Creative Studio Manager

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.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to include with their resumes portfolios (site links, PDF, or Keynote) representative of their work and suitability for the position.

08/28/2025