Printmaker, Flexible (Make-Ready)

Job description

ABOUT MAKE-READY Make-Ready is dedicated to producing original prints of outstanding quality and has an altogether different approach on defining what a fine art print studio can be. We specialise in high-end silkscreen printing, producing stunning artworks for some of the world's most exciting contemporary artists. We’re a small team with really big ambitions, both for what we want to achieve and also the environment we’re building. We all work incredibly hard because we really care about what Make-Ready is here to do. We want to create a company that remains thoughtful as we scale and tries to be genuinely progressive in how we operate; we want people to really own what they do and create something meaningful. We’re looking for exceptional people who are proactive, hungry to learn, and put pride in our collective achievements. We are currently a team of 12 based in Tottenham, North London. This is a unique opportunity develop yourself within a team of highly skilled professionals working with one of the most technically versatile printing processes in the arts. About the role Job title: Printmaker — Flexible Shift Level: Level 1–2 Location: Make-Ready, London N18 1SW Contract type: Full-time, five days per week Working pattern: 40 hours per week, normally worked over five days. Shift start and finish times will vary according to production requirements and will be communicated in advance. This can include weekend work. Salary range: £34,000–£38,000 Manager: Founder & Master Printer, Thomas Murphy This is a hands-on production role within Make-Ready’s established printmaking team. The successful candidate will help increase the studio’s printing capacity by working across a flexible shift pattern, including periods outside the core team’s standard working hours. The role will initially be supported through structured training and close collaboration with the wider team. As their knowledge and experience develop, the Printmaker will be expected to work with increasing independence, taking responsibility for the quality, efficiency and delivery of assigned projects. We think the ideal candidate is Accountable and organised. You take responsibility for your work, check the details and meet agreed deadlines. When something may affect quality or delivery, you raise it early and help find a solution. Curious and practical. You enjoy understanding how an image becomes a physical print, ask thoughtful questions and apply what you learn. You respond constructively to feedback and are motivated to keep developing your technical skills. Reliable and flexible. You are punctual, prepared and comfortable working a five-day flexible shift pattern that includes weekends and may include early mornings or evenings. Calm and solutions-focused. You can manage priorities in a busy, hands-on studio without compromising quality, safety or organisation. You approach challenges with humility and know when to ask for support or escalate a decision. Collaborative and respectful. You communicate clearly, share knowledge and support colleagues across the studio. You understand that successful delivery depends on the whole production process, not only the task immediately in front of you. Ready to develop independence. You can learn Make-Ready’s studio practices quickly and build the judgement and confidence needed to work effectively outside the core team’s standard hours. Comfortable with physical studio work. You are prepared for a practical role involving prolonged periods of standing, manual handling and moving materials and equipment, with reasonable adjustments provided where required. Skills and experience We welcome candidates with different levels of professional printmaking experience. Depending on the appointed level, we are looking for some of the following: Practical experience of silkscreen printing in a professional, commercial, educational or edition-printing environment. Experience operating hand benches or semi-automatic silkscreen printing equipment. An understanding of registration, ink preparation, colour mixing, substrate handling, drying and curing and maintaining a clean and organised work space. A developing understanding of stencil making and pre-press processes. Strong attention to detail and the ability to identify inconsistencies in colour, registration and print quality. The ability to follow technical instructions, job sheets and established studio processes accurately. Good organisation, time management and communication skills. A willingness to learn new techniques, equipment and technologies. The ability to work safely and productively, both independently and as part of a wider team. Experience working in a physically active production environment is beneficial. Formal printmaking education is not essential. We are particularly interested in practical ability, attitude, reliability, problem-solving and the willingness to keep learning. Key roles & responsibilities 1. Printmaking Operate Make-Ready’s silkscreen printing equipment, including hand benches, semi-automatic presses and supporting equipment. Develop the technical judgement and independence required to work successfully outside the core team’s standard hours, with the objective of increasing the studio's production capacity Produce consistently high-quality printed output while working within established processes and under appropriate guidance. Prepare inks, materials, screens and equipment for assigned projects. Develop strong technical knowledge across registration, colour, ink behaviour, substrates, drying, curing and consistency. Follow job sheets, approved proofs and technical instructions accurately. Monitor print quality throughout production and identify potential issues before they lead to unnecessary waste, delays or rework. Clean, maintain and correctly store equipment, tools and materials. 