Description
Design, create, and reproduce handmade metal objects for sale and exhibition using techniques such as forging, welding, casting, brazing, and metal finishing.
- • Create functional or decorative metal objects by hand using forging, welding, casting, and fabrication methods.
- • Cut, shape, form, join, and finish metals using hand tools, power tools, torches, and shop machinery.
- • Select metals and alloys based on strength, hardness, weight, corrosion resistance, color, texture, and workability.
- • Apply surface treatments such as polishing, patination, plating, powder coating, and clear coats.
- • Develop concepts and creative ideas for metal pieces.
- • Set specifications for metals, gauges, dimensions, tolerances, and finishes.
- • Confer with clients to assess needs, budgets, and site or functional requirements.
- • Fabricate patterns, jigs, molds, or templates to guide metal fabrication or casting.
- • Create prototypes or maquettes to test form, joinery, and finishes.
- • Sketch or draft metal objects by hand or digitally.
- • Develop designs using CAD/CAM software for layouts, cut files, and toolpaths.
- • Advertise products and work through websites, social media, and brochures.
- • Develop packaging, display, installation, and pricing strategies for metal pieces.
- • Research metalwork trends, processes, venues, and customer buying patterns to inform design and marketing.
- • Plan and attend craft fairs, gallery shows, and markets to promote and sell work.
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O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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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
