Crafting Your Future

Crafts Council of Ireland

National Craft Gallery, Kilkenny

Crafting Your Future The Crafts Council of Ireland’s guide to Education and Career Opportunities in the Craft Industries In this information pack find out about a Future in Craft: • Discover the wide range of careers available • Get the inside story from Craft Professionals • Explore some of the educational paths to a creative career in the Craft Industry

About the Crafts Council of Ireland (CCoI)

The Crafts Council of Ireland (CCoI) is the national design and economic development organisation for the €122 million crafts industry in Ireland.

CCoI is responsible for fostering the growth and commercial strength of the crafts industry in Ireland, communicating its unique identity and stimulating quality, design, innovation and competitiveness. Based in Kilkenny, the Crafts Council of Ireland has 55 member organisations and over 1,800 registered craft enterprises (as at August 2009). Its activities are funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment via Enterprise Ireland.

Crafts Council of Ireland, Castle Yard, Kilkenny t: +353 (0)56 776 1804 f: +353 (0)56 776 3754 www.ccoi.ie e: education@ccoi.ie

Eily O’Connell, Jeweller

Crafts Council of Ireland

Crafting Your Future In Jeweller, Silversmith, Goldsmith, Blacksmith, Farrier Skills needed to become a craftsperson working with metal:

Good design and craft based making skills as well as commercial awareness and business skills.

What does a Jeweller do?

A jeweller designs and makes wearable and decorative or functional objects such as rings, earrings, necklaces and tablewear. They use metals both precious and non precious as well as a range of other materials including plastics, glass, paper, precious stones and fabrics. A goldsmith or silversmith is a jeweller who works primarily in gold or silver. They require specialist training and must be skilled in forming metal.

How long does it take to train?

What does a Blacksmith do?

A Blacksmith forges and repairs metal parts; makes striking and cutting tools; makes, sharpens or hardens drills; chisels; and performs custom work including ornamental railings, gates, grilles, and furniture.

What does a Farrier do?

A farrier is a skilled craftsperson who combines blacksmithing skills with equine studies to make shoes for all types of horses.

Most 3rd level courses or apprenticeships are three to four years. If you want to specialise as a gold or silversmith additional training and experience is required.

How long does it take to train?

What type of jobs are available?

What type of jobs are available?

Most jewellers are self-employed. They work to commission, exhibit in galleries and at retail trade fairs. They also design ranges of jewellery for production, work as curators, design consultants, lecturers, and educators.

Training for blacksmiths and farriers takes from two to four years and involves course based study and apprenticeship.

As with jewellers most blacksmiths are self-employed and work to commission. Farriers can be self employed or are employed by stud farms, riding schools or race courses.

Where to study?

The National College of Art & Design - www.ncad.ie | The University of Ulster, School of Art & Design - www.ulster.ac.uk | Limerick Institute of Technology, School of Art & Design - www.lit.ie | Crafts Council of Ireland - www.ccoi.ie | FAS - www.fas.ie | St. John’s Central College - www.stjohnscollege.ie | Grennan Mill Craft School - www.grennanmill.net Please consult the CCoI report ‘Creative Pathways’ (July 2009) which provides an extensive list of providers across all disciplines at www.ccoi.ie or visit www.qualifax.ie For further information contact Crafts Council of Ireland (CCoI) Education Training and Development e: education@ccoi.ie t: +353 (0) 56 7761804

Name: Sé O’Donoghue Business Name: Da Capo Goldsmiths Website: www.dacapo.ie

Goldsmith

Why did you choose craft as a career?

It wasn’t so much a conscious decision to enter a craft area as much as a natural progression of wanting to create objects to a high level of quality. I started with a strong interest in design and over time drifted constantly towards a hands-on tangible aspect of working from raw material.

Where did you study?

I did a four year degree in Visual Communications, DIT, followed by a 2 year course in Jewellery and Goldsmithing Design and Skills run by the Crafts Council of Ireland in Kilkenny.

What’s your market? What do you make, where do you sell?

Our market is predominantly people looking for unique commissioned work that they can’t find elsewhere. We mainly work directly for our customers and also supply work through a number of galleries.

