It is very hard to earn a living as an engraver, there is a steep learning curve. You have to pay your dues and put in your time. It is quite labor intensive. Hand engravers have spent many years honing their craft to do quality work and to attain proficiency. Difficult, quality jobs even...
Deserves a separate add. In Ron Smiths "Advanced Drawing of Scrolls ", he does a superb job explaining his philosophy of engraving and gets to the heart of what it takes to be a good engraver. In my opinion, this should be required reading for all engravers and those aspiring to be one!
You don't become a seasoned artist over nite. Every custom project presents new design challenges for one's technical skills and esthetics to keep one engaged and stimulated, presenting new opportunities for growth. It's a very humbling process, where falling short of your mark continues to...
Study good designs that you like, figure out what you like about them, details. Designing with thick and thin lines of various line weights will make things pop and more interesting! Add a variety of textures, contrasts, shading juxtaposed against each other. Remember the whole is equal to...
They probably want a younger person they can train and groom with a strong artistic aptitude. Those positions are highly coveted, a lot of competition.
I imagine that would not be a living wage. in Queens, NY., given the high cost of living there. If you could swing it, it would be a great opportunity! I knew an engraver who was trained at Tiffany's, who passed away a few years ago. He was an excellent engraver.
It's one of those precious books noone wants to part with! It is so well written, worth rereading over and over again! Much of Ron's wisdom is sprinkled throughout the book! I had the privilege of talking to Ron Smith in person a few years back at the FEGA Convention in Las Vegas. I was...