Ceramist Job Description

Ceramists create designs for a range of pottery objects that are then made by shaping and firing clay. The items can include but are not limited to: floor tiles, bathroom and kitchen tiles, ceramic sculptures, domestics and commercial tableware, kitchenware, garden ceramics and giftware.

Ceramists that are employed by larger companies interpret a product brief and must turn it into a commercial design for mass production. Ceramists who are self employed often design and produce their own products.

Typical Job Duties

• Ceramists may design and produce one-off objects if they work for a small enough company or are self-employed

• Select materials appropriate for specific designs

• Decide on decorative techniques and glazes

• Interpreting and working to design a brief to design a new collection, including what material is to be used, and the costs associated with them

• Performing market research to find out what competitors are producing and how well existing lines are doing

• Creating designs and liaising with clients to ensure the specifications of the brief are set

• Overseeing production to ensure the specifications are being achieved

Relevant Scholarships for Becoming a Ceramist

The Applicable Majors section below shows fields of study relevant to a career as a Ceramist. You can search for scholarships matched to those fields of study on our Fine Arts Scholarships page.

Success Tip: Be sure to apply for any scholarships that you even barely qualify for, as there are millions of dollars of scholarships that go unused every year due to a lack of applicants!