Ceramic Artist Resume examples & templates
Copyable Ceramic Artist Resume examples
Ever wondered how a lump of clay transforms into museum-worthy pottery? Ceramic artists make this magic happen daily. They're the hands behind everything from your morning coffee mug to those $5,000 sculptural pieces in high-end galleries. It's a field where ancient techniques meet modern innovation—where traditional wheel-throwing coexists with 3D-printed clay forms and experimental firing methods. The ceramics world has seen a remarkable 27% increase in independent studio memberships since 2019, partly fueled by the pandemic-inspired return to tangible, hands-on crafts.
Today's ceramic artists aren't just creators; they're entrepreneurs, educators, and social media content producers. Many successful ceramicists balance production work (making functional pieces for everyday use) with exhibition pieces that push artistic boundaries. The rise of online marketplaces has democratized access to collectors, while Instagram has become the unofficial portfolio platform where artists showcase process videos alongside finished work. As sustainability concerns grow, watch for more ceramicists leading conversations about locally-sourced materials and energy-efficient firing practices—the future of ceramics lies not just in what we create, but how we create it.
Junior Ceramic Artist Resume Example
Emma Fitzgerald
Boston, MA | (617) 555-8219 | emma.fitz.ceramics@gmail.com | linkedin.com/in/emmafitzgerald
Ceramic artist with formal training and hands-on experience in wheel throwing, hand-building, and glaze formulation. Combines technical skill with artistic vision to create functional and decorative pieces. Recently completed a six-month residency at Mudworks Studio while also maintaining a small-batch production line of tableware for local cafés. Looking to grow my practice through a position that allows for continued artistic development.
EXPERIENCE
Resident Artist | Mudworks Studio | January 2023 – Present
- Create and maintain a body of work for quarterly exhibition, focusing on functional vessels with experimental surface treatments
- Assist with kiln loading/unloading and studio maintenance for a shared space housing 8 artists
- Lead 2 weekend workshops per month introducing wheel throwing basics to beginners (avg. 12 participants each)
- Manage personal inventory of materials and track expenses against $1,200 quarterly stipend
Production Assistant | Terra Ceramics | June 2022 – December 2022
- Produced 30-40 pieces weekly for wholesale orders, maintaining consistent quality and dimensions
- Mixed glazes according to recipes and applied consistent finishes to match product line specifications
- Photographed finished pieces for online shop and social media
- Packed and prepared orders for shipping, reducing damage claims by 17% through improved methods
Studio Assistant (Part-time) | Community Arts Center | September 2021 – May 2022
- Maintained clay recycling systems and assisted with studio organization during evening hours
- Helped prepare materials for classes and monitored open studio sessions
- Gained practical experience in kiln operation and firing schedules under supervision
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Ceramics concentration
Massachusetts College of Art and Design | Graduated May 2022
Summer Intensive Program
Haystack Mountain School of Crafts | Summer 2021
SKILLS
- Wheel throwing (up to 10 lbs clay)
- Hand-building techniques (coil, slab, pinch)
- Surface decoration (slip trailing, sgraffito, mishima)
- Glaze formulation and testing
- Electric and gas kiln firing
- Basic mold-making
- Clay body preparation
- Studio maintenance
- Adobe Lightroom & Photoshop
- Social media management for artists
EXHIBITIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS
- Emerging Artists Show, Clayworks Gallery, Boston, MA (March 2023)
- Senior Thesis Exhibition, MassArt Gallery, Boston, MA (April 2022)
- Dean’s List, Massachusetts College of Art and Design (2019-2022)
- Recipient, Materials Scholarship, Massachusetts College of Art and Design (2021)
Mid-level Ceramic Artist Resume Example
Eileen Ramirez
Portland, OR 97209 | (503) 555-8174 | eileenramirez.ceramics@gmail.com | linkedin.com/in/eileenramirez
Ceramic artist with 5+ years of experience creating functional and sculptural works, specializing in wheel-thrown porcelain and experimental glazing techniques. My work has been featured in 3 regional exhibitions and sold through 7 retail partnerships. Skilled in kiln operation, glaze chemistry, and studio management with a growing focus on teaching workshops and community engagement.
