Ceramics designer : Employers and vacancy sources

Many ceramicists are self-employed, working to commission or selling work directly from the studio, through websites, at craft markets, through galleries and at specialist retail outlets.

Many in-house ceramics designers work for long-established companies such as Denby, Royal Crown Derby and Royal Doulton. The British Ceramic Confederation  (CeramFed) website includes a list of member companies that may be useful for speculative applications.

Companies are concentrated in areas linked with the traditional West Midlands potteries. Numbers employed in these companies have declined in recent years, but employers see design as a way to compete in global markets and hold design skills in high regard. Therefore, opportunities for in-house designers and freelance commissions continue to exist.

Limited employment can be found with smaller companies (see The British Ceramic Confederation website).

Design opportunities may also be available with major homeware retailers such as Habitat, Ikea and British Home Stores for ceramic designers with experience.

The Craft Directory  is a one-stop shop for those wanting to make, see, collect and buy craft. Ceramics designers can also find details on fairs, retail outlets, commercial galleries, funding sources, studio spaces and a vacancies listing.

Sources of vacancies

• Search graduate jobs on this site.
• Ceramic Review   
• Crafts Magazine  
• Craft Directory  - ‘opportunities’ section under employment vacancies.
• Trade magazines and the local press - for vacancies with larger employers. The British Ceramic Confederation  website has links to many of the larger companies. Some employers welcome direct applications and general enquiries.

There are few advertised vacancies for ceramics designers. Self-employed ceramicists need to promote their own work through fairs and exhibitions and online. Networking and applying speculatively for freelance commissions may lead to opportunities.

Teaching positions may be advertised in the educational press (The Times Educational Supplement (TES) and Times Higher Education (THE) ) and on university and college websites. Advance notice of short-term teaching contracts and workshop leader opportunities can be circulated informally, so it is helpful to develop a network of contacts in colleges and universities and make direct approaches to heads of department.

Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.