Job Description: As an Artwork Production Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the production of artwork from design to final artwork file delivery and print consultation. This role requires strong leadership skills, a keen eye for detail, excellent time and people management, and extensive experience in print production management. You will work closely with designers, clients, and project management teams to ensure that all artwork meets the highest standards of quality and accuracy.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage and carry out assembly of final artworks from design to final output.
- Attend production meetings with project managers and clients to resolve print production issues.
- Conduct quality control and production checks on all artworks before they are sent to clients and suppliers.
- Oversee color development and color separation processes.
- Schedule and manage all production artwork.
- Consult with printers and supervise onsite projects to ensure final printouts match color targets.
- Organize and supervise the traffic of all artwork and production activities in conjunction with the studio manager and account management team.
- Perform digital retouching and image color development.
- Create 3D product visualizations where required
- Develop guidelines and protocols for designers.
- Work closely with managers and clients on color target development and reproduction.
- Supervise and commission mock-ups, set up wet proofs files according to print processes and printer capabilities.
- Apply printer specifications to artworks, including minimum dots, traps, pullbacks, and other print requirements.
Requirements:
- Minimum 10 years of experience in artwork management, prepress, color development, and final artwork preparation.
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat).
- Experience with Esko software (including plugins such as Ink Manager, Crosshair, Power Trapper, Pilot).
- Strong skills in color separation and reprographics for various print processes (silk screen, offset/litho, flexo, gravure, dry offset, digital/large format).
- Experience with large format printing (Roland Versa and CammJet, Metaza, Epson Colour Proofs Stylus WT7900 and 9900).
- Knowledge of conceptualization and product visualization in 2D and 3D.
- Proficiency in 3D software such as Foundry Luxology Modo.
- Strong understanding of print production management and quality control.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with a team and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, or a related field.
