Glass blowing is a time-honored method of shaping glass that involves expanding molten glass into a bubble, which is then shaped into a wide range of objects such as artistic displays, drinkware, and storage containers. It remains an essential art form and is key in producing glassware for various industries, including the laboratory sciences. Pursuing a career in glass blowing can be especially rewarding for creative individuals who do not shy away from working with hot and possibly hazardous materials to craft stunning and practical creations.
🔮 A Quick Look at What Professional Glass Blowers Do
Glass blowing is a precise craft that can take many years to truly master. In their daily routine, professional glass blowers engage in a variety of tasks, using specialized equipment to ensure their work is done safely and efficiently.
Key Responsibilities of a Professional Glass Blower
- Designing and sketching
- Heating and shaping glass
- Applying colors and ornamental techniques
- Handling administrative and marketing tasks if self-employed, such as replying to emails, answering calls, creating and maintaining a website, and using social media for outreach
- Enrolling in continuing education classes to refine skills
- Teaching classes and offering demonstrations for those enthusiastic about education
Essential Glass Blowing Equipment for the Job
- Furnaces
- Blowpipe – used to form the molten glass into a bubble
- Bench – a seat for the glassblower and a spot to arrange tools
- Punty – a rod employed for shaping and shifting a piece off the blowpipe
- Blocks, jacks, and paddles – tools for shaping
- Straight shears – creates a linear cut in the glass
- Diamond shears – cuts away larger portions of glass
Common Creations by Glass Blowers
Glass blowers create decorative art pieces, architectural glass installations, scientific glassware, and household glassware.
🔥 How to Start Your Glass Blowing Journey: Education Paths Explained
Unlike other art careers, most glass blowers need a certain degree of formal instruction to work safely and gain the expertise needed for crafting beautiful, high-quality items. Self-teaching can be risky because glass blowing involves managing extremely high temperatures.
Becoming skilled at glass blowing also demands considerable time, so having professional mentorship and a team to assist you can be hugely beneficial. Below are three common educational paths chosen by future glass blowers.
1) Explore Glass Blowing Classes to Ignite Your Creativity
Most people learn about glass blowing through classes offered at local glass studios. These classes provide hands-on guidance in the safe handling of molten glass and various essential techniques. Master glass blowers often run classes in their own studios, giving students the chance to learn directly from top experts.
Classes can vary widely in length and price, so do some research to find options suited to your availability and budget. Glass blowing courses are offered in both large cities and smaller towns throughout the United States and worldwide. They are also especially well-known in the UK.
London Glassblowing, a studio led by artist Peter Layton, features “Experience Days,” where students spend an entire day exploring how to blow glass and create three pieces themselves. This unique opportunity costs £500 and fills up rapidly, but it is an unforgettable chance to study at one of the UK’s most esteemed glass blowing studios.
Another UK-based studio, Salt Glass Studios, provides numerous courses for glassblowers of all experience levels. Those just beginning might find their Glass Blowing Introduction Course especially helpful, as it covers gathering glass, shaping, and applying color. Salt’s classes range from £20 to £240, making them a more accessible choice for beginners seeking a shorter, more budget-friendly option.
2) Top College Courses for Aspiring Glass Blowers
Though they are not widespread, certain community colleges and other two-year institutions offer glass blowing programs or degrees. These programs deliver a thorough education on various glassblowing methods, delve into the history of the craft, and include career preparation. Students often gain exposure through exhibitions, allowing them to showcase their work and connect with others in the field.
Two schools in the US that feature glass blowing programs are Kirkwood Community College in Iowa and Salem Community College in New Jersey. Visit their websites for more information on glass blowing curricula, and look into schools near you to see if a similar program exists in your region.
As glass continues to flourish as an artistic medium, a few four-year colleges and universities in the United States now offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in glass blowing. The College for Creative Studies in Detroit, MI is the only Michigan-based college to provide this specialized program.
Four-year programs typically go beyond just glassblowing, requiring students to study diverse art forms and experiment with assorted mediums, enhancing their overall design expertise.
3) Unlock Your Skills with Glass Blowing Apprenticeships
Once you have accumulated some knowledge through a college program or a series of classes, you may want to seek an apprenticeship with a seasoned glass blower. Apprenticeships provide real-world, studio-based training under the tutelage of a master in the craft. While modern glass blowing apprenticeships are relatively uncommon, they are invaluable for students who are serious about working in a studio or starting their own business.
An excellent apprenticeship option in the United States is available with Ryan Staub, a glass blower based in Seattle. He offers both part-time and full-time apprenticeships to those with a couple of years’ experience. Comparable opportunities can be found online throughout the US. In the UK, you can explore gov.uk for open apprenticeships in your locale.
