How to become A Glassblower

Glassblowers create glass so fine one could slip their fingers through it, so perfect and dazzling that it could put a diamond to shame.

• Gaffer
• Glassmith
• Glass Bender
• Glass Lathe Operator
• Glass Tube Bender
• Neon Glass Bender
• Neon Tube Bender

What do Glassblowers do?

A Glassblower would typically need to:

• Design and shape handcrafted giftware, stemware, and glassware using molten glass, blowpipes/iron, artisan hand tools, and equipment
• Come up with novel creative concepts for appealing glass blown products; develop sketches, templates, or models 
• Apply knowledge of glass technology and glass blowing to iterate sketches of forthcoming glass products into viable blueprints 
• Ascertain the types and quantities of glass needed to create the required products; recycle scraps from larger projects
• Set up and adjust machine press stroke lengths and pressures; regulate oven temperatures, as per the kind of glass that needs to be processed
• Make use of electric kilns that heat and mould glass sheets to the shape and curve of metal jigs
• Use gas flames or ovens and rotating glass to heat the glass until it  is pliable uniformly
• Pour glass into press dies/moulds; control the presses to create glassware components or optical blanks
• Spray or swab moulds with oil solutions to avoid glass adhesion
• Apply files or cutting wheels to cut lengths of tubing to prescribed sizes; place rubber hoses on ends of tubing and charge tubing with gas
• Use compressed air or own breath to blow tubing into predetermined shapes and restrain glass from collapsing
• Superimpose bent tubing on asbestos patterns to ensure accuracy; fuse tube ends with the help of electrodes and glass burners
• Form, bend or join sections of glass with the help of paddles, pressing/flattening hand tools, or cork
• Strike necks of the finished article to separate the articles from blowpipes; blow and rotate gathers in moulds or on boards to arrive at the final product
• Solder pieces of coloured, painted, or enamelled glass
• Employ finishing machines to grind, drill, sand, grit-blast, bevel, engrave, acid-etch, stencil, decorate, wash, or polish glass or glass products
• Inspect, weigh and measure products to ensure compliance to standard specifications; make a record of the quantity, size, and types of goods produced
• Replace broken scrolls with new sections of tubing
• Restore, renovate and repair original pieces
• Sell stock directly to customers or stockists from a studio, shop, or gallery; give a live demonstration of the work process before selling
• Draft grant proposals and applications to obtain funds for projects; produce a catalogue or portfolio of designs for publicity purposes

Glassblowers work out of hot and noisy factories, studios, or workshops, depending on whether they are employed or freelancing. It is pretty standard for self-employed artists to work in private studios at home or share studio space with other artists.

Whether you carry out the entire process single-handedly or focus on specific tasks, the work requires you to stand for long periods and wear protective clothing and glasses. You may also need to travel if you work in more than one location and if your clientele is international in scope.

Glassblowers who work for large manufacturers may work shifts and put in additional hours during the festive seasons to meet consumer demands. Self-employed Glassblowers usually hold an extra job to pay the bills and may need to work at their art whenever possible, including evenings and weekends.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Glass Blowers can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. Besides selling their artwork, most freelancing Glassblowers continue to hold a full-time regular job until they become established as professional artists.

Glassblowers are generally employed by:

• Scientific & Laboratory Glassware Manufacturers
• Handmade Lead Crystal Glassware Manufacturers
• Interior Design Houses
• Craft Studios
• Universities and Hospitals
• Educational and Religious Institutions 
• National Heritage Projects
• Galleries
• Arts Centre Gift Shops
• Department Stores
• Online Galleries & Shops
• Banks
• Private Clients

Professional associations and organisations, such as The Berlin Glassworks, are crucial for Glassblowers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications. 

• Susceptibility to burns and cuts
• Daily exposure to contaminants such as fumes and dust as well as distracting noise levels
• Physical strain due to repetitive motions and standing for extended periods
• Unsteady source of income
• Irregular working hours

Attend non-credit classes, workshops, or private lessons in reputed artists’ studios, community colleges, art centres, galleries, and museums to learn from the experts. Some locations offer a diverse range of glass industry apprenticeships to youngsters, individuals who are not yet ready for an apprenticeship, and to those who seek regular and advanced structured training with an employer. Check if you have access to any such programs.  

Prospective Glassblowers may have the opportunity to display their work at public exhibitions and participate in competitions and shows while at college/university. Go to craft fairs and follow the art trails to help raise your profile and build a professional reputation. Take advantage of visits, exchange programs, and domestic/international work placements to build an invaluable network of professional contacts.

Invest in compiling and adding to physical and online portfolios that showcase your glassblowing talent to prospective education providers, employers, and clients. Take on commissions to gain experience and make your portfolio even more appealing to employers and clients alike.