What do you enjoy most about the work you do?

There is a great deal of satisfaction in seeing an object/design from initial conception through to a finished object and into the hands of the recipient.

What advice would you give someone starting off in the industry or considering studying craft?

Make sure that you get a good quality grounding in whatever material you want to work with. There is a subtle difference between the skillful use of material to create an object and the influence of a materials natural characteristics in shaping what a person can create. Without a good foundation you will probably find that the execution of your ideas is hindered by your limitations.

Name: Michael Budd Business Name: M.J. Budd Blacksmith Website: www.michaelbudd.ie Why did you choose craft as a career?

As a small child I was fascinated by blacksmiths. The fact that they made their own tools using the heat of the fire captured my imagination.

Where did you study?

I trained with Brian Halpin in Co. Sligo for just under two years.

What’s your market? What do you make, where do you sell?

Mostly my market is one-off commissions for private, corporate and public customers. I make everything, from bowls, candle sticks and fire grates to 10ft high gates and large scale sculpture. There is a saying in the forge “The only limitation is your imagination and the customers bank balance.”

What do you enjoy most about the work you do?

I enjoy everything from designing the piece to lighting the fire and physically forging the work out. I get great satisfaction from mastering a new technique. I enjoy working with customers and hearing the personal stories behind their commission.

What advice would you give someone starting off in the industry or considering studying craft?

Find a good college that offers a comprehensive two year course, then once you finish that, go off and work in at least two different forges before starting your own.

Blacksmith

Amanda Notarianni, Glass Artist

Crafts Council of Ireland

Crafting Your Future In Glassmaker, Glass Artist Skills needed to become a craftsperson working with glass:

Good design and craft based making skills as well as an ability to work well with your hands, an eye for detail and good business skills if self-employed.

Glassmaking is a very ancient craft, although modern methods are basically the same as those used in the early days.

Glassmakers heat the ingredients with scrap glass in a furnace. At a high temperature, the mixture becomes liquid and as it cools they form it into different shapes.

Glass artists and makers create decorative, functional and sculptural objects such as light fittings, vases, tableware, decorative panels and stained glass windows. Glass is an essential part of everyday life and is also manufactured to make windows for buildings and cars, light bulbs, laboratory apparatus and fibre optics.

How long does it take to train?

Courses can range from one year for introductory courses to four years for specialist degree programmes.

Amanda Notarianni, Glass Artist

What does a Glassmaker do?

What types of jobs are available?

A glassmaker can work with a glass manufacturing company or craft based glass studio. They also often work on commissions, exhibit in galleries and can be employed as educators and lecturers.

Where to study?

The National College of Art & Design - www.ncad.ie | St. John’s Central College - www.stjohnscollege.ie | Muine Bheag Vocational School - www.muinebheagvocationalschool.ie | University for Creative Arts (UCA) - www.ucreative.ac.uk | Royal College of Art - www.rca.ac.uk | Central St. Martins - www.csm.arts.ac.uk Please consult the CCoI report ‘Creative Pathways’ (July 2009) which provides an extensive list of providers across all disciplines at www.ccoi.ie or visit www.qualifax.ie For further information contact Crafts Council of Ireland (CCoI) Education Training and Development e: education@ccoi.ie t: +353 (0) 56 7761804

Name: Michael Ray Business Name: Michael Ray Glass Website: www.glitteringglass.com

Glass Artist

Why did you choose craft as a career?

I always made things as a child and it seemed natural for me to continue making things to earn a living.

Where did you study?

I did a 3 year BA Honours in three dimensional design in Cardiff, Wales and a 2 year MA in Glass at NCAD, Dublin.

What’s your market? What do you make, where do you sell?

My market extends from galleries to private, corporate and public commissions.

I make glass vessels as functional items and sculptural objects, glass tiles, panels, shelving and lights. I sell in Irish and UK galleries, in exhibitions, to private and corporate clients and national bodies.

What do you enjoy most about the work you do?

