If you want to combine artistic skill and old-fashioned craftsmanship,
consider a metalworking or jewelry-making program. Students learn classic
and modern techniques to transform lumps of metal and fragments of stone into
beautiful decorations.
Metalworking programs teach you how to shape, torch and pound gold, silver
and other metals into jewelry or larger crafts. Many programs also teach design
and gem setting. A lot of the design work is done using computer-aided
design (CAD).
Vickie Sedman is a professor of crafts at Temple University's Tyler School
of Art in Pennsylvania. She teaches classes in jewelry, metals and CAD-CAM
(computer-aided manufacturing).
The program at Tyler is four years long. Students spend much of their
time in a studio. Studio time is supplemented with classes in CAD and
design as well as with visits from guest lecturers.
Sedman teaches students how to create functional 3D objects. She says it
helps to have an understanding of mechanics, geometry and chemistry.
"Students who have grown up problem solving, like the kid who grew up fixing
cars or equipment, have a real head start on their peers," she says.
Tyler and many other colleges offer four-year bachelor's programs that
will give you a broad art education. But there are also shorter programs.
Martha Glenny is the coordinator of a jewelry program. "We are looking
for creative talent, shown in any media, and good drawing skills,"
she says.
Glenny looks favorably upon extracurricular activities that demonstrate
initiative, leadership and commitment. If the student has knowledge of the
jewelry field via a co-op, part-time work or courses, that is a definite plus,
she says.
You also need manual dexterity, mechanical inclination, patience, initiative
and artistic sense. General high school art courses are also recommended.
Sedman says a portfolio plays a big role in whether you get accepted
to any program. When looking at student portfolios, she tries to spot individuality.
"This individuality may be evident in the composition, use of color, line
quality or emotion in their drawings and paintings," she says. "The most impressive
portfolios contain artwork that has a concept or idea."
You'll need to purchase disposable materials, such as sandpaper, saw blades
and metals.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Jewelers
and Precious Stone and Metalworkers
On Jewelry Career Options
Great summary of careers in this field
Society of North American Goldsmiths
A good resource for information and inspiration