Your teacher certificate program will include fieldwork. The location of your experiences will vary, although the majority of them will likely be with the grade you are preparing yourself to teach. Ensure that you gather some experience with special needs children.

Read about the profession and interview/job shadow experts working in glassblowing to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

Although formal education is not mandated, most Glassblowers find an HND (Higher National Diploma), a foundation degree, or a bachelor’s degree improves their skills and job prospects. 

Several colleges and universities offer programs including architectural/stained glass, art/fine art/decorative art, ceramic/applied arts, contemporary crafts, 3D design, and restoration/conservation. Core subjects such as English, marketing, social science, and natural science may form part of your curriculum. Ideally, the programs should teach you about raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and customer and personal service. 

Taster and short introductory courses in glassmaking can help you get a better insight into the field and help you decide in its favour. You may want to invest in a teacher certificate program if you intend to teach the craft in a public elementary or secondary school.

Preparatory high-school science, art, design, and technology classes may prove beneficial.

Glassblowers who are interested in teaching will require certification in education and training. Proficiency in software for billing, accounting and inventory management, and Microsoft Office will also be useful.

Voluntary certification in design thinking from an objective and reputed organization can help you stand out in a competitive job market and increase your chances of advancement. A combination of education, experience, and testing is generally required to gain certification, though requirements differ from region to region.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Glassblowers employed by larger firms may advance into managerial or supervisory roles with increased responsibilities and a greater focus on non-creative skills, such as people management, budgetary control, and planning.

There is no structured career path for a self-employed artist; your career advancement depends on increased demand for your work and a consequent rise in income and fame. Skilled Glassblowers may set up their studio or workshop. You may get to create and execute challenging commissions. Glassblowing or designing competitions carry the prospect of handsome financial rewards and expanding your clientele.

Professionals who are so inclined may take up teaching glass design/blowing in schools/colleges and run evening classes and workshops. There may also be advantageous openings in conservation and arts management, including glass restoration and stained glass making. 

There has been renewed interest in using decorated and structural glass in architecture, interior design, and furniture in residences, office spaces, luxury resorts, and hotels. It may lead to international assignments.

Candidates with postsecondary education in glass-related fields and an elaborate portfolio have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Glassblower build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning.

It is recommended that self-employed Glassblowers continue to build a network of valuable contacts to promote their work. Forge productive relationships with other artists, curators, and gallery owners to expand your network and stay abreast of the latest concepts and techniques. 

In addition, attend training courses to keep track of the technological, scientific, and innovative advances in the industry and learn new techniques. Do your homework! Research and monitor the international glass market to confirm your products remain current, in-demand, and reasonably priced.

Craft fairs and exhibitions will give you further opportunities to advertise your art and add to your cache of valuable contacts in the domestic and international markets. Courses in financial management, marketing, accounting, legal business matters, health and safety, web design, and software packages help develop your business acumen. Supplementary courses in photography will help with the production of catalogues, while those focused on marketing and network will help with publicity. 

New hires, who learn on the job in glass factories, may work towards vocational qualifications in glass processing to compensate for their lack of formal education. Qualified employees will be able to pursue a career in glassblowing, scientific glassblowing, or glass decorating.

Most employed Glassblowers can take advantage of in-house training that involves being taught and supervised by a more experienced artist. Glassblowers who wish to take their skills to the next level may want to pursue a Master’s in architectural glass, glass and ceramics, hot glass, kiln glass, and stained glass conservation. Learn a popular foreign language or two to improve your chances of expanding into the international market. 

Masterpieces, All

Whether you work as a scientific Glassblower, focus on restoring antiques or work on pieces commissioned by private clients or public sector/corporate organisations will set the nature of your creations. They may include electronic components, laboratory equipment, architectural glass, exhibition pieces, mirrors, stained glass windows, and tableware.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Glassblowers have the freedom of choosing their clients and projects. Since they have full ownership of their business, they can choose their work schedules and locations. However, freelancing means less stability and security with more responsibility, risk, and effort. Freelance glassblowers experience inconsistent work and cash flow. Many need to supplement their income with teaching, training, freelance writing for trade publications, or other design work. 

A full-time Glassblower has access to company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses and help from their colleagues. However, they may be susceptive to boredom due to the lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety. Pursuing passion projects is also restrained.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Dale Chihuly’s “Fiori di Corno” took more than 100 glassblowers, architects, engineers, and other professionals to install this largest glass sculpture ever made on the ceiling of the Bellagio Hotel.

Whether they do it in the traditional manner or through automation, every piece created by an accomplished Glassblower is sure to blow away the minds of those who appreciate its ephemeral elegance. 

Improve your skills through practice and repetition. Train with simpler projects before seeking out the more complex.