2. Flexibility Planning, Handover and Communication Review assigned work, job sheets and project priorities at the beginning of each shift. Plan work carefully to make effective use of studio time, equipment and materials. Maintain clear handovers between printmakers. Keep production records and project information accurate and up to date. Communicate progress, blockers and changes promptly. Leave equipment, materials and work areas ready for the next person or shift. Recognise when a decision falls outside the role’s current level of authority and escalate it appropriately. 3. Proofing and Project Development Proof and develop projects assigned to you within agreed timelines. Translate creative direction and project information into practical printmaking decisions. Contribute to problem-solving by applying material knowledge, technical understanding and practical testing. Record relevant process information clearly so that successful results can be repeated during edition production. Communicate progress, decisions and risks clearly to relevant project stakeholders. Escalate technical, quality or scheduling concerns early, with possible solutions wherever appropriate. Remain open to feedback and iteration throughout the proofing process. 4. Edition Printing Graduate approved proofs into reliable and repeatable edition-printing processes. Produce editions to the agreed quality, quantity, budget and schedule. Prepare the press, materials and working area so that editions can be printed efficiently and consistently. Maintain accurate registration, colour and finish throughout each edition. Complete appropriate quality checks and production records. Identify and communicate any issue that could affect quality, output, cost or delivery. Work productively against agreed printing targets while protecting the quality of the final artwork. 5. Pre-press and Stencil Making Build and maintain an understanding of Make-Ready’s stencil-making and pre-press processes. Prepare, expose, develop, inspect and reclaim screens within established processes. Check screens before printing and identify issues that may affect registration or print quality. Work within the stencil department when required to support production priorities. Handle screens and materials carefully to reduce avoidable damage, remakes and delays. Treat screens as a precision tool. 6. Wider Studio Contribution Support areas of the production process beyond immediate printmaking tasks when priorities require it. Support the handling, checking, counting and movement of printed editions. Assist with artist signing sessions when required. Contribute to cleaning, maintenance, stock organisation and general studio readiness. Share useful insights and learnings from the print floor with the wider team and company. Participate in training, team meetings, studio improvements and occasional company or team events. Working Pattern and Flexibility We recognise that flexibility must be predictable and sustainable. The role is not intended to require permanent availability or frequent changes at short notice. We propose that the working pattern operates according to the following principles: A clear base pattern. Thursday–Monday will be the role’s normal working week, giving the employee two consistent rest days. Planned periods of Monday–Friday working. The employee may be required, on reasonable notice, to work Monday–Friday for defined periods where reasonably necessary for training, team collaboration or production requirements. Reasonable advance notice. Planned changes to the normal working pattern will be communicated at least two weeks in advance wherever possible. Protected working hours and rest. Any early, late or weekend working will be scheduled with appropriate rest periods and in line with the employee’s contracted hours. Fair recognition. The salary range includes an enhanced rate in recognition of the regular weekend and unsociable requirements associated with the role. The exact notice period, frequency of pattern changes and arrangements for any additional hours will be agreed with the People Team and confirmed in the employment contract. Benefits 37 days annual leave per year. This role will be required to work on UK bank holidays. Bank holidays are included within the 37-day annual leave entitlement, with the corresponding days taken as annual leave at another time during the year. Learning and development budget of €1,000 per year per employee. Generous equity allowance. Private healthcare option. Enhanced pension contributions and parental leave policies. Regular team and company-wide socials. Cycle to Work scheme. Art Loan Scheme. Recruitment process Initial video interview An introduction to your experience, interests and the role. Paid practical trial and team introduction An opportunity to work through relevant tasks and meet the studio team. Final interviews With Make-Ready’s founder and Master Printer and a number of Avant Arte’s senior leadership team. Subject to progression through previous stages of the hiring process. Candidates may not progress through every stage. An offer will be made to the successful candidate at the end of the process.