Packaging Production Artist

Nutrabolt • Austin, TX

2d

About The Position

As the Packaging Production Artist, you will play a critical role in translating creative packaging concepts into precise, print-ready production files across all brands and product lines. You will work directly with the Senior Packaging Designer and Director of Art to ensure all packaging artwork meets the highest standards of accuracy, consistency, and manufacturability. This role is highly technical and detail-driven, requiring deep expertise in packaging prepress, mechanical file setup, and printing processes—especially for beverage applications and aluminum can production. You will serve as the bridge between design intent and final production, ensuring that all artwork adheres to brand standards while meeting the strict technical requirements of printers and manufacturers. You will collaborate cross-functionally with Creative, Brand, and Operations teams, as well as external vendors, to deliver flawless execution and efficient production workflows. This role demands a strong understanding of industry-leading print capabilities, color management, and specialized production processes to ensure packaging performs at scale and at shelf.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Packaging Design, or related field
• 4–8+ years of experience in packaging production, prepress, or production art, ideally within a creative agency or CPG brand environment
• Strong portfolio demonstrating precision production work and packaging execution
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and Acrobat
• Expert-level understanding of dielines, mechanical builds, and print production processes
• Proven experience creating print-ready files for packaging across multiple formats
• Deep knowledge of color management (CMYK, Pantone), trapping, bleed, and print specifications
• Specialized experience with beverage packaging and aluminum can printing strongly preferred, including understanding of spot color systems, base coats, varnishes, and press limitations
• Familiarity with a wide range of printing processes and finishing techniques
• Exceptional attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy and quality
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills when working with cross-functional teams and external vendors

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with beverage, CPG, or lifestyle brands
• Familiarity with 3D mockup/visualization tools
• Knowledge of sustainability considerations in packaging production
• Experience with packaging workflow tools or asset management systems

Responsibilities

• Create accurate, high-quality print-ready packaging files and mechanicals based on approved design concepts, ensuring all outputs meet production specifications and brand standards
• Build and refine dielines, layouts, and production art across packaging formats including labels, cartons, shrink sleeves, and aluminum beverage cans
• Apply expert knowledge of prepress workflows, including color separations, trapping, bleed, resolution, and file organization to ensure flawless print execution
• Partner closely with the Senior Packaging Designer and Director of Art to execute design intent with precision and consistency
• Prepare and deliver press-ready files to printers and prepress partners, ensuring all technical requirements are met prior to release
• Collaborate with printers, converters, and manufacturers to troubleshoot and resolve production issues, ensuring quality and efficiency
• Execute extensive file revisions and version control, maintaining accuracy across multiple SKUs and line extensions
• Optimize artwork for various printing processes (flexographic, offset, digital, gravure) and substrates
• Demonstrate advanced understanding of beverage packaging production, including aluminum can printing constraints such as spot color limitations, trapping, and cylindrical distortion considerations
• Ensure all packaging complies with regulatory, technical, and brand requirements (e.g., barcode placement, legal copy, nutrition panels)
• Maintain organized file structures and archive production assets in accordance with team standards and workflows
• Develop mockups and production proofs to validate artwork prior to manufacturing
• Stay current on evolving print technologies, materials, and finishing techniques to continuously improve output quality
• Support process improvements and contribute to scalable production workflows across the creative team

Benefits

• competitive health insurance
• life insurance
• mental wellness programs
• 401K matching
• Lifestyle Spending Account
• unlimited vacation paid time off
• volunteer time off
• discounts on C4 Energy, Cellucor, and XTEND products
• paid parental leave
• reimbursement for expenses related to childcare, fertility treatments, legal fees

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level