All Job Categories
Ceramics designer-maker
Ceramicist
Ceramics designer-makers design and create products made from clay.
Average salary (a year)
£0
Starter
£0
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
40.0 to 42.0 hours
variable
Work Hours
in your own business
managing your own hours
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a university course; a college course; working towards this role; workshop courses with a private studio
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in an art and craft subject like
visual arts, 3D design and craft, ceramics, fine art
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 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 equivalent, for a degree
College
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.
An interest in art and crafts is usually more important than qualifications to join a course.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
    Work
    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 cost and are often open to all abilities.
    More Information
    Career Tips
    You'll need to put together a portfolio of work to show to potential employers and course providers. You can also use social media and online craft communities to market yourself and get your work recognised.
    Further Information
    You can hear more about the life of a ceramics designer from the Crafts Council.
    You can also explore other creative careers at Discover Creative Careers.
    What it takes
    Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
    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 work well with your hands
      The ability to sell products and services
      Persistence and determination
      The ability to come up with new ways of doing things
    Digital Skills Level
    to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
    What you will do
    Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
    Day to day tasks
    In a large company, you could
    interpret the client's ideas to create a design, research trends and competitor products, create designs for mass production, manage the production process and check quality, make sure materials are costed and production is within budget
    As an independent designer-maker, you may also
    design and produce one-off designs and sets, market your own business, mange your business admin and finance
    Working environment
    You could work in a factory, in a creative studio, in a workshop or from home.
    Career Path & Progression
    Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
    With experience you could
    become a senior designer, work as a freelance ceramics designer-maker, set up your own business, teach in schools, colleges, universities or private training providers
    Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
    Powered by
    Claim your school or college profile