Summer Ceramics Studio Assistant
Closing Date of Opportunity: May 12, 2025
Name or Organization: Mao Projects
Contact Email: maomaoprojects@gmail.com
Website: https://www.maoprojects.com/pages/job-call
Post Content: Summer Ceramics Studio Assistant
(Content & Visual or Production Track)
Mao Projects – Calgary, Alberta
📍 In-person position only
📅 Start Date: Late May 2024
🕒 Term: 8–10 weeks, 30 hours/week
🎯 Application Deadline: May 12, 2025
☀️ Supported by Canada Summer Jobs 2024
🏠 About Mao Projects
Mao Projects is a multi-award-winning ceramic and art studio based in Calgary, Canada. Founded by two practicing artists, Mao and Chris, the studio blends traditional handcraft with the whimsical charm of East Asian pop aesthetics. We create functional and sculptural ceramic pieces, and participate in gallery exhibitions, artist residencies, public art projects, and anime conventions.
We're currently hiring two Summer Assistants through the Canada Summer Jobs program. If you're creative, detail-oriented, and eager to gain experience in a professional art studio, this is for you!
✨ We’re hiring for two focus areas. Choose one or both when applying:
🔹 Track A: Content & Studio Assistant
(50% Content Creation / 50% Studio Support)
This hybrid position is perfect for someone with a photography or visual media background who also enjoys working with their hands. You’ll help create short-form content for social media, assist with daily studio work, and contribute to documenting the creative process.
Key Responsibilities:
Photograph ceramic works and studio process for Instagram, Reels, and TikTok
Edit and style content using tools like Lightroom, Photoshop, CapCut, etc.
Help with hand-building, glazing, and light production
Run occasional studio errands
Support packing, organizing, and studio upkeep
Preferred Skills:
Background in photography, visual art, or content creation
Strong visual taste and attention to detail
At least one year of ceramics experience
Comfortable working with either a DSLR or phone camera
Organized, independent, and collaborative
🔹 Track B: Ceramics Production Assistant
(Production-Focused Role)
This hands-on position is ideal for a current or former ceramics major/minor who wants to deepen their production experience. You’ll support the studio’s functional ceramic line through casting, hand-building, and glaze work.
Key Responsibilities:
Slip casting and hand-building production wares
Glaze mixing and application
Studio maintenance and cleaning
Order packing with precision and care
Kiln support (loading/unloading)
Preferred Skills:
Minimum one year of experience in ceramics (required)
Strong hand-building skills; slip casting experience is a plus
Ceramics major/minor preferred
Organized, fast-working, and attentive to quality
✅ Canada Summer Jobs Eligibility
To be eligible, you must:
Be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of employment
Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
Have a valid SIN and be legally entitled to work in Alberta
International students are not eligible, as they do not meet the citizenship or residency requirements.
🐾 Perks of Working with Mao & Chris
Mentorship from two award-winning artists who exhibit internationally
Studio cats for emotional support and quality control 🐱
Creative and affirming environment that values neurodiversity and individuality
Build your portfolio with content, documentation, and ceramic pieces
Exposure to public art projects, design fairs, and grant-funded creative production
Potential for ongoing freelance or part-time collaboration
📬 How to Apply
We are accepting applications through a Google Form. You’ll be asked to:
Select your preferred track (Content, Production, or open to either)
Share links to your work (Instagram, Website, Google Drive, etc.)
Optionally share any TikTok/Reels/content examples you’ve made
Answer a few questions about your experience and interest
🗓️ Deadline: May 12, 2024 (11:59 PM MST)
Only applicants who submit before the deadline will be considered.