RETOUCHER
Established in 2012, APPARATUS is a New York-based design studio that explores the relationship of lighting, furniture and objects in immersive environments, threading the historical and the cultural through a modern lens.
APPARATUS is seeking an experienced, Retoucher to join our Art Department in a new phase of brand growth. This role provides the opportunity to work collaboratively, explore the visual and narrative, execute from concept to completion, a broad scope of work with which to communicate the APPARATUS ethos across all channels and touchpoints.
In addition to substantive professional experience in digital imaging, retouching and archiving, the ideal Retoucher has an education in the arts and a passion for contemporary culture, design and fashion that provides a wellspring of creative reference points. A natural confidence in self-expression, written and verbal communication is essential to collaborate and bring inspiration to the ever-evolving team.
At APPARATUS, the balance of imagination and initiative is supreme. The Art Department is led by the SVP Creative and managed by the Director of Art Department. Art Department initiatives and deliverables are informed through close collaboration with both Sales and Brand Departments.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Custodian of the full body of Apparatus digital art and photographic works, the Photography Editor is responsible for upholding the highest brand standards when finishing, delivering and archiving assets.
- Full-ownership over post-production workflow, initiate and coordinate alignment with creative stakeholders to deliver within tight timelines.
- Initiate, manage and execute the editing, retouching and delivery of all brand photography.
- Deliver high-level work and assets aligned with Sales and Marketing objectives and calendar.
- Critically engage with the department’s creative process, planning and workflow, proactively anticipating timelines and aligning on processes.
- Liaise with the Art Director and Photographer in the planning of new shoots, identifying and aligning on post-production needs, that may impact shot count and schedule.
- Identify opportunities for creative development and deployment including ongoing review of website and evolving communication channels to ensure consistent artwork quality.
- Monitor, manage and deliver cross-functional and third-party asset requests.
- Manage and maintain Apparatus artwork archive to ensure image and video assets are consistently filed, archive is kept up to date and assets are accessible.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in art, digital imaging, photography, or similar discipline.
- 5+ years retouching professionally within the interior design, agency, luxury or fashion sector.
- Strong portfolio showcasing elevated digital imaging and retouching.
- Mastery of still life and on-figure retouching and color correction.
- Career-minded and self-motivated, a team player who is dedicated to collaborate and communicate with a high-standard of professionalism.
- Highly organized, detail oriented, and punctual.
- Experience gaining consensus among a diverse group of stakeholders.
- Critical thinker who can anticipate roadblocks and proactively address issues.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively; ability to drive for results.
- Excellent time-management skills and ability to deliver within tight timelines.
- Strong creative POV with an understanding of brand standards and business objectives.
- Solid understanding of evolving social media platforms is imperative.
- Mastery of Adobe Photoshop, Bridge and Capture One.
- Skills and knowledge of Photography, Fine Art, Illustration, Decorative Arts and a curiosity toward new digital and analog mediums is a bonus.
WORK SCHEDULE
- Full-time studio hours: Monday–Friday generally 10:00AM–6:00PM.
- Longer hours and weekend availability as needed.
PERFORMANCE REVIEW AND CHECK-INS SCHEDULE
- Weekly check-ins.
- Annual performance review.
Salary from $80,000
This is a full-time position with competitive compensation and benefits. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Position is based in our New York studio. Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
What We Do
APPARATUS is a New York based interdisciplinary design studio that explores the relationship of lighting, furniture and objects in their environments. Predicated on the modernist principle of gesamtkunstwerk, or total work of art, fully articulated collections reveal individual pieces as artifacts of a holistic world - each referencing the historical and cultural mood summoned by a singular vision.
Founded in 2012, APPARATUS is led by Artistic Director, Gabriel Hendifar and operates galleries in New York and Los Angeles that communicate the studio’s singular design ethos.
“I approach the work of the studio with the belief that objects are accessories to the human experience and enrich the way we live. My aim is to create work that leaves an emotional imprint, drawing on the language of seduction and sensuality to leave you with the desire to touch.”
- Gabriel Hendifar
APPARATUS creates each piece with a devotion to the rigor of small studio craftsmanship, centering the importance of the human hand in lending soul to an object. Sensual materials such as marble, suede, horsehair, lacquer and porcelain are combined with hand-patinated brass in the studio’s dedicated New York factory to create it’s distinctive catalog. Underpinning every piece, whether it be a light fixture or a chair, is a deft balance between mechanization and the hand-made, striving equally for the contradictions of perfection and the beautiful irregularity of humanity.