The freedom to express myself creatively, the problem-solving required to successfully design and make creative work and to run a business. There is a certain amount of freedom to choose when I work. On a sunny day I will head for the beach knowing that I can work late into the night if need be. I also enjoy not being answerable to an employer although I work very hard, I am fortunate that I love my work and it still excites me to open my kiln in the morning to see what new shapes and patterns have been created.

What advice would you give someone starting off in the industry or considering studying craft?

Choose to do this because you love being creative, if it comes naturally to you all the better. Be prepared to be patient when learning skills and when you come to try and sell your work, although you may think your work is fantastic, others may need to be persuaded! Although I did a degree in design, I am completely self taught in glass, there is so much you can learn from reading, watching and searching the internet and perhaps most importantly talking to people who are involved in a craft, we are generally happy to share our experiences and knowledge.

Name: Karen Donnellan Business Name: Karen Donnellan Website: www.karendonnellan.com Why did you choose craft as a career?

To begin with, I just knew that I wanted to do something creative. During my four years in college, my career path naturally developed that way.

Where did you study?

I studied at the National College of Art & Design, Dublin for four years. During this time I spent a semester studying in Illinois and took a summer course in Washington. I have also learned a great deal from working for various glassmakers in Ireland, Scotland, France and the US. I am always learning new skills and techniques from making and developing my own work and from watching other craftspeople.

What’s your market? What do you make, where do you sell?

My market predominantly consists of private collectors. I make sculptural blown glass vessels and forms. They are informed by theories related to colour therapy. My main objective is to create energetic work which is therapeutic for the viewer. I sell by exhibiting around Ireland, internationally and through my website. I am also considering selling from commercial galleries in Dublin who are interested in my work.

What do you enjoy most about the work you do?

I love the creative freedom, the challenges of glass blowing and learning through making.

What advice would you give someone starting off in the industry or considering studying craft?

Try not to compromise your work for the sake of your market.

Glass Artist

Crafts Council of Ireland

Crafting Your Future In Woodturner, Furniture Designer/Maker, Basketmaker Skills needed to become a craftsperson working with wood:

Good design and drawing skills, a high level of creativity, knowledge and an appreciation of wood, business awareness and marketing skills.

What does a Woodturner do?

Woodturning is a form of woodworking that is used to create a wide range of wooden objects. These objects can include everything from salad bowls, platters, candlesticks, chess pieces and one off exhibition pieces to large sculptural pieces for your garden.

How long does it take to train?

Most apprenticeships are three to four years.

What types of jobs are available?

How long does it take to train?

Furniture design courses range between two and four years.

An apprenticeship with a furniture design company is also encouraged.

What types of jobs are available?

Jobs include designer, maker, restorer, production manager, buyer, sales person.

What does a Basketmaker do?

Many woodturners are self-employed. They sell their products to retail shops, export to international markets and receive private commissions for sculptural pieces. Woodturners also work as teachers and educators.

In recent years there has been a tremendous revival in basketmaking. As well as producing a wide range of beautiful and functional baskets and household items there are a growing number of makers creating sculptural and artistic pieces using locally grown willow and hazel.

What does a Furniture Designer/Maker do?

How long does it take to train?

Furniture designers produce concepts and designs for furniture and related products. Designs may be one off commissions or for mass production. Furniture designer/makers are involved in the design, manufacturing and production of their work.

Two to three years as an apprentice with an established maker.

What types of jobs are available?

Self employed basket maker, willow sculptor, teacher.

Where to study?

The National College of Art & Design - www.ncad.ie | Galway, Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) - www.gmit.ie | Limerick Institute of Technology - School of Art & Design - www.lit.ie | St. John’s Central College - www.stjohnscollege.ie | Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa CFE - www.csn.ie Please consult the CCoI report ‘Creative Pathways’ (July 2009) which provides an extensive list of providers across all disciplines at www.ccoi.ie or visit www.qualifax.ie For further information contact Crafts Council of Ireland (CCoI) Education Training and Development e: education@ccoi.ie t: +353 (0) 56 7761804

Woodturner

Name: Glenn Lucas Business Name: Glenn Lucas Woodturning Website: www.glennlucas.com Why did you choose craft as a career?

