Potter Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of arts and crafts, the prominence of potters has never been more significant.

As creativity and craftsmanship continue to be celebrated, the demand for skilled hands capable of molding, enhancing, and preserving our ceramic artistry grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a potter?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the art and craft of pottery,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a versatile potter job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Potter Duties and Responsibilities

Potters are artists who use clay and pottery wheels to create a variety of ceramic items, such as vases, bowls, and sculptures.

They often operate independently, selling their work at craft shows, online, or in stores.

The duties and responsibilities of a potter include:

• Prepare and wedge clay to remove air bubbles and achieve the right consistency
• Design and shape pottery items using pottery wheels and other hand-building techniques
• Use various tools, such as ribs, needles, and fettling knives, to refine shapes and add intricate details
• Apply glazes, underglazes, and overglazes to finished pieces
• Fire pieces in a kiln, carefully monitoring temperatures and timing to achieve desired results
• Repair and maintain pottery equipment, including wheels and kilns
• Attend craft shows or other events to sell their work
• Keep a portfolio of work for potential customers and for personal reference
• Teach pottery classes or workshops, if skilled and interested
• Order and manage pottery supplies, such as clay, glazes, and tools

 

Potter Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a skilled and creative Potter to join our team.

As a Potter, you will be responsible for designing, crafting, and decorating unique pottery pieces.

The Potter’s responsibilities include preparing and kneading clay, designing and creating pottery items, glazing and firing products, and maintaining a clean and safe working environment.

Our ideal candidate has a passion for creativity and a keen eye for detail, as well as experience working with ceramics and pottery wheels.

 

Responsibilities

• Prepare and knead clay for pottery creation
• Design and create various pottery items using a pottery wheel and other tools
• Decorate pottery pieces with glazes, slips, or other decorative materials
• Fire products in a kiln and complete post-firing procedures
• Maintain a clean and safe working environment
• Keep track of inventory and order materials as needed
• Collaborate with team members to develop new designs and techniques

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Potter or similar role in the Artistic field
• Knowledge of various pottery techniques, including throwing, coiling, and slab building
• Familiarity with glazing and firing procedures
• A keen eye for design and detail
• Excellent hand-eye coordination and patience
• Ability to stand for extended periods
• Degree in Fine Arts, Design, or a related field is a plus

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Opportunity to exhibit work in galleries
• Workshop space and materials provided

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Potter
• Work Environment: Studio setting. Physical work required including standing for long periods and manual dexterity.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Potter or Studio Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $32,000 minimum to $45,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a portfolio of your work, and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Potter Do?

Potters are skilled artisans who use their hands and various tools to shape and mold clay into pottery.

They begin their work by preparing the clay, kneading it to remove any air bubbles that could cause it to crack during the firing process.

They then shape the clay on a wheel or mold it by hand, depending on the desired design.

Potters use a variety of techniques to create different finishes and textures on their pieces.

These can include glazing, carving, and painting.

Once the piece is shaped and decorated, potters place it in a kiln to be fired, which hardens the clay and sets the glaze.

In addition to creating their own pieces, potters may also teach pottery classes, conduct workshops, or give live demonstrations.

They often sell their pieces directly to consumers through craft fairs, online shops, or physical stores.

Some potters specialize in creating functional pieces, like plates, bowls, and mugs, while others focus on decorative or sculptural work.

Regardless of their specialty, potters must have a keen eye for detail, a strong understanding of the properties of clay, and a creative mind for design.

 

Potter Qualifications and Skills

A professional potter should possess the skills and qualifications that are pertinent to the role, such as:

• Artistic ability and creativity to design and create unique pieces of pottery.
• Manual dexterity and physical stamina to shape and mold clay for long periods.
• Patience and attention to detail for intricate and time-consuming work.
• A keen sense of form and design to produce aesthetically pleasing and functional pieces.
• Knowledge of various pottery techniques such as coiling, slabbing, and throwing.
• Understanding of glaze chemistry and kiln firing processes for desired finishes.
• Ability to use pottery wheel, kiln, and other tools of the trade effectively.
• Excellent time management skills to efficiently complete projects and meet deadlines.
• Communication skills to interact with clients, understand their requirements, and provide excellent customer service.
• Business skills for those who wish to sell their work, including marketing and sales ability.

