Glass art is the pinnacle of aesthetic expression, a showcase of your technical skill and artistic ability.
If you’re looking to start your own glass art business, we’re here to make sure you’re prepared with the right tools, equipment and cover in order to run a successful and protected business.
The main reason you’d consider the glass art business is if you’ve got a passion for the craft, and wish to turn this passion into something you can sell consistently.
Whilst starting a glass art business can require some significant skill and a certain level of investment, it can be a great way to take advantage of the growing demand for custom home decor.
Before you start your business, you need to be equipped with the correct high quality tools which allow you to consistently create bespoke glass art for customers.
Whilst the exact specialised tools you may need could vary based on your specific form of glass art, these are the general pieces of equipment we’d recommend:
On top of these items, it’s vital to ensure that you have an appropriate workspace, dedicated for purpose and well ventilated to avoid any harmful fumes.
Also, you must invest in the correct safety gear, such as safety glasses, a respirator (if applicable), cut resistant gloves and an extractor fan for soldering.
When starting a glass art business, considering the right insurance coverage is just as important as acquiring the right equipment and setting up your business officially.
Depending on your intended business structure, you may need to consider public liability insurance, product liability insurance, or even craft fair insurance in order to operate safely on a day to day basis.
Public liability insurance ensures that you’re covered against claims made by members of the public, for injury or damage to property as a result of your business activities.
Product liability is similar, but instead covers the costs of claims made as a result of injury or damage caused by one of your products.
Considering what insurance you need and what level of cover is suitable is vital for protecting your business and your craft.
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The cost of starting a glass art business varies based on the size of your business and the type of glass art you work with. For a smaller home-based studio, including the basic kit, initial supplies and insurance, you can expect to need to invest £1,000 – £2,000.
For larger scale businesses, perhaps with multiple employees and a dedicated studio, you could expect to spend £10,000 or even more, but this is a rough estimate.
Naturally, if you need additional specialist machinery or equipment, you’ll need to factor this into your finances.
Ensuring legal compliance and safety when setting up a glass art business involves a number of administrative steps and insurance considerations.
First, you’ll need to register your business either as a sole trader or a limited company, depending on your intended business structure. This determines how you will pay your tax and your liability, so do your research on each option first.
Then, think about product safety and sales. Establish terms and conditions which you expect your customers to follow regarding custom work, payments and returns. Also, register for VAT with HMRC if your business is above the VAT threshold.
In terms of insurance, public and product liability insurance protect you against claims resulting from your business activities and products. You will also need employers liability insurance if you have any employees.
Get in touch with CraftCover to discuss what level of coverage you need.
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Selling your handmade glass crafts could be difficult, especially if you don’t have an established audience or customer base from the beginning. We’d recommend that you spread your selling methods across the following platforms/areas:
Marketing for your glass art is dependent on your budget and goals. Some artists mainly reach out to potential clients through Twitter/X, Facebook and Instagram. With a bigger budget, you may be able to consider traditional marketing techniques such as SEO or PPC.
Also consider creating a mailing list through giveaways, setting up an email strategy to push your work and showcase your art. Asking for regular online reviews is also a great way to build a positive public image.
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