Two Retouching jobs in NYC

[TheVeed]

These guys are good, though they have an opening for a Junior and a Senior.

http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/med/418611866.html

and here

http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/med/418560138.html

[Ant]

They do burn through retouchers there it seems. They always have ads. I think it's because they don't pay enough to keep the really good ones.

[TheVeed]

From what I understand, they are trying to add new retouchers, but have been really picky.

[Ant]

Ok, good. It just seems that they have had ads for the past 2-3 years is all. Even in NY it's hard to staff retouchers though so I understand.

[Benny Profane]

"In-depth understanding of all technical aspects of retouching including color theory, color management and practical experience with US and European print production, RGB and CMYK color spaces is a must."

That's not a retoucher, per se, it's a manger on the technical side.

And, yeah, they advertise a lot. Why the turnover?

[Ant]

Originally Posted by Benny Profane

"In-depth understanding of all technical aspects of retouching including color theory, color management and practical experience with US and European print production, RGB and CMYK color spaces is a must."

That's not a retoucher, per se, it's a manger on the technical side.

And, yeah, they advertise a lot. Why the turnover?

I disagree. A senior retoucher needs those skills and more.

[cricket1961]

I agree with Ant on this one Benny. Essential knowledge to make it and keep ahead.

Chris

[KR1156]

can any of you guys educate me a bit on the differences between US & European print production?

any little bits of info are most appreciated.

[cricket1961]

Euro is based on Version 1 of the Approval colors. Tend to be a little more yellow than the US. If I got that right.
Otherwise I treat it just like US and making sure the UCR is right.

Chris

[KR1156]

thanks chris, i was just talking with onbe of my production managers, and they're gonna call a contact in germany and try to get some specifics.

[BillFrey]

I'm curious about the salary levels. They do seem very low. In the NYC and the immediate surrounding area, a good typist makes more than what they're offering for the Junior retoucher.

Are these 'entry level' Junior/Senior positions?

Thanks

[pixel_monkey]

Originally Posted by BillFrey

I'm curious about the salary levels. They do seem very low. In the NYC and the immediate surrounding area, a good typist makes more than what they're offering for the Junior retoucher.

Are these 'entry level' Junior/Senior positions?

Thanks

I feel the same. I'm just getting by with that salary range out here in L.A. I can't imagine how those junior retouchers manage with that in NYC without living with their parents.

[KR1156]

i haven't checked out impacts site in a while, in their special effects section of their portfolio, they have this really great spread with michael jordan, with all these tribal looking symbols, that look almost tattooed on his body.

it flows really well with the contour, and lighting as well. That's an interesting job to me. Prob a lot of displacement maps i would assume, among other masking and overlay techniques. Kind of like what chris was mentioning about following contour in the pascal makeup post.

just looks like a cool project. maybe 'cause i'm somewhat of a tat freak myself!

[pixelzombie]

Originally Posted by BillFrey

I'm curious about the salary levels. They do seem very low. In the NYC and the immediate surrounding area, a good typist makes more than what they're offering for the Junior retoucher.

Are these 'entry level' Junior/Senior positions?

Thanks

i hear ya about the salary, my wifes friend is secretary for a head surgeon at a hospital in Chicago and her salary is 70K a year...

[Benny Profane]

Originally Posted by KR1156

i haven't checked out impacts site in a while, in their special effects section of their portfolio, they have this really great spread with michael jordan, with all these tribal looking symbols, that look almost tattooed on his body.

it flows really well with the contour, and lighting as well. That's an interesting job to me. Prob a lot of displacement maps i would assume, among other masking and overlay techniques. Kind of like what chris was mentioning about following contour in the pascal makeup post.

just looks like a cool project. maybe 'cause i'm somewhat of a tat freak myself!

This project was written about in PDN a year or two ago. I can't find it online. They detail the process well. I have no energy to attack the stack over in the corner.

edit: Found it. The May, 2006 issue. The retouchers name is Brent Adams, and the software used was Autodesk 3D Studio Max.

[AdamZx3]

Wow I thought it seemed pretty great for a junior retoucher.....but then again in my area a 2 bedroom 1100 sq. foot apartment is $450 a month and they top out at about 800 a month with granite countertops and all frills

Just wondering what is the monthly cost of living in NYC without living in a shanty? I know its very expensive.

[Ant]

One bedroom, 455 sq ft, east village of manhattan - $2266

[Markzebra]

My flat in London - £1100 a month plus 150 c.tax. Thats $2,536 - and thats cheap. You guys have it easy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqNGhcdtMbc

[TheVeed]

There's nothing decent (non rent-controlled) in Manhattan under about 1800 or so for a one-bedroom. Outside of Manhattan, the prices drop (tho I can't imagine leaving Manhattan, even considering the 'lower rent/more space' argument.)

And those salaries are for pretty comparable, from what I've seen at other NY agencies, for entry level-ers. I'm sure their more experienced retouchers earn more.

[AdamZx3]

455 sq ft, east village of manhattan - $2266

My flat in London - £1100 a month plus 150 c.tax. Thats $2,536 - and thats cheap. You guys have it easy.

WOW thats crazy, ... around here for $2000 a month you can pretty much have your own a castle

Heres what u get for $2000 in my city....then again there isn't any 100k a year retouching jobs either lol.
http://homes.realtor.com/search/list...rcnt=60#Detail

[Little Fisher]

http://newyork.craigslist.org/aap/

The boroughs are a little cheaper, but not w/out character.

[Markzebra]

Here in London experienced retouchers expect to get anything from 35 to 60k, depending on the type of work you can do. This is effectively 100k in $ - I've heard rumours of a few at the top end getting more than 100k ($202,850 a year). Just about makes it possible to live in this city

[mayday]

Hi Mark am from London to the house price are a joke here! Think it's now the most expensive city in the world, New Yorks no far behind tho.

Do you work for Happy Finish? I've seen those guys before sounds like a great setup. I think they are all freelance. Freelancers seem to earn more

[AdamZx3]

Wow I never knew london was so expensive.

[KR1156]

actually a city in germany was named the priciest city this year, i can't remember where, but they were comparing apmt rentals to manhantan's...and if i remember correctly the average 2 bedroom was about 4k/month.

i live in bk, and dont mind it at all, i actually like getting out of the city after work!

but i guess since i was born and raised in bk, it's the only thing i really know. except for a quick stint in queens and that will never happen again!!

[AdamZx3]

After I build up my portfolio I am thinking of moving to new york city, so many more job opportunities...but I will be in such a culture shock. Where I live in now is in the middle of two cornfields but is like 10 min. from the city, fairly small one at that. I always thought Cleveland was busy and congested lol

[Ant]

KR, where in BK are you?

[KR1156]

I'm in greenpoint

[Benny Profane]

Originally Posted by TheVeed

(tho I can't imagine leaving Manhattan, even considering the 'lower rent/more space' argument.)

If you're a freelancer, you spend way too much on space. Talk to your accountant. You are a small business, after all.

[Markzebra]

Yes its all going freelance here these days. Places like Shoemakers and Happy are forming replacing the big retouching houses like Metro (which at one point dominated, in their heyday taking £300 an hour for...to be frank sometimes quite basic retouching). I think its better because its more about talent and skill now hopefully.