Often, becoming a silversmith necessitates years of technical and artistic training. A person who wants to be a silversmith will almost always need to enroll in a metalsmithing or art program, though some master silversmiths still offer traditional apprenticeships to select students. A professional silversmith will need to create a design portfolio after completing educational training, which can be used to start a business or find work in the industry.
The educational requirements for becoming a silversmith are not always rigid. Many smiths begin their careers with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts, specializing in smithing, metal sculpture, or jewelry design. Smiths may then pursue a graduate degree or seek out a unique apprenticeship opportunity.
A silversmith’s educational path can be more varied in some cases. Some people may prefer to attend an art or design college that offers a certificate rather than a four-year degree. These programs are often more intensive than a traditional college education, but they are also shorter. Self-education can also be used to become a silversmith, with books, online guides, and community training courses providing a basic education in metalworking and design. Self-taught silversmiths may have a better chance of starting their own business than working for a jewelry manufacturer.
Another way to become a silversmith is to do an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are more common in Europe than they are in the United States. A training smith can serve as an apprentice to a master silversmith, who will teach him or her the techniques and business over a period of time. The apprentice may be required to pay for training or may receive it for free in exchange for working in the master smith’s shop. Apprenticeships, though uncommon, can be a great way to learn the great art of silversmithing firsthand.
During training, a smith must decide which area of design he or she wants to specialize in. Jewelry design may appeal to some smiths, while sculpture, decorative arts, or even mixed media art may appeal to others. Once the smith has decided on a design specialty, he or she should start working on a design portfolio to showcase their talent, artistic vision, and skill set. This portfolio will function similarly to a resume and may lead to professional opportunities.
The final step in becoming a silversmith is to start working professionally. A skilled smith might want to start his or her own business, creating custom jewelry or sculpture for a select group of customers. Others may prefer to work as designers and artisans in a well-known design studio. A new smith can get started in the professional world by learning business and interview skills in addition to smithing skills.