Art and Craft Studio Assistant Job Description

What a good one includes

• Clearly define the physical expectations, such as lifting heavy clay bodies, stretching large canvases, or handling toxic fumes and specialized machinery.
• Detail the exact housekeeping expectations, from washing silk screens to sweeping up glaze dust, to ensure safety and order are maintained.
• Specify if the assistant will pack fragile handmade goods, track raw material supplies, or manage shipping logistics.
• State whether the role is a teaching-focused apprenticeship for a novice or requires an experienced maker who can work unsupervised with dangerous tools.
• Describe the studio conditions honestly, noting if they will be standing for long hours, working in unheated spaces, or exposed to high-heat kilns.
• Outline how you will communicate daily tasks, whether through digital project boards or direct morning huddles.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Calling the role an apprenticeship when it is actually unpaid labor for repetitive packing tasks misleads eager creatives and leads to high turnover.
• Failing to mention heavy lifting, repetitive hand strain, or exposure to allergens like clay dust or paint fumes can lead to quick departures or injury.
• Clumping administrative, physical, and digital marketing tasks into one low-paying role dilutes focus and attracts unqualified candidates.
• Neglecting to clarify upfront whether assistants can use your equipment for their personal work or if they must sign non-compete agreements causes friction down the road.

Frequently asked questions