Ceramic Design Course: Principles, Practice, and Techniques: A Complete Course for Ceramicists [Paperback]

Anthony Quinn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2007

Ceramic craftsmen intent on making pottery for everyday use, as well as dedicated artisans concentrating on fine-art objects will find inspiration and practical instruction in this handsome volume. Step-by-step tutorials take readers through each stage of the ceramic-making process with--

A clearly illustrated summary of essential potter's tools

Instruction on developing design concepts and making prototypes and technical drawings

Making models from drawings

Making sample pieces to test glazes, colors, and surfaces

Final design, creation of finished pieces, and development of a portfolio for presentation to buyers

Featuring practical exercises for each stage in pottery design and construction, this beautifully illustrated book is mainly intended for students planning to develop a career as professional ceramic designers--but ambitious amateur do-it-yourselfers will also find plenty of inspiration and solid instruction. The author, a noted ceramicist, covers all forms of ceramic design, both practical and sculptural. The text is complemented with more than 400 instructive and inspiring color photos.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book really is a college course in ceramic design boiled down to its essentials. Studio potters and clay artists who have experienced the process of designing through trial and error, and are looking for alternatives will find helpful tips in this guide book."







"After developing a design and making a maquette, you'll firm up the details with a technical drawing, using rulers, protractors, compasses and French curves. Here the book is quite helpful, explaining how to use all of these things, and what a conventional technical drawing calls for."







"If you'd like to come up with something new and different for your work, or just change your process a little, this book can help you. And if you think you might actually want to try designing for industry, this is definitely the place to start."


— Sumi von Dassow Pottery Making Illustrated, November/December 2008

From the Inside Flap

(back cover)
This is a complete course in designing ceramics with confidence. Focusing on the design process and principles of shape, form, surface, and function, it also includes practical instruction in studio techniques for rendering your ideas into reality.

A complete range of practical advice is offered, organized into units covering each stage of the design process, from working out a brief and seeking inspiration to drawing up technical plans and developing the design.

Design concepts with both practical and esthetic considerations are explored in detail, and real-life case studies give valuable insights into the world of practicing ceramic designers.

Whether you want to create functional, hard-wearing pots or decorative fine art pieces, this book will demystify the design process and provide the inspiration and skills you need to design with flair.

Anthony Quinn is a freelance designer for the tableware industry. Among his clients are Wedgewood, Royal Worcester, and Denby Pottery. He is a senior lecturer in ceramic design at the renowned Central Saint Martin's College in London and is a visiting tutor at the Royal College of Art. Anthony has recently launched a range of pierced oven and tableware with Hartley Greens pottery, designed in conjunction with the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. He has also recently designed the in-flight dining experience for British Airways First Class and Club World. He lives and works in London.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Barron's Educational Series (October 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764137336
• ISBN-13: 978-0764137334
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 8.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #64,074 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

57 of 58 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great book for those interested in ceramic design, March 9, 2008

By 

D. A. Schuman "book fiend" (Coventry, RI United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Ceramic Design Course: Principles, Practice, and Techniques: A Complete Course for Ceramicists (Paperback)

This book is a great resource for ceramic artists who are interested in improving their design process. It would also be helpful for beginning industrial design students.

I would caution potential purchasers that this is not a 'how to make pottery book'. If you are looking for a book on how to make your own pottery this is not what you are looking for. If you are looking to better understand and design your work including integrating form, shape and color. Than I am sure you will get a lot out of this book.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars finally!! exactly what I have been looking for!!!!, April 1, 2010

By 

Book Lover in NoCo (Northern New York, United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Ceramic Design Course: Principles, Practice, and Techniques: A Complete Course for Ceramicists (Paperback)

I actually was not looking for this book, but instead stumbled upon it, because I had given up on thinking that such a book existed: a book that combined both contemporary design principles and technical skills for contemporary ceramics.

As a university teacher I have been surprised at the number of technical books available for ceramics (that remain mainly unchanged over the years) and yet literally no books that address design, while the contemporary world of ceramic design is exploding right now. I love this book and am now going to require it now for beginning ceramics students. Excellent material on brainstorming and sketching too. Oh, and really gorgeous photos and illustrations.

Thank you!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Design for Potters, August 14, 2009

By 

Robert William Wolff (Milton MA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Ceramic Design Course: Principles, Practice, and Techniques: A Complete Course for Ceramicists (Paperback)

This book is a real eye opener for those working in clay. It provides information about design that any potter should know as they learn to throw or do handbuilding. Many aspects about useful objects are outlined with methods of doing thoughtful designs. It is unlike any books providing instructions in the techniques of assembling objects of clay. And, for that reason belongs on a lot of potter's book shelves.