ArtWorks, an equal opportunity employer is strongly committed to building and retaining a diverse team that creates an inclusive workplace which harnesses each voice to collectively advance ArtWorks’ mission. 

Job Title: Studio Artist

Salary Range: $15.28 per hour (up to 12 hours per week)

Job Type: Part Time, Non-Exempt, Ages 18-24

Location: ArtWorks Solway Studios, 424 Findlay Street, Cincinnati, OH 45214 

Reports to: Mural Studio Managers

Start date: May 29, 2023

About ArtWorks: Now in its 26th year, ArtWorks is an award-winning Greater Cincinnati nonprofit that has pioneered public art and economic impact throughout the region with a mission to create opportunities to change the world through art. ArtWorks co-creates public art with community leaders that builds civic pride and beautifies the region, creating jobs for more than 300 artists annually, including youth ages 14-21, to earn a living wage. The economic empowerment and mentorship that ArtWorks provides leads to upward mobility, which is critically important for youth who come from a majority of underserved households and who are underemployed.  Since 1996, ArtWorks has employed nearly 4,000 youth and 3,500 creative professionals. The organization has completed more than 14,000 public and private works of art, including public sculpture, light-based installations and more than 230 permanent outdoor murals, contributing to the region’s global reputation as an arts destination. Now headquartered in Walnut Hills, ArtWorks is part of the burgeoning arts district in Cincinnati’s historic second downtown. Learn more at artworkscincinnati.org.

 Job Description

ArtWorks is expanding its mural production studio program, launched in 2022, and is seeking additional Studio Artists who will fulfill a range of client services with a focus on mural design and production under the guidance of the Mural Studio Managers. This unmatched opportunity will provide emerging artists with an opportunity to develop skills in mural design, client management, and mural production. 

The program offers participants the opportunity to hone their skills and talents toward an art career alongside professional teaching artists. Studio Artists will learn all aspects of ArtWorks’ mural-making process including client management, design, mural techniques, and budgeting. Participants work as a collaborative team to support client projects with the opportunity to present themselves as artists to clients.  There may be times that the role supports or assists other year-round studio because of capacity needs. 

Additionally, Studio Artists will engage in a series of professional development opportunities to advance their resume, cover letter writing, portfolio development, budgeting, client management, and networking skills.

This program will have a flexible schedule throughout the year, but Studio Artists will be required to work up to 12 hours a week on various project assignments. Studio Artists will be required to attend weekly meetings with the full team and monthly professional development and enrichment trainings.   

Key Responsibilities

General

• Attend weekly meetings for the Mural Studio.
• Work with the Mural Studio Managers to determine the work schedule.
• Uphold strategies and systems for studio management, maintenance, and file/spatial organization. Ensure all aspects of an assigned project are uploaded, accessible, and maintained through to project closing.
• Professionally communicate through ArtWorks’ project management software (Basecamp), utilizing ArtWorks best practices.

Design & Production

• Learn the various aspects of mural design and production for interior and exterior mural projects. 
• Lead, self-direct, or take accountability for delegated responsibilities on project sites for timely project progression.
• Create design concepts and final designs, as assigned. 
• Respond to critiques, and feedback on artwork, and adjust to client needs and ArtWorks art production standards.
• Develop a personal portfolio of design work related to mural projects.

Career Readiness

• Attend monthly professional development workshops and trainings.
• Complete professional development program milestones, including portfolio reviews, cover letter and resume writing workshops, networking opportunities, and artist talks.
• Participate in completing reviews, program evaluations, and surveys.

Client Management

• Learn the various aspects of client relationship management including professional communication, project scope definition, expectations, deadlines, pricing, and budget development.
• Establish and maintain positive client relationships.
• Support the development and pitching of project proposals/presentations and creative briefs.
• Support ongoing communication with the Mural Studio Manager, clients, and artists/designers (as needed).
• Act as an ArtWorks ambassador to current and potential clients and guests.

Qualifications and experiences:

• Must be between 18 and 24 years old at the start of employment.
• Commitment to ArtWorks’ mission, culture, and DEIA policies and practices.
• 1 - 2 years of art classes at high school or college level, or equivalent independent practice.
• Collaborative Experience(s) with art projects and/or a willingness to work as a team.
• Basic knowledge of artistic software including Illustrator, Photoshop, Coral Paint, and Procreate a plus, but not required.
• Flexibility with work hours that accommodates studio and team needs. 
• Willing to learn from and take direction from professional artists.

Skills and abilities:

• Creative, flexible, and innovative.
• Curious about facts and trends; a continuous learner.
• Work cooperatively and effectively in a team environment to set goals, solve problems, produce art, and execute projects.
• Basic organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Effective communication skills that include listening, receiving and giving feedback, oral, written, and non-verbal communications .
• Ability to manage time, particularly while managing competing priorities.
• Proficiency with MS Word and PowerPoint, Excel is a plus.
• Practice ethical behavior and business practices.
• Detail oriented.
• Comfortable with public presentations including the willingness to interact and speak in front of groups. 
• Interest in learning and developing client management skills.

The Payoff: 

• Be part of an amazing mission and make a mark in transforming the Greater Cincinnati region with public art, building community, and investing in young artists.
• Help build a future home for ArtWorks with a site for permanent art studios, gallery, and event space to build a more vibrant community.
• Be part of a dynamic team that embraces a growth mindset.
• Be part of a collaborative, creative, and flexible work culture that is people-centered.
• Join a team that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in community-centered work that creates positive change. Read our full commitment here. 

To Apply:  Please include a cover letter, resume, 5 portfolio samples, and three references. Please include images of your art that show your distinct style and range as an artist. Please combine all images into one PDF document no larger than 4MB. Upload using the additional materials button.

Application Deadline: 11:59PM, May 14, 2023