Skills
Key skills for a ceramicist include:
- creative flair and practical ceramics skills
- time management and the ability to work to deadlines
- excellent communication skills
- organisational ability
- attention to detail
- photography, computer software and design skills
- business management skills
- a good understanding of health and safety procedures
Qualifications
Many ceramicists will have studied an art or design degree in an areas such as applied arts or design, ceramics, or 3D design.
Some providers include:
A postgraduate qualification is not essential, but studying for a Masters level qualification in ceramic design might help you to hone practical skills and prepare for professional life.
A variety of part-time courses are available in further and adult education institutes, providing the opportunity to develop ceramics skills.
Career Progression
How your career develops will depend on your specialism.
You might want to be self-employed and concentrate on the design and production of your own ceramic products. If you opt for self-employment, career development will come by building your reputation through exhibition success and your visibility through networking, writing articles and giving talks about your work and techniques.
Alternatively, you could be employed in a larger company. Here, career progression comes from working with production teams, liaising with external clients and seizing opportunities to be innovative. There may be opportunities in research departments or for promotion to managing teams of designers within the studio. Increased responsibility will inevitably bring an increase in non design-related tasks.
Another potential route is in academia. With further study, it's possible to work in higher education as a lecturer in ceramics.
Ceramicists often develop a portfolio career. Combining varied roles may spark creative ideas and keep you motivated. Ceramicists often combine their creative practice with:
- arts management
- community arts work
- gallery management
- teaching