Digital Sculptor - Z7942

Project Objectives:
By the end of the 300-hour internship, the project will:

• Introduce digital sculpting as a practical tool within the design and mould-making process
• Reduce time spent on manual pattern creation and rework
• Support restoration and replication of complex heritage details
• Improve design accuracy, repeatability, and digital archiving
• Upskill staff in digital sculpting workflows that complement traditional skills 

Scope of Work 
To achieve these outcomes, the intern will:

• Support evaluation and setup of digital sculpting software (e.g. ZBrush, Blender or similar)
• Develop digital sculpting workflows aligned to terracotta detailing and mould creation 
• Convert hand-sculpted or scanned reference material into digital sculpted models
• Produce best-practice guides for digital sculpting within Darwen Terracotta
• Support integration of digital sculpting outputs into CAD, AM, or traditional mould-making processes
• Assist with internal demonstrations or training sessions Methods & Tools: Digital sculpting software, CAD tools, reference scans or drawings, internal design standards. 

Business Overview
Darwen Terracotta produces highly detailed architectural terracotta elements, many of which rely on skilled hand sculpting and traditional pattern-making techniques. To support efficiency, consistency, and creative flexibility, the business is exploring digital sculpting tools as a complementary technology to traditional craft skills. This internship will focus on introducing and embedding digital sculpting techniques to support mould-making, restoration work, and bespoke architectural detailing, while respecting and enhancing existing craft-led processes.

Skills required
Intern Skills Required:

• Experience with digital sculpting software
• Background in CAD, 3D modelling, or design
• Understanding of manufacturing or craft-based processes (desirable)
• Strong communication and documentation skills 

Expected Outcomes
At completion, Darwen Terracotta will have:

• Reduced time to create or modify sculpted design elements
• Digital sculpting workflow embedded alongside traditional methods
• Clear documentation and reusable sculpted assets
• Staff supported in using digital sculpting tools
• Improved capability for restoration accuracy and bespoke design work
• Long-term digital design knowledge retained within the business