Hybrid: New York City, NY
$90 - $110
(Hourly)
Freelance / Contractor
Manager/Supervisor
4-Year Degree
Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Design Arts, Architecture
Compensation is commensurate with experience; the amount provided in the job posting does not reflect the final compensation amount.
Description
Job Summary
The Creative Studio Manager is a strategic and hands-on leadership role responsible for overseeing the general studio operations of a high-output, multi-disciplinary visual artist whose practice is production and fabrication-intensive. This role bridges the creative and production processes—translating conceptual ideas into physical reality through a combination of R&D and prototyping, managing complex vendor relationships, supporting the development and execution of artworks—and the ideal candidate needs to be a creatively agile collaborator with strong prototyping and fabrication skills, complemented by a capacity to lead as a resourceful production manager.
Key Responsibilities
1. Creative Development & Prototyping
- Interpret creative briefs and conceptual prompts from the artist, generating renderings, mockups, material studies, and other treatments to support early-stage ideation.
- Collaborate with the artist to iterate on design directions, incorporating feedback and adapting creative strategies in real time.
- Produce visual and material prototypes that explore scale, texture, form, and fabrication feasibility.
- Utilize Adobe Creative Suite and generative AI tools to create visualizations, moodboards, and conceptual proposals.
- CAD, SketchUp, Rhino, or similar 3D modeling software knowledge is highly desirable; draughtsmanship and hand-sketching abilities are a strong plus.
- Organize and maintain an archive of digital and physical prototypes to track the evolution of creative projects.
- Stay abreast of new technologies, processes, and materials that could expand the studio's creative capabilities or production efficiency.
2. Vendor Sourcing & Management
- Identify, evaluate, and onboard a wide range of vendors, fabricators, and specialized collaborators across disciplines such as metalwork, woodworking, large-format printing, AV, 3D fabrication, and digital production.
- Lead vendor bidding processes, collecting estimates, negotiating terms, and ensuring competitive, quality-driven, and timeline-conscious results.
- Establish and manage project-specific budgets and schedules in close coordination with the artist and studio leadership.
- Develop detailed production timelines aligned with creative goals, ensuring all phases—from ideation and prototyping to final fabrication and installation—are efficiently managed.
- Maintain clear, consistent communication with vendors throughout all project phases; track progress, anticipate delays, and proactively implement solutions as needed.
- Oversee the installation and eventual deinstallation or archiving of artworks and materials, coordinating logistics, documentation, and post-project evaluation.
- Maintain a well-organized database of vendors, material specs, budgets, fabrication notes, and production histories for studio records and future reference.
3. Exhibition & Performance Support
- Serve as the primary logistical liaison between the artist’s studio and galleries, institutions, and curators to coordinate exhibition-related production.
- Coordinate and manage logistics for creative productions—rehearsals, photoshoots, recording sessions.
- Plan and manage timelines for artwork preparation, condition reporting, crating, transport, and on-site installation.
- Collaborate with fabricators, installers, art handlers, and registrars to ensure safe handling and presentation of works according to institutional and artist standards.
- Oversee the technical setup of multimedia or sculptural installations, troubleshooting in real time as needed.
- Ensure accurate documentation and archiving of works shown, including installation photography, packing records, and condition reports.
- Support exhibition openings, walkthroughs, and press previews as needed, representing the studio in a professional and informed manner.
Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in a similar role within a visual arts studio, design practice, or creative production environment.
- Demonstrated experience managing vendors and production workflows for complex, high-stakes creative projects.
- Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign); familiarity with generative AI tools for design and ideation is essential.
- Working knowledge of CAD/SketchUp or equivalent modeling/rendering software.
- Experience interpreting and producing technical drawings or 3D renderings.
- Strong organizational and time management skills, with a high level of attention to detail.
- Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills.
- Ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage shifting timelines and expectations in a fast-paced, creative environment.
- Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Design, Architecture, or a related field preferred.
- Experience supporting gallery or institutional exhibitions is a strong advantage.
How to apply
Applicants are strongly encouraged to include with their resumes portfolios (site links, PDF, or Keynote) representative of their work and suitability for the position.
Application Deadline
08/12/2025