Two ways to earn your rank
Every guild rank is earned, never bought. Choose the route that fits where you are.
- Learn your way upComplete our courses to earn Apprentice, then Artisan.
- Apply with your workAlready experienced? Show us your portfolio and apply directly for Apprentice or Artisan.
The guild ranks
Both routes lead to the same ranks and the same badge. Every member, whichever route they took, completes the Guild Induction course — so a rank means the same thing for everyone who holds it. The highest rank, Luminary, cannot be applied for or earned on a course: the Guild awards it to members whose work and contribution to the craft stand out.
Apprentice
Beginner courses or apply
You know your way around your tools and can finish a small project with guidance.
Artisan
Intermediate & advanced courses or apply
You work independently, to a professional standard, and deliver finished work.
Luminary
Awarded by the Guild
You lead, solve the hard problems and pass the craft on to others.
Route one
Learn your way up
Every course you complete earns a certificate, and the course's level decides your rank.
- 01
Complete a Beginner course
Finish any Beginner course to earn your certificate and the rank of Apprentice.
- 02
Complete an Intermediate course
Finish an Intermediate course to earn the rank of Artisan. Already know the basics? Start here — each course lists what it expects you to know first.
More courses are coming soon. Browse the courses
Route two
Apply with your work
Experienced practitioners can apply directly for Apprentice or Artisan. Submit your portfolio and resume, and guild staff will assess your work. If you are approved, complete the Guild Induction course and your badge goes on your profile.
- 01
Submit your work
Tell us which rank you are applying for — Apprentice or Artisan — and send your portfolio, resume and examples of work you have shipped. There is a one-off application fee of £10, refunded in full if your application is declined.
- 02
Guild review
Guild staff assess your portfolio, your experience and the quality of your finished work against the standard for that rank. A review usually takes up to two weeks, though it can take longer. If you are not ready for it yet, we will refund your fee, tell you why and point you to the course or rank that fits.
- 03
Induction and badge
Once approved, complete the Guild Induction course — how the guild works, its standards and how to teach and mentor. Your rank badge then goes on your public profile.
There is a one-off application administration fee of £10, refunded in full if your application is declined. You can’t be declined if applying for Apprentice.