 

Potter Experience Requirements

A beginner level potter is typically someone who may have taken pottery classes or workshops and has 1 to 2 years of experience in working with clay.

It’s common for potters to gain initial hands-on experience through a pottery studio or art school.

Pottery apprenticeships are also a traditional way to gain experience.

In an apprenticeship, an aspiring potter works under the guidance of a professional, experienced potter to learn the craft.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience often have developed their skills in various pottery techniques such as wheel throwing, coiling, and slab building.

They may have also gained experience in glazing and firing pottery.

At this point, they may be expected to be able to produce consistent, high-quality work and may be ready to sell their works in art fairs or galleries.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have a well-rounded understanding of pottery, including advanced techniques and the business aspects of running a pottery studio.

These individuals may have experience teaching pottery classes, managing a studio, or running their own pottery business.

 

Potter Education and Training Requirements

Potters typically start their education by attending workshops or enrolling in art or design classes that offer pottery courses.

This could be in a high school setting, or at a community college or adult learning center.

Many potters choose to further their education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, with a focus on ceramics or sculpture.

This degree provides a comprehensive education on art history, design theory, and different pottery techniques.

It is beneficial for aspiring potters to gain hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships or by working under a skilled potter.

This practical experience is often where potters refine their skills, learn about different clay types, glazes, and firing methods.

In addition to formal education, many potters also attend workshops or seminars to learn about new techniques or trends in the field.

These events often provide valuable networking opportunities as well.

Though not a requirement, some potters may choose to earn a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree.

This advanced degree often involves a deeper study of ceramics, including conceptual and technical aspects, and may help to stand out in a competitive market.

While there is no official certification needed to become a potter, a few organizations do offer certifications that can lend credibility and demonstrate a commitment to the craft.

These certifications often require a combination of education, experience, and a portfolio review.

Lastly, successful potters need a combination of artistic talent, creativity, and the patience and focus necessary to work with clay over long periods.

They also need strong hand-eye coordination and a keen attention to detail.

 

Potter Salary Expectations

The average wage for a potter is around $29,400 (USD) per year.

However, the actual income can greatly vary depending on the potter’s skill level, years of experience, location, and whether they are self-employed or work for a larger organization.

Some highly skilled potters can earn over $50,000 (USD) per year, particularly if they have a high demand for their work.

 

Potter Job Description FAQs

What skills does a potter need?

Potters should possess strong hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to shape clay into pottery pieces.

They need to have a keen eye for detail to ensure symmetry and balance in their work.

In addition, they should have a firm understanding of glazes and kiln operations.

Creativity is crucial in this role as each piece of pottery is a work of art.

 

Do potters need a degree?

While having a degree in Fine Arts or a related field can provide a potter with a comprehensive understanding of ceramics, it is not strictly necessary.

Many successful potters are self-taught or have learned their skills through apprenticeships.

However, potters do need to have a solid understanding of various techniques and tools used in pottery-making, which can be gained through hands-on experience.

 

What should you look for in a potter’s portfolio?

When reviewing a potter’s portfolio, look for a range of work that demonstrates their skills and versatility.

Consider the intricacy, finish, and creativity of their pieces.

Also, note the potter’s familiarity with different pottery techniques, such as wheel throwing, hand building, and glazing.

 

What qualities make a good potter?

A good potter is patient and dedicated, as the process of creating pottery can be time-consuming and requires a high level of attention to detail.

They should also be creative and have a good sense of form and design.

Good potters are able to take criticism and learn from their mistakes, and they are always striving to improve their craft.

 

Is it difficult to hire potters?

Hiring a potter can be challenging because it requires finding someone with the right skill set and artistic sensibility.

However, with a thorough review of a candidate’s portfolio and a practical demonstration of their skills, you can find a potter who fits your needs.

 

Conclusion

And that’s the whole story.

We’ve just unraveled the true essence of being a potter.

Surprised?

It’s not simply about shaping clay.

It’s about molding our tangible world, one piece of pottery at a time.

Equipped with our practical potter job description template and real-life instances, you’re now ready to take the leap.

But why stop here?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating meticulously crafted job listings or perfecting your resume.

Take note:

Every piece of pottery contributes to a larger narrative.

Let’s shape that story. Together.