how to become an ice sculptor
It often seems like one of the biggest secrets in the world of ice sculpting is how to become an ice sculptor in the first place! I will definitely write more on this topic in the future (like a LOT more), but here’s a start.
take a class
There really aren’t much in the way of schools for ice sculpting, but you can take classes and seminars. When I first got bitten by the ice sculpting bug, I took a couple of short courses from Mark Daukas. I have since taken another course from Steve and Heather Brice. Daukas doesn’t teach anymore, but the Brices do. And there are certainly other ice sculptors to learn from. On the “ice sculptures in your area” page, I plan to add info about which ice sculptors offer instruction.
Keep in mind, most ice sculptors will be fairly open with information, but they don’t want to spawn competition. So always be respectful and maybe don’t mention that you plan to become the greatest ice sculptor the world has ever seen! π
work for an ice sculptor
On the “ice sculptures in your area” page, I’m slowly compiling a list of ice sculptors in and out of the U.S. I’d suppose at this point that the list is far from finished, but that’s why there’s google, right? Perhaps the quickest way to dip your toes into the world of ice sculpting and POSSIBLY learn how to become an ice sculptor is to call up or email an ice sculptor in your area. Then ask them if they could use some low cost (or no cost) help in exchange for some knowledge. Some sculptors are secretive, but others are VERY open with info. In fact, the hardest part is getting them to shut up π (Like me!)
learn a related art
When I first moved to New Orleans, I sculpted foam for Mardi Gras floats. Of course, I’d already sculpted ice quite a bit by that point, but I definitely learned things that would help me as an ice sculptor while I was working with foam. And I’d have to say that I’d feel somewhat comfortable learning to sculpt a different medium at this point.
It’s far less intimidating when you have a lot of the artistic aspects worked out and you can focus on the technical aspects of how to deal with a different medium. Someday, for example, I’m going to try a real sand sculpture. After all, I’m pretty close to the beach and I’ve already learned a little via my own curiosity. I’m also playing with clay some and I’ve managed some decent pumpkin sculpting as well. My point is, that even if you can’t for some reason sculpt ice right away, sculpting in a different medium that IS accessible to you will be very helpful down the line with ice sculpting.
learn on your own
That’s why this website is here! How to become an ice sculptor is a major focus of this site and there will be articles and info specifically on this. Now go and read the whole thing and come back to this page when you’re done 
compete
It might sound like I’m putting the cart before the horse here, but competitions are one of the best ways to learn pretty much anything. All you really have to do is swallow your pride and just give it a shot. To get a sculpture done, you still have to find an ice block and assemble the tools to carve it with, but entering a competition gives you the perfect excuse to approach someone for help.
Another sneaky way to learn is to offer to sub for a team competition. Let’s say there’s a two or three person team sculpting competition and someone can’t make it or they never had enough people to start with. (Literally, this happens every year in Alaska!) Odds are, the remaining team member(s) would rather give it a go with your help instead of wasting all of that prep time. As long as you’re willing to do what’s required, this is a fantastic way to jump into the deep end of sculpting ice. It’s kinda scary, and it requires some luck and good timing, but if it works, at the end of the competition, POOF, you’re an ice sculptor!
all of the above
Throughout my career, I’ve employed ALL of the above methods (I’m still learning to become an ice sculptor!)Β