Woodturning started as a hobby when I was at school age 16. I did a cabinet making apprenticeship with FĂ S and worked with a furniture manufacturer in Co. Carlow. All the time I kept developing my woodturning skills and showed in various exhibitions and at the Kilkenny Arts Festival. I wanted to do woodturning full-time and set up my own business. I applied and got a place on the Crafts Council of Ireland business programme. This two year course gave me the business and marketing skills that I needed to start a company.

Where did you study?

I learnt the basic skills from Willie Stedmond, Gorey, Co. Wexford.

What’s your market? What do you make, where do you sell?

My markets are wholesale, retail and art markets. I make giftware for high-end retail outlets: salad bowls and platters. I make specialist pieces for awards and gifts and I make one-off pieces for galleries and exhibitions.

What do you enjoy most about the work you do?

I have always been interested in people who make work. As a child I was fascinated with my grandfather who made objects and my father who could repair machines. I like to create something new from raw materials. I have always enjoyed working with my hands.

What advice would you give someone starting off in the industry or considering studying craft?

You need to have a desire to excel in your area of craft. Ask yourself if there is a market for what you want to make, you have to be able to make a living out of it.

Name: Stevan Hartung Business Name: Stevan Hartung Furniture Website: www.stevanhartung.com

Furniture Designer and Maker

Why did you choose craft as a career?

I began my career in Industrial Design, but I prefer the immediacy of working as a furniture maker, where my ideas can become reality in a comparatively short time, which can be exciting. A craft and design based career is a creative and challenging vocation. In terms of furniture making, the results of my work need to be functional as well as beautiful, and this need for discipline within the applied arts always appealed to me. The work is always interesting, as no two jobs are ever the same.

Where did you study?

I spent four years in the National College of Art and Design, where I studied Industrial Design. The design training and workshop experience were invaluable in later years, as I learnt the skills of a cabinet maker by working with other cabinet makers and in my own workshop.

What’s your market? What do you make, where do you sell?

I primarily make one off pieces of furniture by commission or for sale through gallery outlets. I also do a certain amount of work through architects. Most work comes through my internet presence, media coverage, through previous clients and word of mouth.

What do you enjoy most about the work you do?

I love to work with beautiful materials, I find it inspiring that there is never an end to learning new skills.

With furniture making you soon realise that there is always more to learn and explore.

What advice would you give someone starting off in the industry or considering studying craft?

In general, I think if someone enjoys being creative and the challenge of making things by hand, bringing things into existence that were not there before, then they will never grow tired of their work.

Furniture design and making as a craft based discipline is an extremely rewarding career. It is certainly more than just a job, it is a way of life. However, it takes a lot of hard work and commitment to develop the skills necessary, the learning hopefully never does come to an end. Try to be dedicated and sincere in what you do and maintain an attitude of curiosity.

Crafts Council of Ireland

Crafting Your Future In Ceramicist - Potter, Ceramic Designer, Ceramic Artist Skills needed to become a craftsperson working with clay:

A desire to work with your hands, good design and craft based making skills. Self-employed potters or ceramic artists need an understanding of financial planning, market research, promotion and sales alongside the creative process.

What does a Ceramicist do?

Someone who works with clay is known as a ceramicist. They use clay to form different kinds of functional, decorative and sculptural products. These include a wide range of everyday items such as tableware, tiles, light fittings, vases and architectural or sculptural commissions.

How long does it take to train as a Ceramicist?

Most 3rd level courses are three to four years. To specialise as a potter you must also complete an apprenticeship with a pottery studio.

What type of jobs are available?

A ceramicist can be employed by a major ceramics company as a ceramic designer or may set up their own studio and work as a potter or ceramic artist. They often work on commissions, exhibit in galleries, and are employed as educators and lecturers.

Where to study?

