Description
Design, create, and reproduce handmade glass artworks and functional pieces for sale and exhibition using techniques such as glassblowing, kiln-forming, lampworking, casting, and cold-working.
- • Create functional or decorative glass objects by hand using blowing, kiln-forming, lampworking, casting, and cold-working techniques.
- • Cut, shape, fuse, slump, grind, polish, and assemble glass using torches, kilns, annealers, cold-working equipment, and hand tools.
- • Select glass types, colors, frits, rods, and sheets based on COE compatibility, translucency, texture, thickness, and intended use.
- • Apply surface treatments and finishes, including sandblasting, acid etching, enameling, lusters, and fire polishing.
- • Develop concepts and design themes for glass pieces.
- • Set specifications for glass composition, dimensions, wall thickness, annealing schedules, and finishes.
- • Consult with clients, galleries, or architects to assess needs, propose designs, and gather feedback.
- • Fabricate molds, formers, blow molds, canes, murrine, stencils, or templates to guide production.
- • Create prototypes, test tiles, and color samples to validate design and material compatibility.
- • Sketch designs or produce digital renderings and cut files for glass projects.
- • Market work through online portfolios, social media, galleries, and exhibitions.
- • Develop packaging, shipping protection, display methods, and pricing strategies for glass pieces.
- • Research glass art trends, techniques, materials, venues, and buyer preferences to inform designs and marketing.
- • Develop designs using CAD, vector software, or kiln-planning tools and generate patterns for cutting or engraving.
- • Operate and maintain studio equipment and enforce safety practices, including furnaces, glory holes, kilns, torches, and ventilation.
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
