Studio Assistant (Part-Time)
Location: The Island Tattoo Studio, Edinburgh
Applications open now (Closing Date: end of 23 August 2025)

The Island is a private, top-floor tattoo studio in Edinburgh, designed with biophilic principles to create a peaceful, plant-filled space that feels more like a spa than a traditional studio. We’re home to a group of resident artists and host internationally recognised guest artists – as well as clients who travel from across the world to be tattooed here.

We’re looking for a studio assistant to support the day-to-day running of the space and help take care of the artists, clients, and overall studio environment. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys taking responsibility to ensure everything runs smoothly – the kind of person who notices what needs doing before anyone else does. Think of it as being the maître d’ of The Island – someone warm, reliable and organised, who is the social ‘glue’ of the studio, keeps the energy flowing, and makes sure everyone feels looked after.

This is a part-time role based primarily in the studio, with occasional support at events.

Responsibilities include:

• Welcoming clients and helping them feel at ease in the studio

• Keeping the space clean, tidy and beautifully presented

• Preparing the studio each morning and helping with general upkeep throughout the day

• Maintaining and ordering stock of tattoo and studio supplies

• Assisting with admin, organisation and logistics when needed

• Supporting the planning and running of occasional events (e.g. flash days or pop-ups)

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has a friendly and approachable attitude

• Is reliable, organised and good at taking initiative

• Is not easily overwhelmed by a busy environment and can stay on top of details

• Works well independently and as part of a small creative team

• Understands and respects tattoo culture and studio etiquette

Experience in a similar customer-facing, creative, or studio environment is a bonus — but most important is the ability to support the smooth running of the studio and work well with a diverse team.

Important notes:

• This role is not a route into tattooing or a tattoo apprenticeship, and we won’t consider applications from those applying with that intention.

• The role is part-time (20-25 hours per week). Shifts will always begin in the morning from about 09:00. This will include Saturdays. Specific working patterns to be agreed mutually.

• Pay is £13.50 per hour.

• Expected start: September 2025.

To apply:

Please email hello@theisland.studio with the following:

• A cover letter (as a PDF or .doc file) introducing yourself – tell us a bit about who you are, what inspires you, and why you’d like to work at The Island.

• Your CV, including any relevant experience.

We're looking for an artist to join our friendly, close-knit team at our plant-filled studio by The Shore in Edinburgh.

At The Island we host artists who have, or who are developing, their own distinctive style. Or, to put it another way, we want to be a home for people who are artists first (some of our current artists are also involved in other mediums, which we think makes for a great creative atmosphere) rather than tattooing just being ‘a job’.

Soon we will have the opportunity for someone to join the team 3 days per week, paying the studio a standard percentage (after a probationary period, there will be an option to pay a fixed monthly rent, by agreement with the studio).

All disposables are provided and are as eco-friendly as possible. The studio has a dedicated photography area, drawing space, multiple printers and tea/coffee facilities. At The Island we also host occasional workshops and events which all the artists can join (previously, these have included a tattoo retreat in the Highlands, and a professional photography workshop).

Who we’re looking for:

• 2+ years experience tattooing (at least 1 year in a credible tattoo studio)

• A distinctive style

• High professional standards

• Willingness to be part of a fun creative team – this is not a position for someone who just wants to clock in and clock out

To apply please email hello@theisland.studio with the following:

1. A cover letter (attached as a .doc or .pdf file) telling us more about yourself; your inspirations and ambitions; why you would like to work at The Island; and where you see your creative direction going.

2. A portfolio of your current tattoo work. This can be your Instagram, website, or a PDF portfolio.

3. A portfolio of how you see you work developing. This can be drawings, mock-ups, inspiration images, etc. We would like to see the direction you want to steer your artistic career towards – even if it is quite different from your current work.