How to Become a Ceramics Designer

About Ceramics Designer

A ceramics designer or ceramicists work with clay, bone china, porcelain and stoneware to create and design sculptures, pottery items, homeware, cookware and tableware. The duty of a ceramics designer does not end after the mere creation of these pieces. They also paint, glaze and decorate the product upon finishing it.

A ceramics designer can work independently as a freelancer or can be recruited by manufacturers of ceramic products. Besides formulating hands-on ceramics design, a ceramics designer also tends to research new materials and designs, promote and built a liaise creative portfolio with the client, museums, galleries, other craftsmen.

In order to get revenue from their piece of art or the manufactured product, a ceramics designer can display their work at exhibitions, craft fairs and trade shows. Not all the ceramics designer are involved in the production process, some also concentrate their efforts on design. It is very crucial for a ceramics artist to possess an inclination towards art and a flair for design. They also need to have a commercial mind to recognise and identify what grabs the eyeballs of the costumers. If a ceramic designer is working for a large company, he/she needs to comprehend the brief of the product and convert it into a commercially successful design. In case a ceramics design is self-employed, he/she can undertake design commissions for major companies.

Ceramics Designer as a career option is pursued by those students who have interests in designing and those who have graduated from designing related courses. Ceramics designers usually work with larger organizations that are responsible for production of ceramic materials such as porcelain, stoneware, earthenware, etc. They are responsible for producing designs for mass production in factories. Ceramic designers observe the latest trends in the global market and they try to implement the same for their clients. As it is a specialized course and is taken by a limited number of students, there are many job opportunities and ensures a bright career as ceramics designer. 

Roles and Responsibility of Ceramics Designer 

Ceramics designers who work for large companies in industry and produce designs for mass production usually are involved in the following activities:

• Overlooking production of the companies to ensure that client demand is met.
• Deciding on decorative techniques, designs and glazes.
• Interpreting and working to a design brief including the selection materials like bone china and checking the quality for better output.
• Conducting market research to check for competitors and their products and to analyze the strategy for their organization.
• Checking the stock details of Porcelain, earthenware or stoneware and the amount of money available for adding new and innovative design collections. 
• Creating designs and coordinating with clients to ensure that their requirements are met in a stipulated time frame. 

The candidates must also note that there are many who chose to open their own company or may choose to work with a smaller organization. Their role as ceramic designer will be slightly different from the one mentioned above. Some of the common work profile for entrepreneur and small organizations are mentioned below:

• Selling products directly from a studio, online, by mail order, stalls or crafts fairs, or through specialist ceramic craft shops and galleries.
• Must be able to strategize their marketing plan with an objective
• Must have an idea about latest trends in the industry and if need be should do appropriate courses to learn new techniques. 
• They should be able to do tie ups with the society and communities to educate people about the benefits of ceramic usage.
• Look for genuine places work showcasing their design and sale their products.
• Designing and producing unique items as per the demands of the market.
• Selecting standard materials appropriate to the design and exploring new items for clients.
• They should also conduct live workshops in educational institutes and they must know the art of playing with clay on wheels. 
• Additional knowledge about decorating the items with glaze and other materials. 

Self-employed ceramics designers also need to promote their work to generate revenue for their business. They also need to extend their business seeking financial support from the investors. Some of the common activities to accelerate business include:

• They must apply for different startups scheme launched by the government and should start entering different competitions.
• They must promote their business online and offline by photographing their designs and art work.
• They also must develop appropriate software skills to develop publicity materials and websites.
• Learn to Collaborate with other designers in a shared studio, cooperative, craft guild, joint exhibition, or artists’ organization.
• Networking is key to connect with buyers and suppliers in their field. 
• Must keep a check on latest trends, markets and prices of the similar products of their competitors. 
• Demonstrating their skills at craft fairs and exhibitions.

Eligibility to become Ceramics Designer

A career of ceramics designer is very welcoming as it does not have many requirements except for creative cells, an artistic approach and a commercial mind. However, by fulfilling the following mentioned eligibility criteria, a candidate can get expertise in ceramics design and can widen up his/her knowledge.

• Any bachelor’s degree with a specialization in applied arts or design, ceramics or 3D design can provide a candidate with the right skills. These degrees have the potential to hone the practical skills of an individual.
• If the bachelor’s degree is not in the relevant field, the candidate can go for a master’s degree in applied arts or design, ceramics or 3D design.
• A huge variety of diplomas, certifications and part-time courses are available that can help an aspirant in polishing the skills and gaining knowledge.

How to become a Ceramic Designer?

The aspirants who wish to choose their career as Ceramic Designer are often confused with the type of courses that they should undertake to become a good ceramic designer. One can check the different steps that are required to become a ceramic designer. 

Step 1

Choose any stream at XII level

The students can choose any stream at their class XII level and must secure a minimum of 50% marks. They should try to score well so that they fulfill the prerequisite for taking admission in the BDes program of reputed institutions. However, the science students will get a better understanding of ceramics as they have studied Chemistry and Physics.

Step 2

Choose BDes Course (Ceramic and Glass design)

Bachelors in Ceramic and Glass design is a regular three years undergraduate course that is available in many institutions. The students will be able to be a good ceramic designer if they complete their BDes course.

Step 3

Master of Design (MDes)

Master of Design is a two year long program and the students can choose the career option of ceramic designer at master’s level as well. Admission at postgraduate level is usually based on the entrance test and student’s performance in designing.

Ceramic Designer Degrees in India

The students who wish to explore their career opportunities as ceramic designers can look for the following degrees available in India at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. 

Undergraduate Degrees

1. BDes in Ceramic and Glass Design
2. BTech in Ceramic Engineering (including Glass Engineering and Designing)

Postgraduate Degrees

1. Master of Fine Arts (Ceramics)
2. MDes (Ceramic and Glass Design)

Ceramic Designer Degrees in Abroad

Those candidates who wish to go abroad and complete their graduation or post graduation to become ceramic designer can explore the following courses. 

Undergraduate Degrees

1. Bachelor of Fine Arts/Bachelor of Design in Material Art & Design
2. Bachelor of Arts in Arts and Crafts, Ceramics
3. Bachelor of Arts (Honors) Fine Art
4. Bachelor of Ceramics (BFA)
5. Bachelor in Ceramics

Postgraduate Degrees

1. MA Design (Ceramics, Jewelry, Furniture)
2. Ceramics and Maker – MA/PGD/PGC
3. Ceramics MA/MFA
4. MA Fine Art (Ceramics)

Types of Job Roles Ceramics Designer

Ceramics designer gets to experiment in various categories and utilise their artistic abilities to the fullest. Check out the job roled mentioned below that are suitable for a ceramics designer.

• Design Studio Assistant
• Ceramicists
• Assistant Professor- Design (Ceramics)
• Model Maker
• Ceramic and Glass Designer
• Product Designer
• Ceramic Engineer

Employment Opportunities for Ceramics Designers

Due to the rise in the appreciation of art, the demand for ceramics designers is at almost all the fields. Enlisted below are some areas that provide employment opportunities for skilled ceramics designers.

• Design Studios
• Education Sector
• Museums
• Art Gallery
• Product Designing Companies
• Space Designing Companies
• Multinational Companies
• Start-ups 

Top Recruiting Companies for Ceramics Designers

Ceramics designers are recruited by various companies across the globe for part-time or full-time opportunities. Gathered below are the names of the top recruiting       companies that hire ceramics designers.

• Art-n-Glass Inc
• Ochre Studio
• Rain & Peacock
• Satyam Gartex
• Clay Fingers
• The Clay Company
• Ceramic India
• DecorCera - Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles Manufacturers in India

Is Ceramics Design A Good Career Option?

Ceramic design has evolved as a good career option as the designers can associate themselves with big brands and assist them in home décor as well. The candidate in this case will be responsible for deciding decorative techniques. Apart from this, there is plenty of scope as a freelancer. Some ceramic artists who work as freelancers often earn more than full-time salaried ceramic designers. After getting certain experience by working with reputed firms, the ceramic designers eventually become independent contractors.Ceramics design is appreciated globally and has enormous potential in countries such as the United States, Africa, and the United Kingdom. Many countries are known for their ceramic art which include Egypt, the Netherlands, Spain, and France. There is a huge demand for qualified ceramic designers in these countries.

Pay Scale/Salary of Ceramics Designer

Displayed below is the pay scale or the salary a ceramics designer and different job profiles associated with it can extract. Take a good look at the table in order to grasp the starting salary, mid-level and senior-level salary of a ceramics designer.

Ceramics Designer Salary Package

Ceramics Designers pay scale depends on the type of organization they are associated with and the work profile chosen by them. It also depends on their role, work experiences, etc. According to the trends observed, the monthly salaries of Ceramics Designer in some of the reputed organization in this field are mentioned below:

Books & Study Material to Become Ceramics Designer

Learning never stops for a ceramics designer. It is of utmost importance to keep your art or product appealing in order to maintain sustainability in the profession. Listed below are books that you must surely read and grasp in order to keep alive your uniqueness and enhance your skills.

• Ceramic Design Course: Principles, Practice, and Techniques by Anthony Quinn
• The Ceramic Design Book: A Gallery of Contemporary Work by Val M. Cushing 
• Clay: Contemporary Ceramic Artisans by Amber Creswell Bell
• Porcelain and Bone China by Sasha Wardell
• 20th-century ceramic designers in Britain by Andrew Casey
• Urban Potters: Makers in the City by Katie. Treddiden and Ruth Ruyffelaere

Skills Required for Becoming Ceramic Designer

The candidates aspiring to become a good ceramic designer must possess the below mentioned skills along with their knowledge about the subject theoretically. 

Creativity

Creativity is the most common and important skill that every designer must possess. They should be able to give new ideas to their clients in terms of design which is unique and exceptional from the market.

Motor Skills

Motor skills are also crucial for the designers as it requires effective hand eye coordination. They work with materials and tools such as metal gemstones and hence they must have sharp motor skills for becoming an efficient ceramic designer.

Computer skills

Computer knowledge or skills especially in terms of software is very knowledge in order to present their artistic skills to the outside environment.

Commercial Awareness

To succeed in the Industry, they must be able to identify what are the desirable products in the marketplace, how they can enhance their business proposition, and what strategies they should follow to sustain in the market. They must possess the required ability as per the demands of the market.

In short, the candidates must possess additional skills along with other skills mentioned above. Some of the common skills that are needed to excel in this field are mentioned below in the given table. 

Pros of becoming a Ceramics Designer

• You get to utilise your artistic skills and creative head in your work that provides you with a sense of satisfaction and makes you feel productive.
• The excitement to indulge in new product design and constant demand for uniqueness in the industry keeps an individual pumped and excited. The work does not get monotonous.
• Freelancers have a lot of options to pick from. You just need to have the right creative skills and a lot of recruiters are ready to give you the job of your dreams.

Cons of becoming a Ceramics Designer

• The job asks for a lot of hard work, dedication and creativity. It needs to be unique and appealing which might drain the mind of the designer after some time.
• The artist needs to pay full attention to the mind and requirement of the client. At times, it might cause hindrance and limitations in the creative cells of the designer.
• A lot of patience is required as the final output absorbs a lot of mental and physical effort.