQ
Helpline: 0800 093 0444
London
N1 9BY
Tel: 020 7278 7700
London
SW1P 3NQ
Tel: 0845 300 6200
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Site Disclaimer
The information contained in our Career Profiles Database was correct at time of publishing, but since publication certain details may have changed so please use this section as a research tool and in some cases further research may be required.
Careers Database Information By Learn Direct Advice