Freelance Artist – Therapeutic Art Commissions

University of the Arts London; Greater London; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Heal Grow Thrive is seeking a freelance artist to translate an individual’s therapeutic journey into original artwork. Working from a psychotherapist-created brief, you’ll transform experiences, memories and imagery into visuals while collaborating closely with the therapist.

Main tasks include developing artwork from briefs, creating sketches, and completing finished pieces using drawing, painting or mixed media within agreed timeframes and budgets.

Qualifications

• Strong drawing and/or painting skills with a portfolio.
• Ability to translate a therapeutic brief into visual artwork.
• Comfortable working with personal and emotionally meaningful material.

Responsibilities

• Develop artwork from a creative brief and reference images.
• Create initial sketches and explore visual concepts.
• Use drawing, painting or mixed media to finish artworks.
• Incorporate symbolic imagery from the brief and feedback.
• Complete commissions within agreed timeframes and budgets.

Skills

Drawing

Painting

Portfolio development

Visual storytelling

Creative interpretation

Collaboration

Reliability

Job description

Freelance Artist – Therapeutic Art Commissions

Salary £15–£20 per hour, depending on experience and the requirements of each commission. Fees will be agreed with the artist before each project begins.

Hours Ad-hoc freelance work. Hours vary depending on the individual commission. The scope, estimated hours and completion timeframe will be discussed and agreed before each project begins. Work can be completed flexibly around the artist’s studies or other commitments.

Location primarily remote, with occasional in-person meetings in London if mutually agreed.

Heal Grow Thrive is a psychotherapy and wellbeing practice exploring the connection between therapy, creativity and art.

We are looking for a freelance artist to work on occasional bespoke art commissions inspired by an individual’s therapeutic journey. Working from a creative brief developed by the psychotherapist, the artist will translate personal experiences, emotions, memories and meaningful imagery into an original piece of artwork.

Main activities will include:

• Developing artwork from a supplied creative brief, reference images and ideas.
• Creating initial sketches and exploring different ways of bringing the concept together visually.
• Using drawing, painting and/or mixed media to create original finished artwork.
• Incorporating symbolic imagery, places, objects and other meaningful elements into the composition.
• Working collaboratively with the psychotherapist to refine the artwork while maintaining artistic creativity.
• Making reasonable amendments following discussion and feedback.
• Completing each commission within an agreed timeframe and budget.

The work will be offered on an ad-hoc freelance basis, with the scope, fee and timescale agreed before each commission begins.

Skills and Experience Required

We are looking for an artist who can combine strong artistic skills with sensitivity, imagination and an ability to translate personal stories and emotions into visual artwork.

Applicants should:

• Have strong drawing and/or painting skills, supported by a portfolio of work.
• Be able to work from photographs, reference images and a creative brief while bringing their own artistic interpretation to the piece.
• Have a good understanding of composition, colour, light, texture and atmosphere.
• Be able to communicate emotion, memory and narrative through visual imagery.
• Be comfortable combining different elements, symbols and experiences into one coherent artwork.
• Be open to collaboration, discussion and feedback as the artwork develops.
• Be sensitive and respectful when working with personal and emotionally meaningful material.
• Be reliable and able to complete commissioned work within an agreed timeframe.

Experience in fine art, painting, illustration or mixed media would be particularly relevant. Current students, recent graduates and emerging artists with a strong portfolio are encouraged to apply.

Previous experience within therapy or mental health is not required. Guidance around the therapeutic context and meaning of the artwork will be provided.

Disability Confident Employer

We can confirm that we are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 1-3) who can welcome a wide-range of disabled applicants within our level of training.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, regardless of their race, disability, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and belief, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity and caring responsibility. We are committed to offering a working environment where everyone is valued and feels appreciated.