The National College of Art & Design - www.ncad.ie | The University of Ulster - www.ulster.ac.uk | Galway, Mayo Institute of Technology - www.gmit.ie | Limerick Institute of Technology - School of Art & Design - www.lit.ie | Cork Institute of Technology - Crawford College of Art & Design - www.cit.ie | Crafts Council of Ireland - www.ccoi.ie | Grennan Mill Craft School - www.grennanmill.net | Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa - www.csn.ie | Bray Institute of Further Education - www.bife.ie Please consult the CCoI report ‘Creative Pathways’ (July 2009) which provides an extensive list of providers across all disciplines at www.ccoi.ie or visit www.qualifax.ie For further information contact Crafts Council of Ireland (CCoI) Education Training and Development e: education@ccoi.ie t: +353 (0) 56 7761804

Name: Karen Morgan Business Name: Earthworks Studio Website: www.karenmorganceramics.com

Potter

Why did you choose craft as a career?

I always had an interest in art at school and liked working with my hands. Going to art college was a natural choice and I discovered I had an aptitude and love of working with clay while studying there.

Where did you study?

I went to Limerick School of Art & Design, (LIT), for three years and got my Diploma in Ceramic Product Design and then went on to train in the Crafts Council of Ireland’s Ceramics Skills and Design Course for two years.

What’s your market? What do you make, where do you sell?

My market is middle to high-end. I make a range of functional and sculptural ceramics in porcelain. I have my own gallery outlet but also wholesale to a number of galleries and craft shops in Ireland and UK. I also take part in selling fairs such as Ceramic Art London and Bloom in the Phoenix Park, Dublin.

What do you enjoy most about the work you do?

Being creative and free to produce my own ideas, having the freedom to run all aspects of my business and working to my own timetable.

What advice would you give someone starting off in the industry or considering studying craft?

Learn your technical and practical making skills whatever your discipline, good ideas can only be brought to the fore when you have the hands-on ability to make them well. Be prepared to work very hard, think outside the box and adapt to changes in the market whilst still being true to your own sense of self-expression.

Name: Derek Wilson Business Name: Derek Wilson Ceramics Website: www.derekwilsonceramics.com Why did you choose craft as a career?

I always knew I would work somewhere within the creative industries. My involvement with the craft sector has evolved because of the way I have chosen to articulate my ideas. I have found the traditional methods of production in ceramics to be the most suitable for the work I wanted to make.

Where did you study?

I graduated in 1999 from the University of Ulster, and then from 2002 to 2003 trained at the Crafts Council of Ireland’s Ceramic Design Skills Course, Kilkenny. I then worked as an apprentice for various potteries throughout Ireland. This was an invaluable experience and was important in the development of my skills. I recently returned to the University of Ulster to do my Masters in Ceramics.

This gave me the opportunity to concentrate solely on my own work. The M.A. provided a platform in which to make contacts with galleries, opening up exhibition opportunities. By exhibiting my work I have learned how to set up shows, work to deadlines and develop promotional material.

What’s your market? What do you make, where do you sell?

My work has evolved into two markets, the first being sculptural and conceptual objects, these tend to be used for exhibitions and galleries. The second is a range of functional hand thrown porcelain.

These sell from a number of small galleries and craft outlets in Ireland and throughout the UK.

What do you enjoy most about the work you do?

I enjoy the freedom of being my own boss, developing new ideas, the involvement with the processes and the constant challenges of working with clay.

What advice would you give someone starting off in the industry or considering studying craft?

I would advise them to be dedicated and patient as well as being able to multi-task.

Ceramic Artist

Crafts Council of Ireland

Crafting Your Future In Textile Artist/Designer, Fashion Designer Skills needed to become a craftsperson working with textiles:

Good design and craft based making skills as well as commercial awareness and business skills.

What does a Textile Designer do?

Textile artist/designers design fabric or textile based products either by hand or digitally for commercial use or for smaller markets. A textile designer or artist can work with a wide range of processes and products including: weave, knit, embroidery, stitch, lace, leatherwork and print. Technological advances in recent years have revolutionised the textile industry, allowing textile designers to experiment with new types of synthetic and hybrid fabrics and use programmes such as CAD in the design of surface pattern for fashion and furnishing fabrics.

How long does it take to train?

Most 3rd level courses or apprenticeships are three to four years.

What type of jobs are available?

Textile designers can work as in a range of manufacturing industries designing: clothing, interior fabrics, bags, umbrellas, backpacks, tents, boats and awnings. Textile artist and designers can be self-employed or work as design consultants, lecturers and educators.

