Ceramics

Ceramics designers make designs for a range of products to be made by shaping and firing clay. These include tableware, kitchenware, gifts and decorative items.

The industry is now mostly self-employed as many larger companies have closed or exported production overseas. Traditional craft skills are becoming rare but are needed for building restoration and heritage work.

In large companies, ceramics designers: produce designs for mass production; interpret product requirements ('briefs'); liaise with clients and other staff; design items using materials including bone china, hard porcelain, earthenware and stoneware; oversee production (although increasingly production takes place overseas).

Self-employed designer-makers are more likely to: design and produce one-off designs; sell directly from your own studio, gallery or shop, at craft fairs or exhibitions, or through other shops or galleries; produce items by hand, or using a mould or potter's wheel.

New entrants can earn around £16,000 a year. Experienced designers can earn £30,000 or more.

Earnings for freelance designers and self-employed designer/makers depend on the success of their business.

You will usually need a BTEC HND or a degree in a relevant subject such as 3-D design, ceramics or ceramic design. The most useful courses include practical skills as well as creative design, so you should check that the content of courses meets your needs before making your choice.

You will need to put together a portfolio of work that you can show to potential employers and course providers. Because the industry is very competitive, any work experience you gain will give you an advantage when it comes to getting a job.

It can be worthwhile researching companies whose products match your style, and making speculative approaches. Entering competitions, exhibitions and shows can also be a good way of being noticed by employers. If you intend to become self-employed as a designer-maker, you could develop practical skills on a wide range of pottery courses offered by local colleges, and some pottery studios run summer and weekend courses.

Visit the Studio Pottery website for information on courses, events, competitions, awards and galleries, and a directory of designers to which members can add their details.