Artisan

An artisan is a skilled craftsworker who makes goods by hand or using traditional methods rather than through mass-produced factory processes. The term originates from Old French artisien, from Latin artis, meaning skill or craft. In contemporary usage, an artisan emphasizes manual craft, expertise, and a degree of individuality in each product.

Artisans work across a wide range of domains, including pottery, woodworking, metalworking, glassmaking, textiles, leather, jewelry, and food production such as bread or cheese. Production is often organized around small workshops or studios, with output typically more limited than industrial manufacturing, and workers may oversee the entire process from design to finished piece.

Artisan goods are frequently valued for quality, durability, and unique character, with attention to material traditions, techniques, and provenance. In many cultures, artisanal crafts are integral to cultural heritage, and markets or cooperatives support artisans through direct sales, fairs, and, in some regions, protected geographical indications.

Today the term is sometimes used in branding to evoke authenticity, even when some steps may be mechanized. The term craftsperson or craft artisan is increasingly used to emphasize gender neutrality, while artisan remains the common label for skilled, manually produced goods.