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.

The Work

Craft designers design a broad range of two- and three-dimensional products. Most specialise in a particular area, such as:

• textiles
• ceramics
• wood including furniture
• metalwork/jewellery
• glass
• graphic crafts such as calligraphy and printmaking
• toys
• musical instruments
• embroidery
• leatherwork

Within each of these areas, some designers produce designs for large-scale production by manufacturers, while others work as designer-craft workers producing designs on a small scale.  
 
In large scale production, craft designers are often based in a drawing office. They work to a brief that outlines the type of product 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. Designers then research all aspects of the product. They look at existing or similar products, what types of materials they could use and other technical considerations such as whether the material chosen is suited to the purpose of the product. For example, is it strong enough?  
 
Designers then produce sketches and drawings to show different designs, aspects of the products, artistic impressions and technical details. Once designs are accepted, development can involve producing samples or working models and testing a limited run on the production line. Knowledge of the relevant manufacturing process is essential.  
 
Most craft designer follow a similar design process. They work to a brief and undertake research for commissioned work from clients. Some make studio pieces, which they sell through galleries, craft fairs or their own studios.  
 
Designers usually work from studios or workshops and are responsible for the whole design process from creating original designs to making and usually selling the craft products. They may make small batches of a range of items or one-off items. Some of these individual pieces are artistic creations that could be considered more as fine art than commercial craft design. 

They produce their finished pieces individually rather than on a production line. They may use traditional skills and techniques, such as handloom weaving, throwing pots, hand-building ceramics, and wood carving. Craft designers often sell their own work

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.

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.

There are many entry routes into craft design. However, most take formal training courses up to diploma or degree level. 

Training & Development 

FET Centre PLC: Portfolio prep Craft, Design, Art, craft, creative fabric & material, furniture, design NFQ level 5-6 search our FET PLC coursefinder 

Higher Education CAO Entry:  Art, Creative fabrics & Interior or Furniture Design NFQ level 7-8 Search our CAO coursefinder 

Applicants for craft and design courses are usually required to submit a portfolio of work via CAO. 

Developing your craft business increasingly involves skills in Digital media marketing. Building your brand and showcasing your work are key: 

Professional Development 

You can get support in crafting your business plan and developing or marketing your business Start your own busienss courses NFQ level 5 Search our FET Coursefinder 

Design & Crafts council: Business & Guidance support 

Local Enterprise Offices Business mentoring 

Local Partnership Eneterprise Business development 

Last Updated: March, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €17k - €80k

Salaries in this occupation can vary widely, those working for large manufacturers or particularly successful self-employed operators can have large stable incomes, whereas for smaller scale designers who sell at markets or online the income may be supplemental to salary earned in a portfolio of occupations.

Data Source(s):
DCCI / Prosperity/ DEASP

Last Updated: February, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The five-year annual average employment growth rate was below average for this occupation, although there was an increase of over 2,000 persons employed between 2021 and 2022. As the Census data indicates, there are a large number of roles within this group, with many employing fewer than 1,000 persons. Between 2016 and 2022, employment levels fell for many of these roles.

Despite the decline in employment evident in the Census data, the Skills for Growth data indicates issues with recruitment of upholsterers for both the industry and retail (repair) sectors; upholsterers also appeared in the DSP Jobs Ireland vacancy data (albeit in small numbers), along with spray painters (included in the other skilled trades n.e.c. category). Although demand for many of these trades have declined in recent years, an increased focus on the circular economy may see increased demand, or at least slow the decline for roles such as upholsterers and tailors.

• Design & Craft Council of Ireland

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