Creative Studio Assistant
Job Role: Creative Studio Assistant
Studio: Dan Tobin Smith Studio / Optical Arts
Reports to: Dan Tobin Smith
Location: London (studio-based), Full time (4 days a week can be considered)
Salary: Commensurate with experience
About Dan Tobin Smith and Optical Arts
Dan Tobin Smith has over 20 years of experience as a photographer and director specialising in still life and installation photography. His work has been commissioned by clients across fashion, music, publishing and advertising — from Alexander McQueen, Jay Z, Craig Green, Acne and Numéro, to Absolut, Apple, Rimowa, Nike and Louis Vuitton. In 2020, Dan founded the creative studio Optical Arts. Optical Arts produce film, photography, animation and design, drawing on years of expertise to partner with brands, agencies and collaborators to build unique visual stories.
About the Role
We’re looking for an energetic, design-focused Creative Studio Assistant to join a small, close-knit team across Dan Tobin Smith Studio and Optical Arts. This is an integral role with responsibilities spanning all stages of production, plus ownership of the studio’s visual presence online and across social channels. You’ll work closely with Dan and the wider team, so this role suits someone who’s proactive, organised and genuinely excited by image-making, design and production. The ideal candidate has a strong creative vision, a keen eye for detail, and excellent design skills alongside the practical, hands-on attitude needed to help run a busy studio day to day.
Creative Responsibilities
- Research, write and design pitches, project concepts and creative decks – experience with ReadyMag would be a plus
- Organise and maintain the studio’s archive of past work
- Manage the studio’s social media channels, including content planning, posting and engagement
- Manage and update the studio website
- Research relevant awards and oversee submissions
- Assist with concept development and set design for shoots
- Support the marketing and promotion of the studio more broadly
- Behind the scenes photography / videography on shoots
- Lighting Second Assistant
- Assisting the Studio Assistant with packdown
- Production assisting / Running on shoot days
- Video editing, graphic design and motion graphics for titles, online marketing, job advertisements
- Updating Showreel for agents / reps
Studio Responsibilities
- Weekly stock take and grocery deliveries
- Ordering stationery and studio supplies
- Watering the plants
- Checking and distributing the mail
- Making purchases and errands for the team as needed
- Keeping track of and renewing studio subscriptions
- Overseeing and managing travel arrangements.
What You’ll Bring
- A strong creative eye and genuine interest in still life, installation and set-based image-making
- Excellent design skills (proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite; InDesign, Photoshop, etc.)
- Strong writing skills, particularly for pitches, proposals and concept development
- Confidence managing social media and basic website content (Squarespace, WordPress or similar)
- Excellent organisational skills and close attention to detail
- A collaborative, hands-on attitude and willingness to help wherever the studio needs it
- Comfort balancing creative work with day-to-day studio admin and errands
What We Offer
- A genuinely creative, collaborative studio environment working closely with an established photographer and director
- Hands-on experience across every stage of production, from concept to final delivery
- Use of the studio and equipment for your own personal projects when they’re not in use for client work. We actively encourage you to develop your own practice
- The chance to learn from and work alongside a wider team of experienced collaborators
To apply, please send your CV and portfolio to [email protected] with “Creative Studio Assistant” in the subject line.