Prepress Graphic Designer

Prepress Graphic Designer

The Prepress Graphic Designer is responsible for preparing, evaluating, and optimizing customer-supplied and internally developed artwork for print production across a variety of display and packaging formats. This role emphasizes technical prepress execution over conceptual design, ensuring all files are production-ready, color-accurate, and aligned with manufacturing and press capabilities.

The position requires a strong understanding of digital and high-end flexographic printing processes, including the ability to convert and manage color from RGB to CMYK and spot color systems, while ensuring optimal output based on substrate, ink limitations, and machine specifications. The Designer must be able to assess supplied artwork and determine the most effective print method and production approach to achieve quality and efficiency.

This role works closely with sales, customer service, structural design, 3D rendering, and production teams to troubleshoot artwork issues, ensure manufacturability, and maintain quality standards. Responsibilities include pre-flighting files, preparing artwork for production, building mockups, approving first article builds, and identifying potential risks related to print, color, and converting processes.

The role operates in a Mac-based environment using Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat) and requires knowledge of file preparation, trapping, separations, and print-ready output. A deep understanding of print plates, anilox specifications, dot structure, and press limitations is essential.

Additionally, the Designer supports continuous improvement by testing print methods, substrates, and workflows, and communicating best practices across teams. This role prioritizes accuracy, efficiency, and technical problem-solving to ensure files print correctly the first time and perform well on press.