Produces high resolution images, redraws and enhances art, and recommends changes and alternatives as appropriate to improve the end product, fit the customer’s cost limitations, or correct for errors.  Responsibilities include Systems proofing and assembly.  The degree of art manipulation and quality elements involved will vary according to the nature of the art/information required for the product/customer.

General

• Using several graphics programs, (E.g. Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop) to create and convert artwork to production art and produce negatives, color proofs, electronic files etc. 

• Proofread art from other artists to eliminate errors in finished art for production.  

• Using printing knowledge, decide what changes need to be made to artwork in order to maximize printing quality wherever possible. 

• Maintain art department equipment and change chemistry in processors. Remain current in knowledge of software and techniques to produce art. 

• Coordinate with applicable functional areas about jobs and specifications to ensure good communication and accuracy. 

Production Art Focus

• Uses applicable operating systems and applications such as Adobe Illustrator, Indesign, Photoshop, Quark Xpress software, and peripheral equipment to create production-ready proofs from customer art files.

• Produces finished electronic art for digital proofing and printing.

• Transfers customer product specifications and requirements to the final printed product.

• Maintains electronic computer files and systems as required. Follows procedures for numbering and logging work, etc. 

• Changes hard copy art into digital art via scanner.

• Applies knowledge of production tolerances and manipulates files to meet these specs in regards to traps, color manipulation, reverses, etc.

• Labels proofs, film, et al with the correct information, colors, etc 

• Uses Translation Book when composing and proofing art for international markets.

• Creates digital production-ready films for plateroom production; may create plates. Reads job order and layout and delivers the proper output.

• Prints files to output devices, including imagesetters, color proofers, printers, and CTP (computer-to-plate) units.

• Outputs film in press forms per layout utilizing in-position software.  Checks film, and/or proofs and verifies that content is correct. Verifies density, traps, size, and bleeds. 

• Communicates all information about jobs across shifts or locations, where applicable, advises Supervisor or lead (as applicable) of any low inventories of related supplies so as to maintain a minimum working supply of materials.

• Experience in Printing/Manufacturing Industry 

• Associate Degree or certificate program in Commercial or Graphic Arts or equivalent knowledge and experience in those areas. 

• 6+ years of experience in a related field.  

• Proficiency in use of MAC OS, Illustrator, Photoshop and other applicable software required.

• Experience producing production art for different product lines, such as:   printed fabric labels, offset, flexo, etc.

• High level of PC proficiency required, including Google Suite.

• Knowledge and capability of receiving and handling customer files and creating production-ready proofs.

• Knowledge of production tolerances (internal and external) and ability to manipulate files to meet these specs.

• Skill in understanding, performing, and applying calculations necessary to complete work.

• Ability to effectively communicate information and respond to questions from co-workers and management, as well as from Production, Sales or Customer Service as needed.  

• High degree of visual attention and accuracy skills to read, interpret, check, apply, and utilize colors, details, font sizes, label sizes.

• Skills in effectively planning and organizing own work and managing time to complete work according to tight schedules.