Studio Generalist – Fine Arts & Fabrication Freelance / Project-Based

Studio Generalist – Fine Arts & Fabrication

Freelance / Project-Based Studio Collaborator
Location: Manhattan, New York
Position Type: Freelance • Contract • Project-Based • On-Call
Compensation: Starting at $25.00 per hour, with opportunities for higher compensation based on experience, skill set, and project responsibilities.

About Novo Arts

Novo Arts is a fine art consulting and fabrication studio with nearly 50 years of experience creating custom artwork, architectural features, murals, sculptures, installations, and specialty fabrication for corporate, hospitality, healthcare, residential, and institutional environments.
Every project we undertake is unique. Our work combines traditional fine arts with fabrication, woodworking, digital production, logistics, and installation. Because of this, we don't separate our team into narrow specialties—we value versatile creative professionals who enjoy solving problems and contributing wherever they're needed.

The Opportunity

We're looking for an experienced Studio Generalist—someone with a broad range of artistic, technical, and practical skills who enjoys the variety that comes with working in a professional art studio.
This position begins as a freelance, project-based opportunity. Some weeks may require several consecutive days of work, while others may have no work scheduled. We're looking to build a long-term relationship with someone we can rely on as projects arise.
For the right individual, there is potential for increased responsibility and a long-term role within the studio.

Who You Are

You're the type of person who doesn't like being confined to a single job description.
You're equally comfortable discussing art history, building a custom panel, preparing digital artwork for production, helping organize an installation, or solving an unexpected problem in the studio.
You appreciate craftsmanship, enjoy learning, and understand that every project presents a new challenge.
Most importantly, you have a genuine passion for art and take pride in producing work of exceptional quality.

Qualifications

Ideal candidates will possess many of the following:
*Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Fine Arts, Studio Arts, Design, or a related field
*Strong foundation in drawing, painting, composition, color theory, and art history
*Professional experience in an art studio, fabrication shop, museum, gallery, or related creative environment
*Working knowledge of woodworking, carpentry, or custom fabrication
*Comfortable using hand and power tools
*Experience with canvas stretching, panel construction, framing, or custom fabrication
*Graphic design experience using Adobe Creative Suite is highly desirable
*Experience preparing artwork for print or production
*Experience packing, crating, and handling fine artwork
*Installation experience is a plus
*Strong organizational and communication skills
*Valid driver's license required

Responsibilities

Responsibilities will vary from project to project and may include:
*Fine art fabrication
*Painting and finishing
*Building stretchers, panels, crates, and custom display elements
*Woodworking and fabrication
*Graphic design and production support
*Preparing artwork for printing and framing
*Packing and shipping artwork
*Receiving materials and maintaining inventory
*Assisting with artwork installations
*Coordinating deliveries and project logistics
*Supporting administrative and production tasks
*Maintaining a clean, organized, and efficient studio
No two days are exactly alike

The Right Person

The right person for this role is someone who naturally does the following:
*Notices problems before being asked and takes the initiative to solve them.
*Takes ownership of a project and follows it through without needing constant supervision.
*Switches comfortably between physical fabrication, computer work, and administrative tasks throughout the day.
*Enjoys learning unfamiliar techniques and isn't intimidated by work they've never done before.
*Produces work they are proud to sign their name to, rather than settling for "good enough."
*Maintains an organized workspace because they know efficiency begins with organization.
*Thinks ahead by anticipating the next step instead of waiting for instructions.
*Communicates clearly when they need help, encounter a problem, or discover a better solution.
*Treats every project—whether it's building a shipping crate or installing artwork in a corporate headquarters—with the same level of care and professionalism.
*Appreciates constructive feedback and uses it to improve rather than taking it personally.
*Can shift priorities quickly when deadlines change without becoming flustered.
*Understands that in a small studio, everyone contributes w