Prepress Graphic Designer

About the role

The Prepress Graphic Designer is responsible for preparing, evaluating, and optimizing customer-supplied and internally developed artwork for print production across a variety of display and packaging formats. This role emphasizes technical prepress execution over conceptual design, ensuring all files are production-ready, color-accurate, and aligned with manufacturing and press capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Pre-flight files to ensure they meet production and press requirements.
• Convert and manage color accurately from RGB to CMYK and spot color systems, ensuring optimal print reproduction across various substrates and print methods.
• Evaluate artwork and determine the most suitable printing method (digital vs. flexographic) based on machine specifications, material, and design intent.
• Build and finalize print-ready files, including proper separations, trapping, overprints, and bleeds.
• Review proofs for color accuracy, print feasibility, and production efficiency, identifying and correcting issues prior to manufacturing.
• Collaborate with production and structural teams to ensure artwork aligns with dielines, corrugation direction, and converting requirements.
• Create and prepare mockups and production files for customer approval and internal use.
• Apply color correction techniques to ensure consistent, high-quality print output on press.
• Work with Pre-production team and print vendors and internal teams to communicate press requirements, plate expectations, and file specifications.
• Support plate production processes, with working knowledge of flexo plates, trapping, screening, dot gain, and print distortion considerations.
• Assist with press checks, calibration, and maintaining color consistency across jobs and repeat orders.
• Utilize 3D visualization tools (Esko or equivalent) primarily for production validation and customer presentations when needed.
• Maintain organized, accurate file versions and ensure timely delivery to production.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Prepress Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, with a strong emphasis on Illustrator and Photoshop for production artwork.
• Strong working knowledge of digital printing and high-end flexographic printing processes.
• Demonstrated expertise in color management, including RGB to CMYK conversion, ICC profiles, spot color handling, and color correction for press.
• Experience preparing files for print, including trapping, separations, overprints, and bleed setup.
• Understanding of print plates, anilox rolls, screens, and flexo print limitations.
• Ability to evaluate artwork and recommend the most effective print method based on machine specifications and production constraints.
• Experience in packaging, POP displays, or corrugated production environments preferred.
• Familiarity with dielines, structural design considerations, and converting processes.
• High attention to detail with strong problem-solving skills in a fast-paced production environment.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and external vendors.
• Ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines.

Qualifications

• Valid Driver's License with DMV evidence of a good driving record.

Skills

• Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat)
• Color management
• Print plates, anilox rolls, screens, and flexo print limitations
• Dielines, structural design considerations, and converting processes
• 3D visualization tools (Esko or equivalent)

Benefits

N/A

Pay

$75k-$90k

Schedule

N/A