EXPERIENCE
Studio Ceramic Artist & Instructor | Wildfire Pottery Collective | Portland, OR | Jan 2021 – Present
- Create and sell a line of functional ceramics generating $18,750 in annual sales through 4 local shops and online platform
- Developed and teach 6 different ceramics workshops (throwing basics, hand-building, glaze chemistry) with 93% positive feedback
- Co-manage studio operations including equipment maintenance, clay recycling, and firing schedules for 12 member artists
- Formulated 5 signature glazes through extensive testing, reducing material costs by 17% while maintaining quality
Production Potter | Blue Mountain Ceramics | Bend, OR | May 2019 – Dec 2020
- Produced high-volume functional pottery including mugs, bowls, and plates (avg. 85 pieces weekly) for wholesale accounts
- Assisted in kiln loading and firing operations for bisque and glaze firings using electric and gas kilns
- Helped develop efficient production methods that increased studio output by 23% within 6 months
- Managed inventory tracking and quality control for production pieces
Ceramic Studio Assistant | Clay Commons Studio | Eugene, OR | Aug 2018 – Apr 2019
- Assisted with daily studio operations including clay preparation, glaze mixing, and kiln firing
- Provided technical support and basic instruction to studio members during open hours
- Helped coordinate 2 seasonal pottery sales with combined revenue of $7,200
EDUCATION
BFA in Studio Art, Ceramics Concentration | University of Oregon | Eugene, OR | 2018
Certificate in Advanced Glaze Chemistry | Oregon Potters Association | 2020
Workshop: Wood-firing Techniques | East Creek Anagama | Willamina, OR | 2019
SKILLS
- Wheel-throwing (porcelain, stoneware, earthenware)
- Hand-building techniques (coil, slab, pinch)
- Glaze formulation and testing
- Kiln operation (electric, gas, raku)
- Mold-making and slip casting
- Surface decoration (sgraffito, mishima, underglazes)
- Studio management and maintenance
- Clay body preparation and recycling
- Photography of ceramic works
- Workshop instruction
- Inventory management
EXHIBITIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS
- Featured Artist, “New Voices in Clay” – Portland Clay Collective Gallery, 2022
- Juried Exhibition – “Form & Function” – Cascade Arts Center, Bend, 2020
- Second Place – Oregon Potters Association Annual Show, Functional Category, 2019
Senior / Experienced Ceramic Artist Resume Example
Eleanor “Ellie” Westbrook
Portland, Oregon | (503) 291-4827 | e.westbrook@ceramicmail.com
www.linkedin.com/in/eleanor-westbrook | www.elliewestbrookceramics.com
Versatile ceramic artist with 12+ years of experience creating functional pottery, sculptural works, and installation pieces. Exhibited in 17 galleries across the US and internationally. Skilled in multiple firing techniques including raku, salt, wood, and gas reduction. Former instructor at Portland Community College with a passion for mentoring emerging artists while maintaining a thriving studio practice.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Owner & Lead Artist, Westbrook Ceramic Studio | Portland, OR | May 2016 – Present
- Established and operate a 1,200 sq ft production studio specializing in wheel-thrown functional wares and hand-built sculptural pieces
- Generated $94,500 in annual revenue through direct sales, gallery commissions, and custom orders (2022)
- Designed and launched a successful line of tableware that’s carried in 8 boutiques across the Pacific Northwest
- Completed 4 large-scale commissioned installations for corporate clients, including a 72-piece wall installation for Cascade Healthcare headquarters
- Conduct bi-monthly workshops (avg 12 participants) teaching specialized techniques including glaze formulation and surface decoration
Ceramic Artist & Instructor, Portland Community College | Portland, OR | August 2013 – May 2020
- Taught introductory and intermediate ceramics to 150+ students annually while maintaining personal studio practice
- Developed comprehensive curriculum covering wheel throwing, hand-building, glaze chemistry, and kiln firing
- Managed studio equipment including 6 electric kilns, gas kiln, raku kiln, 14 wheels, and clay recycling system
- Organized 2 annual student exhibitions, handling everything from jury selection to installation and promotion
- Rebuilt the department’s salt kiln, implementing modifications that reduced firing time by 2.5 hours
Studio Manager & Resident Artist, Clay Collective | Seattle, WA | September 2011 – July 2013
- Oversaw daily operations of a community ceramics studio serving 35+ members and drop-in students
- Maintained equipment, mixed glazes, loaded/unloaded kilns, and tracked inventory of supplies
- Assisted with the transition to a new 3,500 sq ft facility, designing efficient workspace layout
- Created and sold functional pottery through the collective’s gallery space and local craft fairs
EXHIBITIONS & RECOGNITION
- Solo Exhibition: “Fractured Landscapes,” Wildwood Gallery, Portland, OR (2023)
- Featured Artist, American Craft Council Show, Minneapolis, MN (2021)
- Juried Exhibition: “Clay on the Wall,” Barrett Art Center, Poughkeepsie, NY (2019)
- Award of Excellence, Oregon Potters Association Ceramic Showcase (2018)
- Residency, Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts, Helena, MT (Summer 2016)
EDUCATION
Master of Fine Arts, Ceramics | Oregon College of Art and Craft, Portland, OR | 2011
Thesis: “Functional Objects as Narrative Vessels: Exploring Personal History Through Pottery”
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Studio Art | Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA | 2009
Concentration in Ceramics, Minor in Art History
TECHNICAL SKILLS
- Throwing Techniques: Production throwing, altered forms, trimming, handles & attachments
- Hand-building: Coil, slab, pinch methods, mold-making, press molds
- Surface Treatment: Slip decoration, sgraffito, mishima, resist techniques, underglaze, majolica
- Firing: Electric, gas reduction, wood, salt, soda, raku, pit firing
- Glaze Chemistry: Formulation, testing, adaptation, flux calculation
- Studio Management: Equipment maintenance, clay recycling, health & safety protocols
- Digital: Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, basic 3D modeling, e-commerce platforms
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
- National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA), Member since 2009
- Oregon Potters Association, Board Member, 2017-2020
- Willamette Ceramics Guild, Member since 2013
How to Write a Ceramic Artist Resume
Introduction
Creating a resume for a ceramic artist position is different from crafting one for a corporate job. Your resume needs to showcase not just your technical skills with clay, glazes, and firing techniques, but also your artistic vision and professional accomplishments. Whether you're applying to a studio, gallery, teaching position, or residency program, your resume is often the first impression you'll make—and in the art world, first impressions matter a lot.
