Studio Assistant / Art Fabrication InternAt — Specter Studio LLC
Specter Studio LLC is offering a hands-on internship opportunity within a collaborative art and fabrication studio environment. Interns will work alongside professional artists, as well as graphic designers, carpenters, and fabricators engaged in contemporary art production and large-scale fabrication projects.
This internship is ideal for someone interested in contemporary art, material processes, fabrication, design, and learning through direct studio experience.
Responsibilities include:
- Assisting with assembly and art fabrication projects
- Supporting general shop work, including hammering, construction, and material preparation
- Learning fabrication techniques and developing an eye for detail, proportion, and spatial coordination
- Assisting with patina applications and surface finishing processes
- Participating in design development, problem-solving, and collaborative production workflows
- Working with artists, fabricators, carpenters, and designers across a variety of studio projects
- Maintaining an organized and safe workshop/studio environment
Prior experience is not required, though comfort with physical work, curiosity, attentiveness, and a willingness to learn are highly valued. We are looking for someone reliable, engaged, and excited to contribute to a collaborative studio environment. An artistic background is encouraged.
Tasks:
--Assist in art fabrication and assembly across a range of projects
--Prepare materials for production using hand tools (e.g., hammering, cutting, sanding)
--Support the building and finishing of large-scale artworks from start to completion
--Follow design direction and help translate visual concepts into physical fabrication tasks
--Assist with surface finishing processes, including cleaning, smoothing, and patina applications
--Help organize, stage, and move materials and artworks within the studio
--Maintain a clean, safe, and organized workshop environment
--Work closely with the studio manager to prioritize tasks and ensure quality standards are met
--Participate in collaborative problem-solving during fabrication and installation processes
--Learn and follow proper studio safety procedures and tool usage protocols
Training:
Interns will be guided in how to translate design direction into aesthetic decisions and fabrication support. Training includes hands-on experience using basic shop tools—such as hammers—to prep, shape, and assemble materials safely and effectively.
A major part of the role involves assisting in the finishing stages of large-scale artworks, helping bring pieces to completion through surface work, assembly, detailing, and final production support. The goal is to build technical skill, attention to detail, and an understanding of how complex artworks are produced from start to finish within a professional studio environment.
Interns will work closely with the studio manager throughout the training process, receiving hands-on guidance and clear direction on what to prioritize at each stage of production. The studio manager will help ensure that work aligns with project goals, maintaining high standards of quality, precision, and consistency.
Through this close supervision, interns will learn how to identify what matters most in each task, develop strong work habits, and build an understanding of professional studio workflows. Feedback will be ongoing, allowing interns to refine their skills and grow confidence in both technical execution and attention to detail while contributing to large-scale art projects.
Please refer to Tuan Andrew Nguyen's sculptural work.
Learning Outcomes:
-- Hands-on experience within a professional contemporary art studio
--Exposure to fabrication methods, tools, and material experimentation
--Insight into collaborative creative production and large-scale installation processes
--Opportunities to strengthen technical, conceptual, and problem-solving skills
--Experience working across disciplines including sculpture, design, fabrication, and installation