Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos & Interviews
Videos on the Web
- Ceramics Designer- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
- Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
- Selling or Influencing Others Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
- Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
- Monitoring and Controlling Resources Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
- Scheduling Work and Activities Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Working Life
Ceramics designers create designs for three-dimensional pottery products. Ceramics designers work either in industry, or as potters/designer-craft workers who are usually self-employed or work for small companies.
Ceramics designers who work in industry design goods for mass-production. These include items such as:
- table and ovenware
- wall and floor tiles
- bathroom fittings such as toilets and handbasins
They are involved in a strict design process. Creativity is limited by cost, time and manufacturing capability.
In industry, ceramics designers work to a brief. This includes details such as the type of ceramics required and how much money is available for production. It also outlines what the product is to be used for and who is likely to use it. The brief may be prepared in discussion with clients and/or marketing executives. Ceramics designers then carry out further research. This helps to establish how well existing designs are doing, and what competitors are producing. They also consider technical factors such as kelvin temperatures, decorative techniques, and glases.
After ceramics designers have finished their research, they sketch their ideas for designs. They show them to clients and senior management for approval. Changes may then be made, followed by the production of a small number of samples. Industrial ceramic designers generally specialise in designing shapes or patterns.
Potters or designer-craft workers are usually based in studios and workshops. They produce goods on a small scale and generally have more of a chance to be creative. These could include functional items such as dinnerware or one-off ornamental pieces. They may be involved in some, but not necessarily all of the stages of the design process. Some combine working to a brief and undertaking research, with being a ceramic artist. They use traditional craft methods using a potter's wheel or slipcasting where liquid clay is poured into a mould.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Create functional or decorative objects by hand, using a variety of methods and materials.
- Cut, shape, fit, join, mold, or otherwise process materials, using hand tools, power tools, or machinery.
- Apply finishes to objects being crafted.
- Develop concepts or creative ideas for craft objects.
- Select materials for use based on strength, color, texture, balance, weight, sise, malleability and other characteristics.
- Advertise products and work, using media such as internet advertising and brochures.
- Set specifications for materials, dimensions, and finishes.
- Plan and attend craft shows to market products.
- Create prototypes or models of objects to be crafted.
- Confer with customers to assess customer needs or obtain feedback.
Qualities - Ceramics Designer
As a ceramics designer, you will need to be artistic and have original ideas. You also need a good appreciation of colour, shape and form. Drawing and painting skills are vital. Potters and designer-craft workers need excellent practical ceramics craft skills, such as the ability to paint intricate decorations onto ceramic pots. Patience is needed as it may take weeks to finish a product.
Communication and business skills are important. Most ceramics designers are involved in presentations and need to be able to talk convincingly about their work.
Interests - Ceramics Designer
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Entry / Progression - Ceramics Designer
The usual route towards a career as a ceramics designer is to complete a suitable degree or course.
Some Three-Dimensional Design courses combine ceramics with the study of another material, such as glass, plastic, metal and wood.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: engineering and precision manufacturing, CAD / CNC design.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: ceramics and design techniques, creative ceramics, fine art, design and ceramics, fine art with ceramics, art. craft & design.
Search for PLC Courses
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: ceramics craft and design
Search for CAO Courses
A portfolio is a collection of your work that showcases your skills and achievements. It can be useful for both academic and professional purposes. Whether you are applying for a course or a job, or you are running your own business, having a portfolio can help you stand out and attract opportunities. A portfolio can also help you reflect on your learning and development, and identify your strengths and areas for improvement.
Pay & Salary - Ceramics Designer
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €17k - €45k
Salaries vary based on employer, duties, role, location, and experience.
Data Source(s):
Prosperity/ Indeed/ DEASP
Last Updated: February, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Ceramics Designer
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Artists; Authors; writers; translators; Actors; entertainers; presenters; Dancers; choreographers; Musicians Arts officers; producers; directors; Photographers; audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators; Graphic designers Product; clothing and related designers.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Employment grew strongly between 2021 and 2022, with an additional 7,300 persons employed. As illustrated in the CSO Census data below, employment is spread across a number of roles; since 2016, the strongest growth, in absolute terms, was for graphic designers and authors, writers and translators.
New employment permits issued for this occupation in 2022 were primarily for film/TV and animation/visual effects (VFX) roles but also for linguistics experts in the ICT sector. There was also a high volume of recent job hires in line with the recent employment increase. The data does not point to overall issues with recruitment for these roles.
Useful Contacts - Ceramics Designer
-
Design & Craft Council of Ireland
- Castle Yard, Kilkenny
- (056) 77 61804
- Click Here
