Glassmaker jobs

Glass blowers and designers need not just the aesthetic designs of a craftsperson but also the physical abilities, a solid professional reputation, and a portfolio of accomplished creations in order to be successful in their fields.

Pieces of glass are designed, manufactured, decorated, and finished by glass blowers and designers for a variety of applications, including the following:

glass used in architecture

exhibition pieces

giftware

mirrors

windows made with stained glass

tableware.

You may consider becoming a scientific glass blower, in which case you would be responsible for developing and maintaining laboratory glass. There is also the possibility that you may be responsible for restoring, remodeling, and repairing the original components.

Although there are several major glass manufacturers headquartered in the UK, you will most likely work in a smaller, independent studio. However, there are also some larger glass producers in the UK.

Anyone from a person to a large corporation or even the government may put in a request for work to be done. The vast majority of blowers or designers will be engaged in some capacity throughout the whole of the commissioning process, from idea to finish.

Responsibilities

To be successful as a glass blower or designer, you will need to be able to:

Crafting ornamental items such as windows, mirrors, lamp bases, decorations, dinnerware, and sculptures, as well as designing, producing, and finishing them

Using a blowing iron and molten glass that has been obtained from a furnace, work to shape the glass into a rough form.

Produce kiln-formed glass by pouring molten glass into a mold and heating it.

recycle leftovers (cullet) from bigger manufacturers

pieces of colored, painted, or enameled glass should be soldered together.

Make advantage of ornamental processes such as engraving, acid etching, stenciling, sand or grit blasting, etc.

Restore, remodel, and make necessary repairs to the original parts

From a workshop, storefront, or gallery, you may sell your items directly to end users or stockists.

network in order to build fruitful connections inside your specialized market.

Attend training classes to remain abreast of the most recent technical, scientific, and inventive breakthroughs in the business, as well as to acquire new methods.

Conduct research on and keep an eye on the global glass industry to ensure that your goods are up to date, in demand, and priced competitively.

Participate in the many exhibits and craft fairs.

Before making a sale, provide live demos of the work being produced.

create a catalogue or portfolio of designs for the goal of publicizing your business.

Additional responsibilities may include the following if you manage your own company:

submitting applications for financial aid and prizes

collaboration with several local and national artist membership organizations as well as professional groups

putting one's talents in photography and web design to use in product marketing

Participating in design contests on a national and international level

gaining experience in a variety of aspects of computers, such as the creation of websites and graphics programs, as well as desktop publishing, in order to be able to produce promotional materials.

Salary

The annual salary range for glass blowers may range anywhere from £16,000 to as high as £25,000, with an average salary of £18,000.

Designers with years of experience or those that work for bigger organizations might bring in salaries of more than £35,000.

Because revenues are different for each commission, there is no such thing as an average wage for self-employed designers. Many people supplement their income with other employment, such as teaching or training, freelancing for industry magazines, or working in other design-related fields.

The monetary amounts listed are just meant to serve as a reference point.

Time spent working

Designers who work for themselves do not have to adhere to a certain schedule. Work throughout the evenings and on the weekends could be required in order to complete a commission on time. It is possible that you may be expected to work shifts if you are employed by a major manufacturer. It is possible that trainees, also known as "gatherers," may be asked to begin their work early in the morning and continue until early afternoon.

What may be anticipated

Studio designers often work alone; however, some designers choose to join cooperatives with other designers in order to share the overhead expenses and equipment associated with maintaining a studio. Most of the time, designers who work for bigger firms collaborate in smaller groups.

The majority of the work is completed in a studio by operating various pieces of equipment and making use of various tools. In the majority of studios, visitors are required to wear protective clothes and eyewear.

Owning and operating a company may be a demanding endeavor that offers very little job security. You have complete control over your time and are unrestricted in the ways in which you may express your creative side. Glass blowers and designers who work for bigger organizations may have more job stability and more prospects for advancement, but they also have less creative flexibility in their work.

It is possible that you may be required to drive a considerable distance to work because to the low number of glass studios located around the UK. Some designers work from home, while others go to many offices throughout the day. In the long run, some fashion designers may decide to open their own own hot store.

Qualifications

Even though this field of employment is available to all graduates, having a degree, HND, or foundation degree in a topic that covers one of the following might improve your chances:

glass for buildings, stained glass, architectural glass, and repair and conservation

art, whether it be ornamental arts or great arts

ceramics and other forms of applied art

crafts made in the present day

glasswork for the decorative and functional arts

ceramics, glass, or both may be used.

3D design.

You'll need to provide a portfolio of your previous work in order to enroll in degree or postgraduate programs that are related to your field of study, and you'll also need to exhibit it to prospective employers.

It is feasible to enter the field without having earned a degree, and you may get on-the-job training by working in a glass plant. If you are interested in a career in glassblowing, scientific glassblowing, or glass decorating, it is recommended that you earn the IQ Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Glass Processing (QCF) as well as the Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Glass Processing (QCF). Both of these qualifications are recognized by the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).

Apprenticeships are also available within the glass business for anyone interested. Apprenticeships come in a variety of forms, but some common occupations include those in the glassmaking, craft-class, and stained-glassmaking industries.

All throughout the UK, you may take introductory classes and get a taste of what it's like to make glass or design glassware. Visit the adult education center in your area to get information about the classes that are offered in your vicinity.

