Potters

Career summary

#No alternate titles CJ

Potters usually begin by preparing the clay. They work with clays such as:

• Earthenware
• Porcelain

Potters sometimes mix clays to get a certain texture or plasticity. Each type of clay gives a different appearance to pottery.

Potters form items from balls of clay that they spin on potters' wheels. Most potters use an electric wheel to throw (create) pots. Others use a treadle wheel that they pump with their feet. Potters adjust the speed of wheels as the clay responds to their movements.

Potters start by placing a ball of clay in the center of their wheel. Potters use their hands and fingers to shape the clay into items. They also use wooden tools to shape objects so they are straight. They use pieces of wire to cut off extra clay. Potters use rubber scrapers and wet sponges to smooth the surface before removing an item from the wheel. Once pots are pulled (formed), potters use tools such as calipers to measure how tall or wide items are. If they are the right size, potters may add handles or other decorations to the outside of the vessel.

To remove finished items from wheels, potters run a wire between the base of the object and the surface of the wheel. Depending on the item, potters may apply a glaze. Some potters make their own glazes. They brush, dip, sponge, or spray the glaze to apply it.

Next, potters place the item into a kiln to be dried. Potters monitor the kiln temperature during the drying process to make sure it does not vary much. An even temperature helps diminish breakage, melting, or cracks.

Some potters use molds to form objects. Many potters hand build their pieces. They may pinch pieces into a particular form, use slabs of clay, or build vessels from coils of clay.

Potters who work in factories and produce just one type of product, such as plates, often use molds. Other potters create pottery with their own designs. These potters may display their art at galleries. They may sell their art in gift shops or at art festivals and craft fairs. Many use their own websites to market and sell their work.

Some potters teach at universities, colleges, or in their own studio.

Related careers

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Auto Body Repairers
• Fine Artists
• Glass Blowers
• Glaziers
• Jewelers
• Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners
• Photograph Processing Workers
• Small Engine Mechanics
• Tailors
• Upholsterers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to potters.

• Mix clays and glazes or purchase materials.
• Position balls of clay in center of potters' wheels.
• Start motors, or pump treadles with feet to revolve wheels.
• Adjust speed of wheels according to the changing feel of clay.
• Raise or shape clay into items such as vases and pitchers. Use hands, fingers, and thumbs to work clay.
• Verify size and form of items, using calipers and templates.
• Smooth surface of finished pieces, using rubber scrapers and wet sponges.
• Pull wire through base of finished articles to separate them from potters' wheels.
• Place pottery in kilns to dry. Monitor temperature of kilns during drying process.
• Trim the bottom of pieces, either by hand or using the potting wheel.
• May use molds instead of forming pieces by hand.
• May market finished products or coordinate showing at gallery.
• Evaluate supplies and order when needed.

Common work activities

Potters perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Think creatively
• Handle and move objects
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Control machines and processes
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Perform for or work with the public
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Convince others to buy goods or change their minds or actions
• Get information needed to do the job
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Schedule work and activities
• Monitor and control resources

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, potters:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a very low level of contact with others. Potters work alone most of the time.
• Communicate with others mostly by telephone or in person.

Physical work conditions

• Often work indoors. Indoor spaces may not be heated or air conditioned.
• Rarely work outdoors, although some kilns or studios may be in the open air.
• Are often exposed to contaminants, from glazes or clay.

Work performance

• Repeat the same physical activity. However, they may make changes to those activities to achieve a new type of pot.
• Must be very exact in their work. Sometimes commercial potters try to get all plates to match.
• Must allow pace to be determined by the speed of the wheel. However, they adjust the wheel to meet their needs.
• Must be sure that they complete each detail in the kneading, glazing, and firing process so that pots turn out as desired.
• Almost always make decisions and set daily tasks and goals without consulting another first.
• Sometimes makes decisions that affect others.

Hours/travel

• May travel to other cities or states to show their wares at art festivals or craft shows.
• May work part time or full time. Potters who work in factories usually work full time.

Physical demands

Potters frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Bend or twist their body.

It is important for potters to be able to:

• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for potters to be able to:

• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.

Skills and abilities

Potters need to:

Communicate

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand spoken information.

Reason and problem solve

• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with things

• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Operate and control equipment.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Ceramic Art and Design

Other programs of study to consider

• Art and Fine Arts, General
• Crafts
• Sculpture

Training

To work as a potter, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete long-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

There are many ways to become a potter. One is to attend a community or technical college. Many schools offer programs in general art. Some schools offer programs solely in ceramics. Community and technical colleges offer certificates and associate degrees.

