Image credit: work by Ceramicist & ARTSTHREAD member Rebekah Sweda, a 2020 Ceramics MFA graduate

Interested in a career in ceramics? ARTS THREAD’s career education specialist and digital editor Jacqui Rudd has lots of advice and tips on starting a successful career as a ceramicist as part of ARTSTHREAD’s Creative Career Guides Series.

Ceramicists use several methods to create objects made from earthenware materials, such as clay and porcelain. Ceramics design has developed over time with technology and makers are constantly innovating and creating new ways to explore this versatile practice, including technology such as 3D printers. A career in ceramics design is considered under the practice of craft, however, its methods and materials are used widely in areas of art and design. This allows ceramics techniques to be used to create practical objects for a purpose and contemporary pieces for display, whether wall art, sculptures or installations.

For an insider perspective on a ceramics career check out our interviews with: Rebekah Sweda and Fran Fell.

Career Options in Ceramic Design

Ceramics Designer/Artist
The majority of professional ceramicists are self-employed and work in studios to design and create their ceramic pieces. They sell independently through their own store, online shop and pop-up events and, as this discipline of work is used by both artists and makers, you can find ceramists work being sold in galleries as well as with retailers.

Ceramics Teacher / Technician
Teaching is another possible career path for ceramicists. Schools, colleges and universities often hire ceramic professionals to teach classes, or as technicians, and some ceramicists may be able to give private lessons.

Ceramics Assistant
Assisting a more established ceramics designer with their business and the production of their ceramics products is a great way to develop your skills and understanding of how to start and run a business as a ceramicist.

What you need to become a Ceramicist

Although qualifications aren’t essential to starting a career in ceramics, and some ceramicists can learn their skills on their own, formal education or training can be enormously helpful. Many ceramicists will study degrees in areas such as applied arts, craft, design, ceramics, or 3D design.

Studying ceramics at an undergraduate or postgraduate level might help you hone practical skills, gain career support, network within the industry, and develop your practice. However, further education institutes also provide a variety of suitable courses to develop ceramics skills. Many forms of creative education, including ceramics, can be achieved alongside part-time work as you develop towards your dream career.

Building a specialist portfolio in Ceramics

Creating a portfolio is all about showcasing your best work, your skills, the techniques you use and what you can offer potential clients, customers, employers and collaborators. While training and developing your skills you will also create your own style as a ceramicist, what techniques you like to utilise and a collection of work will evolve. When you’re putting together a portfolio of your work, consider the context and purpose first.

Portfolio for Applications - for residencies or postgraduate study
Through your pieces and portfolio, tell a story of how you developed your collection, your influences and where your work will go next.

Online Portfolio - to sell pieces of work or attract commissions
Highlight pieces that showcase your best work, skills you are developing and what you can offer to customers and clients. This can be displayed on your own website or through an ARTSTHREAD member free profile.

Build a portfolio of work from:

• Projects you complete over your training and qualifications


• Experimenting in the studio and creating work for sale at markets and shops


• Participating in contests, awards and competitions


• Get pictures of your work on exhibition at galleries and trade fairs


• Taking on commissions from clients

Here are some brilliant example ceramics portfolios by ARTSTHREAD members: Louise Frances, Paula Pardo and Nan Qian.

For postgraduate applications check out our other guide Preparing Your Portfolio For Postgraduate Application.

Tips for starting a business as a Ceramicist

• Find or build a studio with a kiln and the facilities that you need to produce your work.


• Hire an intern or studio assistant if you need help with production or running your studio.


• Be prepared for a lot of cleaning and have an extra bucket and mop.


• Keep in touch with ceramics tutors, trainers and peers to help build a community around your work and people you can turn to for advice.


• Showcase your work online, on social media and include video into your content.


• Apply for awards and competitions when relevant, winning or being shortlisted can really support building your brand and is great PR.


• Keep experimenting and enjoy the process of trying new techniques.

For an insider perspective on a ceramics career check out our interviews with: Rebekah Sweda and Fran Fell.