Image credit: work by Glass Artist & ARTSTHREAD member Bethany Walker, a 2020 Ceramics & Glass MA graduate


Interested in a career in glasswork? ARTS THREAD’s career education specialist and digital editor Jacqui Rudd shares her tips for starting a successful career as a glass artist or designer as part of ARTSTHREAD’s Creative Career Guides Series.

Glass artists are tasked with manipulating and shaping glass to create handcrafted giftware, stemware, glassware, ornate glass mirrors and windows, sculptural pieces and glass instruments. They require the use of equipment such as furnaces, blowpipes, baking kilns, and fine-art tools such as stencils, engraving plates, and needles. Glasswork is a versatile discipline and used in a variety of industries, such as the laboratory sciences as well as is used in contemporary art, sculptures and installations.

For an insider perspective on a career as a glass artist check out these interviews with ARTSTHREAD members Bethany Walker and Marieta Tedenacová.

Career Options in Glasswork

Glass Designer / Artist
Most glass designers and artists are self-employed and work from their own studios producing pieces of work for sale or commission. They sell independently through their own store, online shop and pop-up events and, as this discipline of work is used by both artists and makers, you can find work by glassblowers being sold in galleries as well as with retailers.

Studio Assistant/Manager
You could support a more established glass designer/artist with their business, by working as their studio assistant or manager and helping with the production of their work. This is a great way to develop your skills and understanding of how to start and run a business in glasswork.

Glassmaker within a Factory
Glassblowing companies are a great employed option for glassmakers, they work in factory settings and the glassblowers work in teams to produce a large volume of products.

Glass Teacher / Technician
Teaching is another possible career path for glass artists. Colleges and universities often hire glass professionals to teach classes, or as technicians, and some glass artists may be able to give private lessons. Additionally, some museums and galleries hire glassblowers for workshops and demonstrations.

What you need to become a Glass Artist

Glasswork takes a lot of work and self-motivation and innovation. Apprenticeship programmes are a great way to enter a career in glass, with several options to specialise in glass-making, stained-glass conservation or architectural glass design.

Although qualifications aren’t essential to starting a career in glasswork, training is essential for learning such a labour intensive craft with many techniques and equipment. Many glass designers and artists will study degrees in areas such as applied arts, craft, design, glass and metal, or 3D design.

Studying glass at an undergraduate or postgraduate level might help you find new innovative ways of using this craft as well as honing your practical skills, gain career support, network within the industry and overall develop your practice. However, further education institutes also provide a variety of suitable courses to develop glass skills. Many forms of creative education, including glasswork, can be achieved alongside part-time work as you develop towards your dream career.

Building a specialist portfolio in Glass

Creating a portfolio is all about showcasing your best work, your skills, the techniques you use and what you can offer potential clients, customers, employers and collaborators. The majority of glassblowers, designers and artists are self-employed and often take on commissions and having a portfolio can support you in gaining commissions and attracting more clients.

Portfolio for Applications - for residencies or postgraduate study
Through your pieces and portfolio, tell a story of how you developed your collection, your influences and where your work will go next.

Online Portfolio - to sell pieces of work or attract commissions
Highlight pieces that highlight your best work, skills you are developing and what you can offer to customers and clients. This can be displayed on your own website or through a ARTSTHREAD members free profile.

Build a portfolio of work from:

• Projects you complete over your training and qualifications


• Experimenting in the studio and creating work for sale at markets and shops


• Participating in contests, awards and competitions


• Get pictures of your work on exhibition at galleries and trade fairs


• Taking on commissions from clients

Here are some brilliant example glass portfolios by ARTSTHREAD members: Laura Turner, Beth Gates and Mary Khan. 

For postgraduate applications check out our other guide Preparing Your Portfolio For Postgraduate Application.

Tips for starting a Career in Glass Work

• Stay in touch with the latest industry and design trends and innovations that could support your practice and make improvements to glass-blowing tools and techniques; by reading books and watching online tutorials and visit glass museums and exhibitions regularly.


• Continue to educate yourself is essential for career progression, use your initiative and join as many classes as you can. Being self-motivated is a great characteristic to showcase when looking for a job or apprenticeship in glassblowing.


• Explore techniques of glassblowers of other cultures, especially in mainland Europe where glass blowing has a rich history.


• Always pay close attention to safety rules, use common sense at all times and be aware of your surroundings when working with hot glass and metal.


• Develop your visualisation skills, learn to design and experiment with your ideas on paper to then recreate in glass form.


• If you are hoping to start a self-employed glass design career, consider upskilling in business tools that will be useful to building your design studio.

For an insider perspective on a career as a glass artist check out these interviews with ARTSTHREAD members Bethany Walker and Marieta Tedenacová.