Print Production Specialist

Title: Production Artist- Agency Experience

Location: Philadelphia, PA- onsite

Rate: $20-30/hr

Clutch is a rapidly growing staffing agency. We support our clients by identifying unreachable talent for their open opportunities to help their businesses grow.

Our candidates work with us because they know we have the best opportunities available to them and will help them navigate their next career move.

We care, we’re honest, and we hustle—that’s what makes us Clutch.

PRIMARY DUTY

Under the supervision of the Production Manager – Product, the Production Artist will assist the design team in preparing purchased artwork for development and complete all final files as it relates to product art. The ability to develop successful die lines is also key to this role.

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the design team in preparing purchased artwork for development.
• Prepare organized production files from concept art provided by Product Designers.
• Prepare organized layout and electronic files according to specification.
• Complete pre-production preparation of files by putting them in a format that allows for artwork development.
• Obtain and retain current production specifications.
• Inspect production files prepared by the other designers prior to sending to the vendor to make sure they are correctly set up.
• Color correct imagery.
• Prepare layout by placing art and text; specifying print requirements such as bleeds, clear zones, die-cut and coverage.
• Create successful die lines for customer presentations.
• Ensure that all electronic product files are prepared properly for appropriate media output and according to relevant style guides and printer requirements.
• Manage the highest level of quality by proofing all products for accuracy.
• Assure accurate printability, including traps, overprints and minimum half tone dots and line weights. Experience in preparing art for flexographic printing is preferred.
• Review matchprints and pre-production samples against final files for accuracy.
• Provide proofs for review; coordinating with creative team, internal clients; review and implement changes.
• Back up all final files and maintain a well-organized archive.
• When necessary, may help with mock-ups and printing files to in-house printers (knowledge of using cutting tools such as an Exacto knife helpful).
• Keep on the cutting edge of design and production innovations within industry and in customer products field.
• Help train/mentor Associate and Assistant Production Artists.
• Lead projects, troubleshooting issues as they arise to ensure projects are completed on time.
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Excellent leadership, follow-up and organizational skills with the ability to multi-task. This includes strong communication and time management/prioritization skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with little direction.
• Strong internet and email skills.
• A working understanding of Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Knowledge of various printing methods (primarily flexography but also offset, rotogravure, etc.) and how to prepare art for each method.
• Knowledge of 4 color process printing, as well as spot color printing and various printing techniques.
• Understanding of the concept of ink gain and how ink gain in respect to the various printing methods affects the files prepared.
• Must be skilled in Adobe Creative Suite especially in Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Requires effective oral and written communication skills including the ability to present ideas, and/or facts and recommendations effectively.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or its equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree from a four-year art college or university strongly preferred.
• 4 years of related experience and/or training required; 5 or more years preferred.
• Any equivalent combination of education, experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

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