Visual Arts, Fashion & Craft

Fine artists, fashion and textile designers, jewellers, ceramicists, and the specialists who look after and handle artwork behind the scenes all work in this sector. It’s all about making things, and is one of the most hands-on sectors on this site, from serious craft traditions to fashion and textile designers, from the local to the global.

Examples of jobs in this sector

Picture Framer

Designs and makes custom frames to protect and display artwork, working with galleries, artists, and private clients. Example: Some companies work with some of the country’s largest art institutions, while others cater to local artists and customers.
Possible Pathway Work Experience or a short hands-on course, then building skills and equipment over time — many framers are self-employed.

Art Conservator/Restorer

Preserves, repairs, and restores artworks and museum objects. For example, the Crawford Art Gallery (Cork) and the National Museums of Ireland all have conservators working on their collections.
Possible Pathway A specialist postgraduate qualification in conservation, usually after an art or science degree.

Fashion Buyer / Merchandiser

Selects and manages product ranges for a fashion retailer, involving data analysis, supplier negotiation, and administrative planning.
Possible Pathway Higher/Further Education in business, retail, or fashion merchandising, often starting as a Buying or Merchandising Assistant.

Pattern Cutter

Turns a fashion design into a working pattern used to cut and construct garments.
Possible Pathway Further Education in garment construction, or hands-on experience through sewing and making your own clothes.

Ceramicist / Jeweller / Craft Maker

Designs and makes ceramics, jewellery, or other craft objects, often selling directly to the public.
Possible Pathway Further Education in craft skills (e.g. jewellery, glass, and ceramics), or Transferable Skills — learning a craft and selling work at local markets.

Gallery/Studio Assistant

Supports the day-to-day running of a gallery or artist’s studio, from installing exhibitions to talking to visitors.
Possible Pathway Third-level education followed by Work Experience — many galleries take on work experience students directly.

Art Handler / Registrar

Packs, transports, installs, and keeps records of artworks for galleries, museums, and auction houses.
Possible Pathway Work Experience or Higher Education, often building experience through gallery installation and technical support work.

Possible Pathways into this sector

Look at Higher Education options
Think about a course related to one of these areas. Many universities offer these, for eg: NCAD offers degrees across Fine Art, Design and Visual Culture. You can also study Fashion Design at colleges like TUS.
Look at Further Education options
Many FE colleges offer courses in subjects related to the visual arts, or portfolio preparation, or art and design with portfolio preparation. For eg., WWETB offers a course in Art, Craft and Design with Jewellery, Glass and Ceramics. The Design and Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCI) Academy runs many different courses, including apprenticeships, across all areas of craft and design.
Think about work experience
Many galleries and craft studios take on work experience— worth approaching a local one. The DCCI Academy runs practical, industry-focused training in areas like ceramics.
Transferable Skills / Local Experience
Making and selling craft items at a local market or online, entering a school art or design competition, or helping design posters or merchandise for a school event.