Packaging Production Artist

Position Purpose

Ensure timely production of all private brand packaging print projects. Interface with designers, copywriters, product development team. Responsible for developing a mechanical file accurately and efficiently so it can be given to an outside print vendor to be produced. Ideal candidate will have a strong print industry knowledge.

This position involves the creation of artwork that maintains design integrity and established branding while effectively interpreting the creative into a deliverable that is reproducible on press.

Essential Job Functions:

The incumbent must be able to perform all of the following duties and responsibilities
w
ith or without a reasonable accommodation.

• ‪Produce new package art based on established brand guidelines onto a specific dieline.

• Must be highly organized, flexible to changing conditions and be constantly aware of project deadlines. Focus is an integral part of this position.

• Must have the proactive ability to communicate clearly with team members.

• Follow creative direction as provided by the Packaging Production Supervisor for all projects.

• Production: Expected to have an outstanding level of production ability to take an approved master creative composition and lay it out into various sizes and formats while keeping the original intent of the approved creative intact. Should be able to review the project at hand, ask relevant questions and effectively create mechanicals that adhere to brand standards.

• Multi-tasking: Will be given several projects at one time to complete over various timelines. They must be capable of prioritizing their workload on a daily basis and allocating the time needed to accomplish each task throughout the day/week to ensure that all projects will be completed on time. Must exhibit a keen sense of focus to stay on task despite multiple daily distractions.

• Mechanical build: Must be able to properly build production-ready artwork files from scratch, using current Adobe CC apps, and be able to pick up an existing file to make edits or changes based on updated content and/or translations. In both cases, responsible for, but not limited to, document size, crops or bleeds, project legend, placing and adjusting images, typography, general layout tasks.

• Collect for Output: A critical task is the ability to gather, package, and prepare a file correctly for output/mass production. Once Packaging Production Supervisor gives the approval to release the file, expected to know how to properly collect and deliver the file and all supporting graphics. Follow up on all outstanding artwork PDFs and press proofs.‪

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Effectively communicate with team members, outside vendors, and print manufacturers
• Carefully proof completed work to ensure accuracy before submitting for internal review
• Track the status of each project throughout the course of production
• Review vendor-supplied artwork proofs—both on-screen, as well as printed press proofs
• Take ownership of projects, tracking project status throughout the production process
• Identify and report inconsistencies found within a given brand and/or category
• Ensure change requests are captured and implemented
• Collaborate with packaging engineers to create basic manufacturing packout instructions
• Create folded mockups of packaging artwork, as needed
• Present conceptual ideas when required
• Perform other related duties, as requested

Education/Experience:

The minimum education background is an Associate Degree in Graphic Design or similar, with 5+ years of experience as a Production Artist or Graphic Artist. An equivalent combination of related education and experience may be substituted for a degree. This position requires an advanced working knowledge of mac OS, as well as the primary Adobe Creative Cloud apps (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat DC). In addition, basic knowledge of some Microsoft apps is required (Outlook, Excel, Word).

• 5+ years of Adobe Creative Cloud apps (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat DC)

• 5+ years of production artwork within the retail/CPG market, emphasis on CPG/packaging preferred

Required Skills
:

• Strong written and oral communications skills

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail are paramount

• Ability to manage multiple project timelines and quick turnarounds

• Knowledge of various print production processes, packaging materials and substrates, and how this impacts artwork reproduction, including image/color reproduction, minimum type size rules, finishing and specialty coatings, folding tolerance, etc.

• Extensive experience applying artwork to a variety of structures, folding cartons, and packaging dielines

• Ability to collaborate and work productively in a team environment

• 5+ years of packaging production artwork development within the retail or CPG market vertical.

• 5+ years of Adobe CC Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign experience, as it relates to packaging