Universities offer four-year degrees. Some students pursue a Bachelor's of Art (BA) while others pursue a Bachelor's of Fine Arts (BFA). Programs in ceramics teach the technical skills of making clay and glazes, forming products, and firing products. You learn to make functional pieces, sculptures, and tiles. In the fourth year, you may work on developing your art one-on-one with a faculty advisor. Some schools help you secure an internship, apprenticeship, or studio assistantship in the field. These experiences help you learn new techniques, build your skills, and develop contacts.

You can also take "hobby" classes and learn from other potters. You may choose from hand building or wheel throwing classes.

Work experience

Some potters choose a potter whose work they respect and do an apprenticeship with that artist. As an apprentice you may receive materials, work space, and room and board in exchange for working as an assistant in the studio.

On-the-job training

Most potters train on the job. Some state arts councils and foundations offer resident artist programs. Types of programs vary widely. Some are for artists who are new to the field. These programs allow artists to create and explore their work further. Other programs are for people who are known in their field. Usually resident artist programs allow you to work with others in your own discipline or from a broad range of art fields. Each program is different in terms of whether potters pay to be involved or receive a stipend. Programs typically last at least one year.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements . You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Art
• Art History
• Crafts
• Drawing and Painting
• Photography
• Pottery

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Many potters are self-employed. For them, hiring is often related to resident artist programs. Committee members often select candidates by reviewing slides of their previous work.

Many of the larger fairs and craft shows require submitting samples of work to a committee for judging. If the product is approved, a stall location is assigned. Location is based on the score from judging and years of attendance at that particular show. Potters with more years of attendance often receive better locations.

Costs to workers

There is an initial investment for materials, tools, and facilities. Potters may pay fees to rent booths at arts and crafts fairs and festivals in addition to the cost of traveling to the event.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Potters, manufacturing 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages for potters who are artists depend on how much they produce. Wages also depend on how much potters charge for their pieces and if people are interested in buying. The potters who create functional pottery may earn less per piece than those who create artistic ceramics. However, artistic pieces may not sell as quickly or as often since they are more costly. Potters who are well-known in the field tend to earn more than other potters.

Production potters may increase their earnings by changing their work to fit what customers are buying. They can also increase their earnings by attending more art festivals or marketing their products. For example, some potters may expand their market by displaying their wares on the Internet.

Potters who work full time in factories may receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. 

National wage information is not available specifically for potters. However, they are part of the larger group of "molders, shapers, and casters."

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Most potters who are artists are self-employed. The amount of money needed to produce pottery is not overwhelming. However, the costs for advertising, shipping, and entering fairs and festivals can add up. In addition, renting studio space and operating a kiln are also significant.

Some potters sell their wares at art festivals or craft shows. Others work in a studio and offer classes to the community. Beginning potters usually supplement their income with a job in another field while they build their reputation.

Those who are formally trained may coordinate exhibits of their work at art galleries. They may develop relationships with gallery owners who are familiar with their work. These studios may be in the same state or in various states throughout the nation, depending on how well the artist's work is known.

Other potters are employed by art centers, colleges, or universities to teach ceramics to interested students.

Major employers:

• Art centers
• Colleges or universities

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is expected to show little to no change. Potters who must sell their work to be successful will face a competitive environment. It will be difficult to show work in galleries because of the number of potters who want to display their work.

Job prospects will be best for those who are experienced and talented.

Employment and outlook information is not available specifically for potters. However, they are part of the larger group of "molders, shapers, and casters."

Other resources

American Craft Council 
1224 Marshall Street NE, Suite 200
Minneapolis, MN 55413
612.206.3100

American Society of Artists 
PO Box 1326
Palatine, IL 60078
312.751.2500

Artist Trust 
1835 - 12th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122
866.218.7878
206.467.8734

National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts 
4845 Pearl East Circle, Ste. 101
Boulder, CO 80301

National Endowment for the Arts 
400 - 7th Street SW
Washington, DC 20506
202.682.5400

The American Ceramic Society 
550 Polaris Parkway, Suite 510
Westerville, OH 43082

Washington Business Week 
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

References

Career cluster

• Manufacturing

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Potters, Manufacturing (51-9195.05) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupation

• Thrower (774.381-010) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Artistic/Conventional

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled