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Ceramics designer-maker

Alternative titles for this job include Ceramicist

Ceramics designer-makers design and create products made from clay.

Average salary (a year)

Variable

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 42 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 Ceramics designer-maker

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

More Information

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.

More Information

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.

What it takes

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
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you’ll do

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

What you'll do

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 and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

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

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: 22 April 2025
  • Location: Loughton

Pottery Sculptural Ceramics - Clocks

  • Provider: LEICESTER CITY COUNCIL
  • Start date: 08 March 2025
  • Location: Leicester

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.

Skills assessment

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