Resume Structure and Format
Keep your resume clean and well-organized, just like your studio space (well, on a good day at least!). While creative positions allow for some design flexibility, readability should always come first.
- Length: Stick to 1-2 pages maximum—gallery directors and hiring managers don't have time for your life story
- Font: Choose clean, professional fonts like Garamond, Helvetica, or Calibri in 10-12pt size
- Margins: Keep them at least 0.5" all around to avoid a cramped appearance
- Sections: Clearly label each section with bold headings
- File format: Save as a PDF to preserve formatting (unless specifically asked for a .doc)
Remember that your portfolio will showcase your artistic style—your resume should demonstrate your professionalism. Save the creative layouts for your artist statement or website.
Profile/Summary Section
Start with a concise summary (3-4 sentences) that captures your ceramic specialty, experience level, and unique approach. This is your elevator pitch that gives context to everything that follows.
Example: "Functional ceramicist with 6 years of experience specializing in wheel-thrown porcelain tableware. Developed signature crystalline glazing technique featured in 3 national exhibitions. Skilled in both electric and gas kiln firing methods with experience managing a community studio space."
Professional Experience
List your experience in reverse chronological order, focusing on roles directly related to ceramics. For each position, include:
- Studio or employer name and location
- Your role/title and dates (month/year)
- 3-5 bullet points highlighting specific accomplishments
- Quantifiable achievements when possible (e.g., "Increased studio production by 37% through improved workflow systems")
If you're an independent artist, list your studio practice as professional experience! Include exhibitions, sales milestones, and commissions under this section.
Education and Certifications
Include your formal education, workshops, and technical certifications. For ceramicists, specialized training is often as valuable as degrees:
- Degrees (BFA, MFA) with institution, location, and graduation year
- Workshops with notable ceramicists (include instructor names—the ceramics world is small!)
- Technical certifications (kiln safety, studio management)
- Residencies and fellowships (these can sometimes go in your experience section instead)
Keywords and ATS Tips
Many institutions and larger studios use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes. Include these key terms naturally throughout your resume:
- Specific techniques: wheel-throwing, hand-building, slip-casting, coiling
- Materials: porcelain, stoneware, earthenware, terra cotta
- Firing methods: reduction, oxidation, raku, wood-firing, salt/soda
- Equipment: electric kiln, gas kiln, slab roller, extruder, pugmill
- Software: CAD programs, glaze calculation software, digital inventory systems
Industry-Specific Elements
Unlike conventional resumes, ceramic artist resumes should include:
- Exhibition history (solo and group shows)
- Publications and features
- Collections (museums or notable private collections)
- Artist residencies and fellowships
- Teaching experience (workshops, classes, demonstrations)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing too much on non-ceramic jobs (brief mentions are fine, but emphasize relevant experience)
- Omitting technical skills (your aesthetic vision matters, but so does knowing how to fix a kiln!)
- Including prices of work (save this for your price list)
- Forgetting to mention your portfolio website or Instagram handle (crucial for ceramicists)
- Using too much artspeak that obscures rather than clarifies your work
Before/After Example
Before: "Responsible for making pottery and teaching students."
After: "Created production line of 200+ functional stoneware pieces monthly while developing signature carved surface technique. Taught 8-week wheel-throwing courses to beginners, with 92% of students continuing to intermediate classes."
Remember that your resume works alongside your portfolio, not in place of it. Together, they should tell a cohesive story about who you are as a ceramic artist and what unique value you bring to the position you're seeking.
Related Resume Examples
Soft skills for your Ceramic Artist resume
- Perceptive critique skills – giving and receiving feedback on work that balances technical assessment with personal artistic vision
- Client relationship management – translating abstract concepts into concrete outcomes while managing expectations throughout the creative process
- Resilience through material failures – maintaining composure when pieces crack, warp or break after 30+ hours of work
- Cross-disciplinary collaboration – working effectively with photographers, galleries, interior designers, and other stakeholders
- Mentorship capabilities – guiding apprentices and studio assistants while fostering their artistic development
- Spatial problem-solving – visualizing three-dimensional solutions for technical limitations in both form and function
Hard skills for your Ceramic Artist resume
- Kiln operation (electric, gas, wood-fired, raku, salt)
- Wheel throwing techniques (centering, compression, trimming)
- Clay formulation and body preparation (porcelain, stoneware, earthenware)
- Glaze chemistry and mixing (cone 6 reduction, majolica, celadon)
- Mold making and slip casting for production series
- Surface decoration (sgraffito, mishima, wax resist, underglazing)
- Digital design software (Rhino 3D, Blender, Adobe Creative Suite)
- Firing schedule development and temperature control
- Studio equipment maintenance and troubleshooting