Ceramics / Glass / Jewellery Design

Ceramics and glass designers design a range of products to be made by shaping and firing clay such as tableware/kitchenware, or glass.

Jewellery designers design jewellery, silverware and other decorative metalwork.

Products are made for mass production or in small numbers to be sold by the designer or other craft workers. If self-employed, designers need to sell their work, either directly from studios/craft fairs, or through shops/galleries.

Ceramics designers usually: produce designs for mass production; interpret product requirements ('briefs'); liaise with clients and other staff such as artists and modelers; design items using materials including bone china, hard porcelain, earthenware and stoneware; and oversee production. Self-employed designer/makers are more likely to: design and produce one-off designs; sell directly from their own studio, gallery or shop, at craft fairs or exhibitions, or through other shops or galleries; and produce items by hand, or using a mould or potter's wheel.

Jewellery designers could be producing designs to meet the requirements of a client (known as a 'brief' or commission) or for general sale; producing designs which are then made by other people (if  working for a company); work as a self-employed designer, designing and making jewellery; and using a variety of crafts to make jewellery, including, mounting, setting and polishing.

New ceramics designers can earn around £16,000 a year. Experienced designers may earn up to £30,000 or more.

Freelance designers' and self-employed designer/makers' earnings depend on the success of their business.

For a jewellery designer, starting salaries can be up to £16,000 a year. Experienced jewellery designers can earn between £20,000 and around £50,000.

Earnings for freelance designer/craftworkers vary depending on how successful they are in selling their work.

To become a ceramics designer you will usually need a BTEC HND or a degree in a relevant subject such as 3-D design, ceramics or ceramic design.

You will need to put together a portfolio of work that you can show potential employers and course providers.

As the industry is very competitive, any work experience you gain will give you an advantage. It is worth researching companies whose products match your style, and making speculative approaches.

Entering competitions, exhibitions and shows may also be a good way of being noticed by employers. Visit the Studio Pottery website for a range of useful information.

There are no set requirements for becoming a jewellery designer – talent and contacts are the key to getting work, so if you can show that you have design skills and ideas you may develop your career without a qualification.

However, most jewellery designers have a foundation degree, BTEC HND or degree in either: jewellery; jewellery design; designed metalwork and jewellery; jewellery and metal design; or 3D design: metals.

For all courses you would need to present a portfolio of your work, and you may be accepted without the usual qualifications on the strength of this. You can develop relevant practical skills on a variety of courses offered by local colleges.