- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- knowledge of the fine arts
- the ability to work on your own
- ambition and a desire to succeed
- the ability to sell products and services
- persistence and determination
- the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
- customer service skills
- thinking and reasoning skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
In a large company, your day-to-day tasks may include:
- interpreting client requirements ('briefs')
- working closely with clients and production staff
- creating designs for mass production, using materials like bone china, porcelain, earthenware and stoneware
- managing the production process and checking quality
As a designer-maker, your tasks may include:
- designing and producing one-off designs and sets
- using hand tools to prepare the clay
- creating items by hand using a mould or a potter's wheel
- applying chemical glazes and clay 'slips' to pots to add colour and texture
- preparing pots for firing in a kiln
- checking quality and removing rejects
- marketing and admin tasks for running a business
You could work in a creative studio, in a workshop or from home.
With experience you could become a senior designer, or you could go freelance or set up your own business.
You can find out more about working in ceramics from the Crafts Council.
You can also explore other creative careers at Discover Creative Careers.
