Become a Studio Artist

Overview

Studio Artists are young adults (ages 18-24) who are eager to launch their careers as creative professionals – a step up from seasonal employment as an ArtWorks Apprentice. Studio Artists work on several client-based projects during their 12-month employment at ArtWorks. Studio Artists are hired to work in one of the following disciplines:

  • Mural Studio (mural design and production)
  • Photo/Video Studio (photo and video production)
Studio Artists work an average of 12-15 hours a week on various project assignments, attend weekly team meetings, and career development sessions. Employment as a Studio Artist is meant to be a transformative journey of skill development, professional growth, and personal enrichment, preparing young adults for successful careers in the arts and beyond. Studio Artist wages start at $15.27 an hour.

Objectives

  • Acquire the skills and knowledge needed to successfully complete creative projects, including design and direction, execution, and best practices in production.
  • Develop expertise in client relationship management, including professional communication, project scope definition, pricing, and budget development.
  • Improve communication practices such as listening, feedback, oral, written, and non-verbal communication skills to enhance collaboration with colleagues, clients, and partners.
  • Become a proficient leader of creative projects, taking charge of project planning, delegation, and ensuring timely and successful results.
  • Create a polished and professional portfolio showcasing your work and progress, ready for presentation to potential clients and employers.
  • Increase the number of mentors and professional contacts within the creative field, offering a broader support network for guidance and advice.
  • Develop a clear career map with defined next steps and objectives, providing a roadmap for future professional success.

Employment Commitment

  • Year-long commitment divided into three trimesters:
    • Spring (January – May)
    • Summer (June – August)
    • Fall (September – December).
  • Variable schedule, an average of 12-15 hours per week. Studio Artists must set availability within this range at the start of each trimester.
  • Mandatory attendance at team meetings and career development sessions on Fridays between 9am-1pm (Spring and Fall) and Wednesdays between 2-6pm (Summer).

Mural Studio Curriculum

Mural Studio Artist Employment includes a structured mural production and project management curriculum covering all aspects from initial communication to project completion. Curriculum modules include, but are not limited to:

Introduction to Mural Making: Learn and apply the basics of painting and mural thinking, including color mixing, filtering, and brush cleaning.
Mural Making: Learn different brush strokes, recognizing layers, and planning a mural.
Design: Learn and apply what makes a great mural design, and how color creates depth, movement, and hierarchy.

Back End of Mural Making: Learn how to organize artistic projects, understand budgets, client communications, and lead a project with best practices.

Photo/Video Studio Curriculum

Photo/Video Studio Studio Artist Employment includes a structured photo/video production and project management curriculum covering all aspects from initial communication to project completion. Curriculum modules include, but are not limited to:

Introduction to Photo and Video: Learn and apply the basics of camera operation, lighting, shot composition, editing, and visual storytelling.
Creative Direction: Learn how to develop creative concepts and visual styles, collaborate with a team, and shape the vision to present to clients.
Shoot Production: Conduct studio and on-location shoots for clients, including  portrait, product, and event photography, as well as narrative filmmaking.
Back End of Photo and Video: Learn how to organize creative projects, understand budgets, communicate with clients, and lead a project with best practices.

 

Career Development Sessions

Studio Artist Employment (Mural Studio Artists and Photo/Video Studio Artists) includes topical career development workshops and lessons, including, but not limited to:

  1. Professional Communication
  2. Self-Directed Working
  3. Mental Health
  4. Financial Literacy
  5. Public Speaking
  6. Project Management 101 or Project Management 201
  7. Client Management 101 or Client Management 201
  8. Finding Opportunities
  9. Networking
  10. Portfolio 101 or Portfolio 201
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