What does a Fashion Designer do?

Fashion designers work on the design of clothing and lifestyle accessories. They design and develop product lines for clothes, swimwear, lingerie, handbags, belts, shoes and other accessories.

The main markets they design for are haute couture, designer ready-to-wear and high street fashion.

How long does it take to train?

Most 3rd level courses or apprenticeships are three to four years.

What type of jobs are available?

There are numerous types of jobs in the Fashion industry including: design, trend forecasting, pattern making and garment assembly, colour forecasting and costume design. Many fashion designers are self-employed developing unique ranges of fashion items for niche markets.

Where to study?

The National College of Art & Design - www.ncad.ie | University of Ulster - School of Art & Design - www.ulster.ac.uk/campus/ belfast | Galway, Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) - www.gmit.ie | Limerick Institute of Technology - www.lit.ie | Colaiste Stiofain Naofa CFE - www.csn.ie | Bray Institute of Further Education - www.bife.ie | Colaiste Ide College of Further Education www.colaisteide.ie | Sallynoggin College of Further Education - www.scfe.ie | Limerick College of Further Education - www.lcfe.ie | Ballyfermot College of Further Education - www.bcfe.ie | Grafton Academy of Dress Design - www.graftonacademy.com | North West Regional College - Derry - www.nwrc.ac.uk | Cork College of Commerce - www.corkcollegeofcommerce.ie Please consult the CCoI report ‘Creative Pathways’ (July 2009) which provides an extensive list of providers across all disciplines at www.ccoi.ie or visit www.qualifax.ie For further information contact Crafts Council of Ireland (CCoI) Education Training and Development e: education@ccoi.ie t: +353 (0) 56 7761804

Name: Logan McLain Business Name: SLOGAN Website: www.loganmclain.com

Textile Artist

Why did you choose craft as a career?

I returned to college to do an MA and up-skill in my chosen discipline. I want to make sure that I constantly develop new skills and combine them with my art practice and my teaching career. Craft offers a creative outlet that also challenges you to develop key knowledge in other areas such as business, enterprise and entrepreneurship.

Where did you study?

I spent four years studying for a BA in Art and Design Education at NCAD and two more years studying for an MA in Textile Design.

What’s your market? What do you make, where do you sell?

I make textile-based art pieces and embroidered t-shirts & hoodies. I sell to the art collector, the t-shirt appreciator and those with a wicked sense of humour who look for something different. I also teach people seeking to learn new skills and techniques in traditional and contemporary embroidery. I sell work in galleries, from my website and even in the pub!

What do you enjoy most about the work you do?

The most rewarding aspect of the work is it’s variety. On any day of the week I could be a designer, a maker, an artist or a teacher. The constant change is both challenging and rewarding.

What advice would you give someone starting off in the industry or considering studying craft?

See the scope of where your craft can take you!

You could make pots and be Ireland’s finest and most sought after potter. You could design some of the most beautiful plates for some of the world’s biggest kitchenware companies. You could work with clay to create stunning ceramic installations for high profile art galleries. You could do any or even all of these three things. Either way, you’ll need a good head for business!

Name: Anna Vahey Business Name: Ana Faye Website: www.anafaye.com

Leatherwork

Why did you choose craft as a career?

Craft is such an important art form to me. It embodies design, creation and experimentation. Having worked as a fashion designer for several years in Europe and Asia, I found that designing alone in large companies was somewhat boring, generic and very much commercialised. This is why I set up my own business. I really believe that craft will never cease to provide learning opportunities that develop into entirely new methods of design and making.

Where did you study?

I obtained my degree in fashion design from Limerick School of Art and Design, in my last year I won Persil Designer of the Year receiving €10,000 which enabled me to further my studies at Central Saint Martins, London, specialising in innovative pattern cutting.

How long have you been practicing?

I have been practicing fashion design and making since I was about 12 years old. The sewing machine was one of my favoured past times and toys. I have been working professionally as a designer for the past 6 years and practicing as a craftsperson for the past year and a half.

What’s your market? What do you make, where do you sell?

My customers are women aged between 25 and 65 who appreciate design, craftsmanship, functionality, and rarity.

