Craft with connection

At The Distillery, we design, print and craft spectacular creative projects – specialising with embellished printing techniques such as letterpress, foil and embossing.

The Printmaking Team at The Distillery is our design-trained, creatively inspired, multi-disciplinary hands-on production unit.

Powered by old-school letterpress technology, we focus on quality, teamwork and process to bring to life creatively luxurious stationery and packaging for people, businesses and luxury brands who value tangibility, meaning and connection.

What’s it like working at The Distillery?

Our studio is a fast paced, supportive team-based environment. Together, we push the boundaries and transform the highly necessary trial-and-error craft-based little failures, into great strides forward. To feel at home, you must be comfortable with this formula of creativity.

We offer the thrilling environment of a hungry start-up alongside the stability of a progressive, award-winning creative studio.

Sharing high levels of leadership, team work, self-initiative and drive come automatically to each member of our team.

Suitability and Required Skills

This traineeship is specifically designed for those who already possess a foundational understanding of letterpress and a deep-rooted passion for stationery and design.

While crafting with your hands is undeniably rewarding, our studio operates at a commercial pace. The trade is fast-paced, deadline-driven, and demands constant problem-solving.

Being casually interested is not enough. Transitioning into the letterpress trade involves a steep learning curve that requires resilience, mental agility, and the grit to navigate high-pressure situations.

Core Attributes

We are looking for candidates who demonstrate:

• Resilience & Grit: The ability to stay grounded and persistent when challenges arise.
• Mental Agility: A proactive approach to learning complex mechanical processes.
• Strong Self-Assurance: Confidence in your standing, judgment and the maturity to take ownership of your work.
• Collaborative Communication: An active, transparent communication style within a tight-knit team.

Operational Requirements

• Physical Stamina: Ability to safely lift and maneuver 10kg chases throughout the day.
• Operational Urgency: A keen sense of timing and the ability to “switch on” when deadlines approach.

Desirable Background

While we value diverse experiences, the following are highly regarded:

• A tertiary degree in Design or closely related field.
• A portfolio of self-initiated paper craft or analog design projects.

Training through Employment

You must be available 4 to 5 days per week, Monday to Friday.

You will be employed as a permanent employee under the Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award with a three month probationary period.

Employment Benefits

In addition to your salary, superannuation and leave entitlements, with approval you will also be eligible for studio sponsored resources and equipment usage for your own personal projects.

Most importantly, The Distillery has a friendly, go-getting positive culture, and we are all driven by happiness and success in the evolving creative industry. This often turns the idea of ‘going to work’ into having an enjoyable day in Darlinghurst.