Ceramics Designer Job Description

What is the job description of a Ceramics Designer? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Ceramics Designer? What does a Ceramics Designer do?

Job description of a Ceramics Designer

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.

This Ceramics Designer job description example includes the list of most important Ceramics Designer duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Ceramics Designer profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Ceramics Designer Duties and Responsibilities

Ceramics Designer job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

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;

Ceramics Designer Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Ceramics Designer job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • Academic qualifications in art, design or ceramics
  • Natural talent, creativity and imagination.
  • Strong knowledge of the technical tools and methodologies
  • Commercial awareness and an aptitude for business management
  • Practical knowledge, experience and design portfolio

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Ceramics Designer starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Ceramics Designer job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Ceramics Designer may also reference it in preparation for the interview.