Traveling Glassblowing Instructor
Part Time • Palatine
Location: Various U.S. Festivals & Markets (In-Person)
Headquarters: Palatine, IL
Pay: $25/hr + Paid Meals + Lodging (when traveling)
Travel Required: Typically 3–14 days at a time (multiple events per season)
Who We Are
We’re Ikonic Glass—an artist-led team bringing live flame-working experiences to festivals, markets, and events across the country. Our mission is to share the magic of glassblowing with the public while supporting a crew of passionate, professional artists who are building their craft and careers.
We’re not just a team—we’re a movement. We care about craftsmanship, connection, and creating unforgettable experiences. We’re not a pipe company. We’re not a bro crew. We’re a crew of artists helping make glassblowing accessible, safe, and awe-inspiring.
We’re not just a team—we’re a movement. We care about craftsmanship, connection, and creating unforgettable experiences. We’re not a pipe company. We’re not a bro crew. We’re a crew of artists helping make glassblowing accessible, safe, and awe-inspiring.
If you love working with glass and people, you might be a perfect fit.
About the Role
As a Traveling Glassblowing Instructor, you’ll lead live torch-based sessions for small groups, guiding students safely and confidently through their first flame-working experience.
What You'll Be Doing
- Teaching beginner-level borosilicate glassblowing using a scripted curriculum
- Creating a positive, memorable experience for each student
- Setting up and tearing down our mobile booth at events
- Managing tools, propane/oxygen safety gear, and daily supplies
- Helping maintain a clean, efficient, and welcoming workspace
- Inventory tracking using our digital system for tools, equipment, and consumables
- Working in dynamic, high-energy environments (festivals, crowds, music, etc.)
- Traveling across the country potentially for weeks at a time
This is a seasonal W2 position with potential to grow into part-time or full-time work depending on performance, availability, and event schedule.
What We're Looking For
We’re looking for artists with a solid foundation in borosilicate glassblowing who are excited to share their craft and grow with a team.
- At least 2 years of experience working with borosilicate glass at the torch
- Teaching experience (lampworking or otherwise)
- Confident working live and engaging with the public
- Friendly, reliable, and calm under pressure
- Comfortable in fast-paced event environments
- Team-oriented and excited to learn, teach, and contribute
- A strong grasp of the fundamentals and the enthusiasm to help others light their flame
- Takes safety seriously—especially with fire, tanks, and tools
- Thrives in public-facing roles, even when tired, busy, or under pressure
- Sees teaching as a chance to uplift others, not just perform
Bonus if you’ve worked in education, live demos, customer service, or festival/event production.
Pay & Perks
- $25/hour during events
- Paid Training (lower rate)
- Meal stipends for all shifts over 4 hours
- Lodging covered when travel is required (hotel, Airbnb, or camping, based on event)
- All instructors complete OSHA and safety training during onboarding
- No personal equipment needed—we provide it all
- Training and onboarding support
- Access to an incredible artist community and national events
- Future growth paths toward team leadership, management, or even launching your own booth with us
Compensation: $25.00 per hour
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Ikonic Glass
At Ikonic Glass, we’re passionate about sharing the joy of glassblowing with as many people as possible. Co-founded by Nick and Konrad, our mobile studio travels to festivals, private events, and workshops, offering a welcoming and hands-on experience for anyone curious about this unique art form. We believe that creativity should be accessible to everyone, no matter your skill level or age.
Our mission is simple: to introduce as many people as we can to the art of glassblowing, helping them create something they can take home and be proud of. We take great care in making sure everything we do follows strict safety standards, ensuring a fun and safe environment for all our students. Whether it's a kid excited to learn or an adult looking to try something new, our workshops are designed to make the experience approachable, memorable, and fun.
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