Printmaker, Flexible (Make-Ready)

About this role

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…