There are also several independent studios that provide classes for novices during the evenings, as well as short courses during the weekends and vacations.

There are certain colleges that provide introductory and introductory-level glassblowing courses. The National Glass Centre, which is a part of The University of Sunderland, provides adults with opportunities to participate in glass-related taster sessions, classes, and courses, as well as a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) degree in Glass and Ceramics, as well as opportunities for postgraduate study and research.

The completion of postgraduate education is not required; nevertheless, a number of institutions do offer master's degree programs in glass, which provide the possibility to enhance one's abilities further. Look into postgraduate programs that deal with glass.

Skills

You will need to demonstrate that:

an eye for color and a keen awareness of detail

consciousness of architecture

patience, attention to detail, and correctness are all essential.

abilities in both communication and presentation

craftsmanship

creative design

a deft combination of the hands and eyes

conditioning and perseverance

planning and problem-solving skills

a capacity for functioning as a team

aptitude in technical matters

time management abilities.

In order to be successful as a self-employed person, you will need to be self-motivated, have strong general business abilities, and be able to successfully promote both yourself and your goods.

Your ability to communicate in foreign tongues will likely increase your prospects of breaking into the international market.

Practice in the workplace

During the time that you are earning your degree, you should make the most of the opportunities to enter contests, degree shows, and public displays of your work. Make the most of opportunities to travel, share information, and get job experience both in the United Kingdom and elsewhere in order to grow your network of connections. If it's within your means, taking on commissions will help your resume in the long run.

Even if the job you want does not need formal school degrees, you will still need to compile a portfolio of your previous work to show to prospective employers and customers. A enthusiasm for the glass industry, in addition to coursework or experience in fields like as art and design, technology, and the sciences, can put you at an advantage in the job market.

Attending craft fairs, following arts trails, and networking with other designers are all great ways to improve your profile, get the word out about your work, and develop a professional reputation for yourself.

Find out more information on the many types of work experience and internships that are currently offered.

Employers

There are a lot of self-employed artists, designers, and manufacturers among glass blowers and designers. Many of them work for themselves. You may sell your items at craft fairs, exhibits, galleries, or gift shops located inside arts centers if you specialize in giftware, jewelry, or one-of-a-kind pieces of artwork. Look here for for details on working for yourself.

Even while most department stores collaborate with bigger manufacturers, some of them may offer special collections created by smaller, more localized designers. Additionally, the rise of internet purchasing has broadened the scope of possible customers for glass designers. These days, most glass designers maintain their own websites, complete with an online gallery and often an online store as well.

Some glass blowers and designers work for studios, where they may specialize in areas such as stained glass, glass painting, or ornamental surface treatments such as kiln forming or engraving. Other glass blowers and designers may operate independently.

There are just a few makers of crystal in the UK, but among them are talented glass blowers, designers, and decorators. These are the following:

Dartington Crystal's Caithness Glass is a subsidiary of the company.

Dartington Crystal is the only large crystal manufacturer in the UK that has survived to this day.

The House of Waterford Crystal is an establishment that may be found in Ireland.

Department shops and interior design firms each have their own in-house design teams, making them two examples of other types of businesses that are significant employment.

Commissions for stained glass designers may be received from:

banks

churches

hotels

mosques

initiatives pertaining to national heritage

private clients

pubs

buildings used by the public

malls and shopping centers

Glassblowers that specialize in scientific work often find employment in institutions or businesses that develop, produce, and repair scientific and laboratory glassware.

Try looking for employment opportunities at:

a-n: The Artists Information Company makes information about open positions in the company accessible to its members.

ArtsJobs

The Modern Society of Glass Artists (CGS)

The Crafts Council provides information on available chances to exhibit.

Glass Global offers possibilities focused mostly on "flat glass."

Opportunities to work primarily with "flat glass" may be found on this website.

There is a possibility that vacant positions may be posted in academic departments that provide degrees in ceramics, glass, or applied arts.

There is a possibility that some possibilities may be publicized in the specialized press, such as the Crafts Magazine published by the Crafts Council.

Improvement of one's profession

Continuing professional development (CPD) is something that should be prioritized by everybody, regardless of whether they are self-employed as a designer or glass blower or work for a bigger firm.

In-house training is often only available to those who are already employed by the organization. This often entails learning under and working under the direction of a craftsperson with greater expertise.

Attending trade fairs and exhibits is an excellent way to create a network of connections as well as learn about new approaches and ideas.

Read the trade press, such as Crafts Magazine, to stay up to speed on the latest happenings in the industry, as well as to get information on upcoming conventions, shows, and other events.

Continued education provides the chance to explore, broaden one's horizons, or improve one's job within a specialized field. Postgraduate study may be pursued in a variety of fields, including the following:

glass used in architecture

Glass and pottery are included.

molten glass

kiln glass

The preservation of stained glass.

The National Glass Centre, which is connected to The University of Sunderland, is responsible for fostering and promoting research in the field of glass.

If you are a designer or glass blower who works for yourself, you may attend classes to improve your business-related abilities in areas such as the following:

business concerns pertaining to financial management, marketing, accounting, and legal issues

safety and health concerns

technologies of the information and online, as well as several software packages

picture taking (to assist with production of catalogues and publicity)

promotion as well as networking.