Ceramics Designer Duties & Responsibilities
The role and function of a Ceramics Designer includes the following duties and responsibilities:
Ceramics designers working for large companies in industry produce designs for mass production may carry out the following activities:
- overseeing production to ensure the brief is met;
- deciding on decorative techniques and glazes;
- interpreting and working to a design brief (which includes the materials to be used, e.g. bone china,
- conducting market research to find out what competitors are producing and how well existing lines are doing.
- 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;
Often tasks for self-employed designers/ceramicists, or for those working for small companies, are likely to include:
- 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.
- preparing work for sale and exhibition;
- 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;
Self-employed ceramics designers also need to promote their work to generate business. Typical activities include:
- entering competitions and applying for funding.
- 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;
- networking to connect with buyers and suppliers in their specialist market;
- researching trends, markets and prices.
- demonstrating their skills at craft fairs and exhibitions;
Note that this is not an exhaustive list of Ceramics Designer duties and responsibilities. Job functions for specific Ceramics Designer roles may vary, depending on the industry and type of employer.