Ceramics designer : Job description

Ceramics designers create designs for a range of pottery objects that are then made by shaping and firing clay. These objects can include ceramic sculpture, domestic and commercial tableware and kitchenware, giftware, garden ceramics, jewellery and wall and floor tiles.

Ceramics designers who work for large companies interpret a product brief and turn it into a commercially successful design for mass production. Ceramics designers/ceramicists who are self-employed or work for small companies are more likely to both design and make their own, one-off or limited edition, designs.

There is, however, some cross-over and some self-employed designers/ceramicists may also undertake design commissions for major companies, where they provide the design and the object is then mass produced elsewhere.

Typical work activities

Ceramics designers working for large companies in industry produce designs for mass production. Typical work activities include:

• interpreting and working to a design brief (which includes the materials to be used, e.g. bone china, porcelain, earthenware or stoneware and the amount of money available) to design a new collection;
• creating designs and liaising with clients to ensure the brief is met;
• overseeing production to ensure the brief is met;
• deciding on decorative techniques and glazes;
• undertaking market research to find out what competitors are producing and how well existing lines are doing.

Typical work activities for self-employed designers/ceramicists, or for those working for small companies, are likely to include:

• designing and producing one-off objects;
• selecting materials appropriate to the design;
• shaping clay by hand, thrown on a wheel or in a mould;
• loading kilns, glazing, decorating and firing products;
• preparing work for sale and exhibition;
• selling products directly from a studio, market stalls or crafts fairs, online, by mail order or through specialist craft shops and galleries;
• developing clear artistic objectives and a business plan;
• attending appropriate courses to learn new techniques and keep up to date with current trends;
• teaching in further education and running community workshops.

Self-employed designers/ceramicists also need to promote their work to generate business. Typical activities include:

• networking to connect with buyers and suppliers in their specialist market;
• researching trends, markets and prices by visiting craft exhibitions such as Origin: The London Craft Fair  
• demonstrating their skills at craft fairs and exhibitions;
• photographing designs for a portfolio and for websites and catalogues promoting their work;
• learning appropriate software skills to develop publicity materials and websites;
• collaborating with other designers in a shared studio, joint exhibition, cooperative, craft guild or artists' organisation;
• entering competitions and applying for funding.