Artworker (Make-Ready) in London

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 to develop yourself within a team of highly skilled professionals working with one of the most technically versatile printing processes in the arts. You will be based at the studio Monday-Friday.

You will prepare and develop artwork for Make-Ready and Avant Arte’s silkscreen and digital print editions. Reporting to the Senior Artworker, you will work closely with the printmaking team to turn supplied artwork into workable files, colour separations, film positives and digital samples for proofing and production to Make-Ready's standards.

You will be expected to manage your priorities and work with the Senior Artworker and Master Printer on your technical development. You will take ownership of assigned tasks, building independence as your skills develop and recognising when to ask for guidance.

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 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 respond constructively to feedback.
• Reliable and collaborative: You are punctual, communicate clearly and work well in a busy studio, supporting the successful delivery of the whole project.

Skills and experience:

• Confident using Adobe Photoshop, with experience preparing and adjusting image files. Familiarity with Adobe Illustrator and InDesign is desirable.
• A good eye for colour and detail, with an understanding of resolution, image dimensions, layers and colour profiles. Able to keep files organised and manage revisions accurately.
• Experience in artworking, pre-press, digital print or a related field. Silkscreen colour separation, RIP software and large-format inkjet experience are desirable but not 100% necessary; highly specialist processes can be developed through training with Senior Artworker and Master Printer.

Key roles & responsibilities:

• Artworking and colour separation: Prepare artwork for silkscreen and digital editions under Senior Artworker and Master Printer’s direction, including image adjustments, sizing, colour separations. Follow agreed specifications and prepare clearly labelled files for proofing and production.
• Proof development: Work with the printmakers to develop proofs, explore practical options and respond to feedback, both internal and from the artist. Make controlled adjustments to colour, tone and separations, recording changes so the team can compare versions and reproduce agreed results.
• Film positives and digital output: Prepare and output film positives, digital samples and assigned digital prints using the studio’s equipment and approved workflows. Check scale, quality and registration before release, and flag and rectify inconsistencies promptly.
• File checks and quality control: Check supplied files against project requirements, including dimensions, resolution and suitability for the intended process. Complete agreed checks at key stages, raise missing information or technical concerns with the Senior Artworker, and ensure the correct approved version is used for production.
• Project information and communication: Keep job sheets, artwork files and revision records accurate and up to date. Share clear information with the printmakers and relevant project colleagues so that specifications, changes and next steps are understood. Lead kick offs for assigned projects.
• Planning and delivery: Work to the priorities and timelines agreed in the schedule. Send updates of progress, workload and any risks to delivery. Being fully accountable for completing assigned work and seeking guidance when a decision falls outside your experience or agreed scope.
• Print knowledge and efficient working: Develop your understanding of silkscreen and fine art digital printing, materials and studio capabilities. Follow established processes and suggest practical improvements that reduce errors and rework.
• Equipment and studio contribution: Carry out routine checks, cleaning and maintenance of artworking and digital output equipment. Report faults promptly, maintain an organised workspace and support wider studio tasks when required. Finally, be constantly curious about the process and always seek to push what is possible within a day, not just hit existing rate limits.
• Values and working relationships: Contribute to an open, respectful and collaborative studio. Cherish feedback, share useful learning and approach challenges with honesty and initiative through professional channels. Understand how your work and presence contributes to delivering editions on time and on budget.

Benefits:

• 25 days of holiday plus UK bank holidays, King’s Day (Netherlands public holiday) and office closure over the New Year break.
• 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.

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 artworking 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.