Digital & Finishing Assistant / Technician

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 and digital printing through Avant Arte; a curated marketplace that makes discovering and collecting art radically more accessible for a new generation.

Our team of passionate experts collaborate with leading contemporary artists from across the globe to create bespoke limited-edition artworks to browse and collect. We began as a cult blog of contemporary artists and since 2015 we've grown our community to over 3.3 million strong across more than 100 countries. We're proud to collaborate with leading contemporary artists to create limited edition works - from on paper NFTs to hand-finished silkscreen prints.

OUR CULTURE
Our team has 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 know that creating an inclusive environment that promotes and values diversity is critical if we want to build something with impact and meaning. We believe that having diversity in age, background, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity, and perspective will make us an infinitely better company. In 2022, we were shortlisted for Women in Tech’s Best Employer - Small Company and Best Benefits.

Make-Ready is currently a team of 13 based in Tottenham, North London. This is a unique opportunity to join a team of skilled professionals working with one of the most technically versatile printing processes in the art industry producing bespoke works for some of the world’s most exciting contemporary artists.

WHAT WE NEED

We’re looking for a Digital & Finishing technician to meet our increasing growth requirements on a regular weekend shift. We really do encourage everyone to proactively step outside of their job description if they see something that could be improved but the core of your role will involve:

Fine Art Digital Print Fundamentals:

• Develop a fundamental understanding and confident operation of the digital printing processes and workflow for high-level fine art printing, for both UV Flatbed, Inkjet and hybrid Silk Screen printing.

• Competent use of digital print software including texture printing buildup (Prisma) and RIP software (ONYX), including problem solving common issues.

• Enable the logical workflow of project assets through the digital department, and demonstrate expertise in material set-up to maximise output.

• Maintains the Digital Print Area and keeps the equipment and working environment in great condition.

• Pre & post production preparation of physical media and setup for digital print production as required, with training provided.

Finishing and QC

• You will be part of a team responsible for QC’ing and finishing fine art digital and silkscreen prints to the highest of museum, gallery and Make-Ready standards.

• Finishing embellishment may include, but are not limited to application of gold leaf, glitter, and diamond dust

• You will be expected to handle, finish and pack original and edition artworks with care and professionalism, using archival techniques and industry good practice, including packing sample, proofs and editions for safe international shipping

• Supporting in-house artist signing processes where required to facilitate efficient workflows to maximise the artist’s experience.

• Safe operation for the Guillotine to Make-Ready trimming requirements, with responsibility for the daily upkeep and organisation of this area of the studio.

• Post-production preparation of paper and other media. You will be working with all types of fine art and reprographic media and materials, both small and large format.

• Use of forklift (training and licence provided) for accessing our bulk paper store.

Project Delivery

• Support the delivery of multiple production workflow priorities to meet ambitious deadlines. Prioritise tasks in an organised and effective way to fulfil requests accurately and meet deadlines without cutting corners.

• Work collaboratively with M-R Project Leads and Screenprinting departments to deliver a world-class product and service.

• Internal and external communication is clear, concise and professional. Regular updates provided to all relevant stakeholders on project progress and next steps, including output reporting and schedule updates.

Continuous Improvement

• Improve and maintain standard operating procedures for the Digital print and colour management workflow.

• Constantly improve technique, process knowledge and skills with a strong focus on lean practices.

• Acts with initiative in their decision-making. Explores different options and often gets to successful outcomes, and shares learnings with the wider team to increase collective knowledge.

The main skills we’re looking for are:

• Excellent team collaboration and communication

• Paper or art-handling experience, such as hand-trimming, deckling paper

• Familiarity or knowledge of large-format digital printing processes and supporting software e.g. commercial printing, point of sale graphics

• If not current qualified, training and certification for operating a forklift and guillotine will be covered

We think you’ll probably have:

• On-site availability for an ongoing preferred Friday-Monday or Thursday-Sunday shift (open to discuss)

• A strong work ethic, with the ability to prioritise and deliver output to deadlines

• Great problem solving abilities, takes initiative and escalates appropriately

• Keen eye for detail

• Good level of fitness for physical tasks

Don’t meet every single requirement? Avant Arte is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic team so we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• You’ll get to be part of building one of the fastest growing tech companies in culture, backed by early investors in companies like Skype, Farfetch, Glossier and Facebook.

• Generous equity allowance

• Private Healthcare (UK)

• Enhanced pension contributions and parental leave policies

• 20 days of holiday plus four extra company wide days on Kings Day (national holiday in the Netherlands which falls in April) and December Holiday Break (3 days)

• L&D budget of €1000 per year pro rated to 4 days per week to support your growth and development

• Regular company socials