Becoming a goldsmith requires technical and artistic training, which can be obtained through formal education, apprenticeships, or self-education. After choosing a design specialty, creating a portfolio is necessary to start a professional career in the industry.
Years of technical and artistic training are often required to become a goldsmith. In many cases, a person wanting to become a goldsmith will need to attend formal training through a hardware or art program, although some master goldsmiths still offer more traditional apprenticeships to select students. Upon completion of educational training, a professional goldsmith will need to create a design portfolio that can be used to start a business or find employment in the industry.
The educational requirements for becoming a goldsmith are not always set in stone. Many blacksmiths start with a degree in fine arts, with a concentration in blacksmithing, metal sculpture, or jewelry design. Smiths can then earn a graduate degree or choose to hunt for rare learning.
In some cases, the educational path for a goldsmith can be more diverse. Some may choose to attend an art or design college that provides a certificate of completion instead of a four-year degree. These programs can be more intensive, but are generally shorter than a traditional college education. It is also possible to become a goldsmith through self-education, using books, online guides and community training courses to gain a basic education in metalworking and design. Self-taught goldsmiths may have better luck starting their own business rather than trying to find a job with a jewelry company.
An apprenticeship is another way in which a person can become a goldsmith. Rarely offered in the United States, internships are somewhat more common in Europe. An apprenticeship allows a trainee blacksmith to serve under a master goldsmith, who will teach him the trades and techniques for a set period of time. The apprentice may have to pay for training or receive free training in exchange for working in the master smith’s business. Apprenticeships, while unusual, can be an excellent way to gain hands-on training in the fine art of goldsmithing.
During training, a blacksmith will need to decide which area of design he or she wants to pursue professionally. Some blacksmiths are drawn to jewelry design, while others may prefer sculpture, decorative arts, or even mixed media art. Once the blacksmith has chosen a design specialty, he or she can begin creating a design portfolio that showcases his or her talent, artistic vision, and repertoire of skills. This portfolio will serve as a resume and can lead to job opportunities in the professional world.
The final step required to become a goldsmith is to start a professional career. A trained blacksmith may want to operate his own business, creating custom lines of jewelry or sculpture for select clients. Others may want to work as designers and artisans in an established design studio. Learning business and interviewing skills in addition to blacksmithing skills can help a blacksmith get started in the professional world.
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