craftsmen

A craftsman is a skilled worker who uses manual or small-scale production methods and specialized knowledge to create or repair functional or decorative objects. Craftsmen work across trades such as carpentry, masonry, metalworking, pottery, weaving, jewelry, leatherwork, and glassmaking, among others. The emphasis is on technical skill, practical problem solving, and quality workmanship. The term is often paired with craftsman or craftswoman and may be used alongside artisan or craftsperson.

Historically, many crafts were organized into guilds in medieval Europe and other regions. Apprentices learned under journeymen and, after years of training, could become masters who supervised workshops and set standards. Guilds regulated entry, prices, quality, and the right to practice a trade within a city or region. The rise of industrial manufacturing in the 18th and 19th centuries changed these structures, though guild-like associations and apprenticeship models persisted in some places.

In the modern economy, craftsmen may operate as sole proprietors, part of small workshops, or within larger design-build firms. They often combine traditional techniques with contemporary tools and technologies, including computer-aided design, CNC machines, or laser cutting, to deliver bespoke products or restoration work. Demand often centers on durability, customization, and the preservation of traditional methods, as seen in furniture, ceramics, metalwork, and crafts restoration.

Cultural and economic roles: Craftsmen contribute to local economies, heritage, and tourism; they preserve skills and support artisanal networks through associations, apprenticeships, and craft fairs. The term is used variably across regions; in some contexts "craftsman" emphasizes manual skill, while "artisan" highlights artistic aspects.