Production Artist

Vanguard Packaging Inc•Kansas City, MO

About The Position

The Production Artist is responsible for preparing, reviewing, and releasing accurate, press-ready artwork for digital pre-press production. This role operates pre-press digital equipment, performs file and quality checks, and partners closely with internal teams to ensure customer specifications are met, production deadlines are achieved, and print quality standards are maintained. The objective of this role is to ensure the accurate preparation and delivery of press-ready artwork by operating digital pre-press systems, maintaining quality standards, and supporting efficient, on-time production.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or college level computer design coursework and combined degree and 3 years relevant work experience
Strong skills in current Adobe Creative software (Specifically Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign)
Strong computer skills with Apple and Microsoft.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of consumer products packaging, displays, creative design, production artwork, and print services preferred.
Conventional & Digital print process experience
Experience with ArtiosCAD/Esko Automation Engine or Kodak Prinergy
Experience with Color management software such as Esko Color Pilot or GMG OpenColor
Experience in Esko Studio or similar 3D software

Responsibilities

Conduct daily tactical tasks of downloading incoming art files, checking for accuracy and quality, and entering them correctly into our workflow.
Assist in creating visually engaging sell sheets and case studies to support sales.
Assist design team to create compelling representations of displays and packaging to be leveraged in sales presentations and marketing materials, Infographics, and social media posts.
Manipulate files to match customer specs and our print requirements.
Make an independent judgment in the graphic assembly of working art files; analyzing needs and product requirements to create a final press-ready file.
Send art files to production as required.
Work with Project Managers, Structural Designers, and Customer Service Specialists to create and assembling internal process books and detailed setup instructions of packaging and displays.
Help maintain internal documentation and organizational standards.
Understand printing processes and parameters.
Comply with all company policies and procedures, including safety, attendance and maintain good housekeeping.
Attendance is an essential duty of the job.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Experience to multi-task and manage timelines.