Job Description:

ArtWorks is seeking artists (ages 18-24) to join our year-round Mural Studio team. This job is for young adults who are eager to launch their careers as creative professionals – a step up from seasonal employment as an ArtWorks Apprentice. Mural Studio Artists work on several client-based projects during their 12-month employment at ArtWorks. Through on-the-job experiences, Mural Studio Artists deepen their skills in mural design, client management, and production. 

Additionally, Mural Studio Artists engage in a series of career development sessions to advance their resume, cover letter writing, portfolio development, budgeting, client management, and networking skills. The schedule will vary throughout the year, but Mural Studio Artists will be required to work an average of 12-15 hours a week on various project assignments, typically Monday-Friday, with occasional evening and weekend hours. Mural Studio Artists will be required to attend weekly meetings with the full team and monthly career development and enrichment sessions.

Key Job 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 career development workshops and trainings.
• Complete career 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 Managers, 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.
• 1 - 2 years of art classes at high school or college level, or equivalent independent practice as evidenced by a strong visual portfolio. 
• Collaborative Experience(s) with art projects and/or a willingness to work as a team.
• Basic knowledge of artistic software including Illustrator, Photoshop, and Procreate a plus, but not required. 
• Commitment to ArtWorks’ mission, vision, values, culture and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility Plan. 

Skills and abilities:

• Strong organizational, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Effective communication skills, oral and written, that include listening, receiving and giving feedback.
• Ability to manage time well, particularly while managing competing priorities. 
• Proficiency with MS Word and PowerPoint, Excel is a plus.
• Adhere to ethical behavior and business practices.
• Detail oriented.
• Curious about facts and trends; a continuous learner.
• Comfortable with public speaking.
• Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, solve problems, produce art, and execute projects.
• Interest in learning and developing client management skills.
• Creative, flexible, and innovative. 

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. 
• 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: 

You must include 5 portfolio samples that show your distinct style and range as an artist. Combine all images into one PDF document no larger than 4MB. Upload using the additional materials button. If you have issues with uploading through the additional materials button, please email the PDF of your portfolio samples to Grace Thanasiu at grace@artworkscincinnati.org. You are also encouraged to upload a resume, cover letter, and three references, though the samples of your work will be the most important element of your application.  

Application Deadline: November 17, 2024.