I make innovative limited edition leather handbags using pure clean geometric lines juxtaposed with elegant curves. Materials used are always of the highest quality Italian leather, lining and hardware. I sell my collection in selected stores throughout the country, through my website at trade shows and hope to export my collection in the next year.

What do you enjoy most about the work you do?

I most enjoy developing new ideas, designs and making methods. To me all areas in craft are as important as each other.

What advice would you give someone starting off in the industry or considering studying craft?

My advice would be to learn as much as you can from others. Be like a sponge for as long as you can, soak in all you can learn from college, life and work experience. It may sound clichéd but follow what you are passionate about and you will know nothing else, this will be your life. Choosing craft is not a job or a career path, it is a life choice.

Crafts Council of Ireland

National Craft Gallery, Kilkenny

Crafting Your Future The Crafts Council of Ireland’s guide to Education and Career Opportunities in the Craft Industries In this information pack find out about a Future in Craft: • Discover the wide range of careers available • Get the inside story from Craft Professionals • Explore some of the educational paths to a creative career in the Craft Industry

About the Crafts Council of Ireland (CCoI)

The Crafts Council of Ireland (CCoI) is the national design and economic development organisation for the €122 million crafts industry in Ireland.

CCoI is responsible for fostering the growth and commercial strength of the crafts industry in Ireland, communicating its unique identity and stimulating quality, design, innovation and competitiveness. Based in Kilkenny, the Crafts Council of Ireland has 55 member organisations and over 1,800 registered craft enterprises (as at August 2009). Its activities are funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment via Enterprise Ireland.

Crafts Council of Ireland, Castle Yard, Kilkenny t: +353 (0)56 776 1804 f: +353 (0)56 776 3754 www.ccoi.ie e: education@ccoi.ie

Nuala O’Donovan, Ceramicist Debbie Paul, Jeweller

Sonja Landweer, Jeweller

Joe Hogan, Basketmaker

Why a Career in Craft?

Where do I train to be a Craftsperson?

Choosing a 3rd level course in craft or design will provide you with the skills to make, carve, sculpt, shape, weave, fabricate and manufacture your own vision of the world we live in.

What’s it like to work as a Craftsperson?

A career in craft is diverse, challenging, innovative, creative and fulfilling. Every object in our world is designed or crafted: tables, watches, glasses, cups, clothes, shoes and a hundred million other objects. Using imagination, skill, design-technology and craft traditions, craftspeople and designers shape the visual world around us.

Craft and Design Careers

Training as a craftsperson or designer opens up a variety of career opportunities. You could be a self employed designer in fashion, textiles, ceramics, jewellery or furniture design – or how about working as a design consultant, a museum/ gallery curator, a retail buyer, college lecturer, multimedia CAD designer or even a trend forecaster. This shows the wide range of options open to you by simply following your desire to express yourself through your skills and creativity.

Adele Stanley, Ceramicist

There are a number of routes to becoming a highly skilled craftsperson. Many people choose to study in a college of further education or undertake a third level degree. Others take up an apprenticeship with a craftsperson or design studio. And some continue their studies specialising in a very specific area of craft and refining their skills.

Craftspeople work with their hands, they have the ability to design and create incredible, functional and decorative objects from natural and synthetic materials. The ability to bring things into existence that did not exist before is extremely rewarding.

Craft enterprises can be small and many craftspeople enjoy this form of independent working as they can decide their own hours to fit around deadlines. The self-employed craftsperson can choose to work from home, in a workshop, in a group studio or as part of an enterprise cluster. Craftspeople can also choose to work in a number of creative industries from textiles to glass and furniture manufacturing.

Creativity and being good with one’s hands are a good basis for choosing a career in crafts as well as an interest in business and new technologies.

The Crafts Council of Ireland (CCoI) recognise the critical role that education plays in the future growth of craft and in the preservation of our cultural heritage.

This commitment is central to the Crafts Council of Ireland’s Strategic Plan (2007-2009) and is outlined in ‘Creative Pathways - A Review of Craft Education and Training in Ireland’ (CCoI, July 2009). Visit www.ccoi.ie