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Ceramics designer-maker

Alternative titles for this job include Ceramicist

Ceramics designer-makers create products made from clay, such as homewares, tablewares and one-off artistic pieces.

Average salary (a year)

Variable

Typical hours (a week)

30 to 37 variable

You could work

in your own business managing your own hours

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • 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
  • creative practice
  • 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

More Information

College

You could do an art and design course at college. You'll need to check that the course covers ceramics or pottery before you start.

A keen interest in art, craft and design is often more important than qualifications to join a course.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can apply to do a Craft Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship with a design studio or workshop.

This can take up to 2 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You may be able to start as a design studio assistant and specialise in ceramics through on-the-job training and workshops.

Other Routes

You could attend leisure courses and workshops offered by ceramic artists and pottery 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 your work to show potential employers and course providers what you can do.

You can also exhibit your work and get yourself recognised at ceramics fairs, craft markets, on social media and by selling through online retailers.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Craft Potters Association for professional development and to make contacts in the industry.

Further information

You can learn more about working in ceramics from the Crafts Council.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of the fine arts
  • design skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
  • the ability to work on your own
  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • customer service skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a ceramics designer-maker, you could:

  • produce designs based on a client's instructions
  • research market trends
  • create designs for mass production, such as tableware
  • produce one-off artistic commissions
  • throw, cast and press clay by hand and with tools
  • apply decorative designs and finishes to items
  • fire products in a kiln
  • manage the production process and check quality
  • attend craft fairs and shows to exhibit and sell your work
  • market your own business and manage the admin and finances

Working environment

You could work in a creative studio, in a workshop, in a factory or from home.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

  • become a senior designer in a ceramics workshop
  • work as a freelance ceramics designer-maker
  • set up your own business, making and selling ceramics
  • work in a gallery or museum with ceramic collections
  • teach in schools, colleges, universities or with private training providers

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a ceramics designer-maker right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Pottery and Ceramics

  • Provider: NEW CITY COLLEGE
  • Start date: 20 April 2027
  • Location: Loughton

Pottery and Ceramics for Wellbeing

  • Provider: CORNWALL COUNCIL
  • Start date: 23 April 2027
  • Location: Bude
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

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