🛠️ Essential Skills and Requirements for Glass Blowers
Due to the nature of the work, glass blowers must be comfortable in hot and sometimes hazardous environments. They meticulously follow safety practices and exercise common sense whenever working with molten glass. Typically, glass blowers operate independently or within a small team, so being okay with working alone or in close-knit groups is important.
Glass blowers also need a high degree of patience and attention to detail to shape glass into unique, elaborate works of art or functional pieces. Because glass blowing is a three-dimensional art form, practitioners must visualize designs in 3D and possess a solid understanding of both form and color.
A well-rounded background in art and a knack for working with your hands are advantageous traits for success in this field. For anyone interested in starting their own venture, administrative abilities and knowledge of social media and marketing are essential for growing a business.
🏢 Top Workplaces for Glassblowers: Where to Start Your Career
Glass blowers can be found in studios, small factories, museums, and universities. Independent or small-scale glass blowers often collaborate in studios, working alone or with a limited group of artisans. In contrast, glass blowing companies may employ a bigger group of artists in a more factory-like environment, where team efforts are common.
Many art museums hire glass blowers to do demonstrations for visitors throughout the day. Some glass blowers also enter the scientific realm or work in universities, crafting laboratory glassware.
💰 How Much Does a Glass Blower Earn?
While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not list a precise salary range for glass blowers, those working for a company or studio generally earn between $30,000 and $39,000 annually. Self-employed glass artists may make more or less than this median range, depending on factors like demand, overhead costs, and marketing efforts.
In the UK, glass blowers typically earn between £16,000 and £25,000 in a small studio setting, while those employed at larger companies can earn £35,000 or more. Similar to their American counterparts, independent glass blowers in the UK can experience a wide range of annual incomes based on their clientele and project load.
Many glass blowers supplement their income by offering lessons or working on other creative endeavors in their spare time. Glass blowers can be full-time or part-time employees, but those who are self-employed may end up working even more hours to maintain their business. Their schedule might also be more flexible, mixing production, teaching, and administrative responsibilities.
🔥 Career Opportunities and Growth in Glass Blowing
Although the number of glass blowers entering the industry is expected to decrease over the next decade, glass blowing still represents a wonderful choice for innovative individuals who crave a non-traditional job and prefer greater autonomy.
In the UK in particular, glass blowing remains extremely popular, with numerous studios and museums dotted throughout London alone. Glass blowing demands consistent effort and self-motivation, but if you are driven to make it in this sphere, you can absolutely succeed.
If you plan to be an independent glass blower, one way to improve your chances of success is by offering classes, workshops, and demonstrations to the public. Because so many people find glass blowing fascinating, you are likely to attract curious participants excited to learn more.
However, offering classes or workshops means you must factor in the cost of additional insurance, extra tools for students, and any educational materials you will need. You will also need to create beginner-friendly coursework and project ideas.
Even with the added expense and planning, providing lessons can help you connect with others and draw more visitors to your studio. It also serves as a fantastic marketing strategy because those who attend your classes will often spread the word to friends and family.
Many glass blowers display their work in galleries that visitors can tour once classes end. These guests might even purchase a piece created by their instructor!
✨ Kickstarting Your Glass Blowing Career: Steps You Can Take Today
If glass blowing is something you might want to do as a future profession, there are practical steps you can take to start learning more about the craft immediately. The ideas below will give you a head start:
1) Must-See Books, Videos, and Exhibits on Glass Blowing
One of the best ways to inspire yourself and learn about glass blowing even before formal training is by reading and watching the glass blowing process. Search for books at your local library, on Amazon, or in nearby bookstores to expand your knowledge. A great beginner-friendly book is Beginning Glassblowing by Edward T. Schmid.
YouTube is another outstanding resource with thousands of videos showcasing techniques, explaining the process, and detailing the history of glass blowing. This content can spark your imagination and get you excited to try it hands-on.
Lastly, be sure to attend any glass museums, art shows, or other events in your area. Most cities host at least a few such exhibitions each year, giving you a chance to see what local glass artists are creating and maybe even chat with professionals in the field.
2) Find Glass Blowing Classes in Your Area
If you suspect glass blowing might be a good professional fit for you but you are hesitant to commit a lot of resources to formal schooling right away, consider taking a few individual classes in your spare time. This approach lets you learn about glass blowing without fully committing to the craft from the outset.
Because formal education in glass blowing at the college level is relatively rare, taking as many classes as possible is one of the best ways to prepare yourself for a future career. Being self-driven is an impressive quality to show potential employers or mentors when looking for a job or apprenticeship in glass blowing.
✨ Is Glass Blowing Your Next Creative Adventure?
Glass blowing is a wonderful career path for artists who want a challenging and detailed craft. Although glass blowers may experience less job stability than those in more conventional fields, they enjoy the chance to be creative and active on the job while carrying on age-old artistic traditions. If you find this art form calling to you, start exploring classes, books, and studios near you—you might discover your dream career in glass blowing.