Production Artist - Color

The Upper Deck Company•Carlsbad, CA

About The Position

Color Production Artist is an advanced level color correction production position. The candidate has proven proficient abilities in digital file color correction and conversion. This role manages color from initial input or supplied digital imagery through color correction to final printed results for Upper Deck trading cards and UDA. The position maintains the highest possible quality and integrity of color produced in the Creative Department. Responsibilities include assessing delivered information and implementation of direction received from Senior Production Artist Lead, Project Manager(s), Production Managers and/or mechanicals. All personnel are expected to sustain high quality file integrity with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring content is built to required specifications and precise to established internal expectations, documented tolerances, print industry standards, procedures and/or published direction.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent.
3-6+ years of experience in Prepress or related area, publishing or relevant duties.
Present understanding of Prepress and Print Industries’ standards, competent knowledge of established production tolerances.
Familiarity with the 4/C process, but not limited to: spot colors, varnish, foil, die cuts, deboss and/or embossing.
Thorough understanding file standards for print production (bleed, trapping, color separation, resolution, dot shapes, screen print angles, FM/Stochastic, plus exposure to a variety of paper and plastic substrates, etc.).
Exceptional computer skills; a working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite is required.
Intermediate to advance proficiency in the following software: Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and Calibration, Project tracking software.
Strong oral and written communication skills demonstrate close attention to detail with organized practices.
Ability to articulate clearly with internal partners.
Effective organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple high priority projects with dedicated attention to detail.
Demonstrated ability to read, comprehend written instructions and follow pre-established guidelines.
Excellent interpersonal, problem solving and troubleshooting skills.
Professional demeanor; team player orientation.
Ability to perform duties under minimal supervision while exercising reasonable discretion and independent judgment.
Ability to maintain flexible work hours.

Nice To Haves

College Degree with an emphasis in Color Theory, Graphic Arts a plus.
Print experience, Offset preferred, Digital acceptable.
Familiarity with the 4/C process is beneficial, to include, but not limited to: spot colors, varnish, foil, die cuts, deboss and/or embossing.
Strong communication and teaching skills required demonstrate close attention to detail and organized practices.
Knowledge of the following areas would be desirable: NHL-Hockey, PWHL-Hockey, Other Hockey Leagues, and/or other current sport licenses, historical knowledge or pop culture, including comics and film spanning a multitude of trends.

Responsibilities

Maintaining, updating and enhancing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all related aspects of color.
Establishing and maintaining maximum densities, validating target colors on grass, ice, team uniform colors, etc.
Making technical decisions as it relates to workflow issues as well as print production.
Maintain color calibration on all monitors in Creative Department, as needed in other areas of the company.
Manage RGB and CMYK color space.
Support, review, evaluate and implement color & print accuracy for trading cards and authentic items produced.
Monitor and regulate applied LUT/s, reproduction curves, profiles or conversion tables use to ensure quality and consistency within our environment.
Unconditional support and adherence of departmental procedures and requirements is mandatory.
Professional and effective communication with Lead(s), colleague’s and other departments’ representation using both written and verbal skills is required.
Ensure the highest possible quality of files produced within lithographic pre-production environment.
Maintain a global view of production procedures and make on-going recommendations to ensure maintained tolerance and quality product files produced.
Support and adhere to internal Creative Departmental procedures and requirements to include but not limited to, assisting in other areas during production heavy cycles.
Utilize technology and maximize efficiency: Maintain education and ability of cutting-edge techniques, technologies, and software capabilities.
On an on-going basis, ensure we are maximizing our technology resources and making recommendations for improvements.
Manage time effectively, prioritizing duties and meeting deadlines.