How to become a stained glass artist

Stained glass artists cut and join colored glass into windows, lamps, and art — a luminous, hands-on craft built on skill and a portfolio, not a degree. Here's the roadmap.

Start with the basics

You need creativity, patience, an eye for color and light, and careful handling of glass.
Comfort with detailed, methodical work and sharp materials is essential.
No degree is required, but your finished pieces have to show real skill.

Get training & studio access

Take classes or apprentice to learn glass cutting, design, and assembly.
You learn the copper-foil and lead-came methods, soldering, and finishing.
Studio access helps early on, since the tools and space add up.

Build skills & a portfolio

Your skill and a portfolio of finished glass are the credential.
Specialize — windows, lamps, suncatchers, or restoration.
Strong photos and a consistent style show what you can produce.

Work & grow

You sell at markets, galleries, and online, take commissions, or teach.
Window, church, and restoration work are higher-value and reputation-driven.
Many stained-glass artists grow into their own studio over time.

There's no license — your skill and a portfolio are the credential

Stained glass rewards patience and an eye for light, not a diploma. Learn cutting, foiling, and soldering through classes or an apprenticeship, get studio access, and build a portfolio in a focus like windows or restoration. Architectural and restoration work pays the most — and over time, a reputation and saved earnings grow the craft into your own studio.

Keep going: see whether an art degree is worth it, compare becoming a glassblower, and check if it will pay off.

How to become a stained glass artist

Start with the basics

Get training & studio access

Build skills & a portfolio

Work & grow

Related guides · Plan & stay on track

How to become a stained glass artist

Start with the basics

Get training & studio access

Build skills & a portfolio

Work & grow