Graphic Design Packaging Production Artist

TM International is the world’s largest manufacturer of temporary and semi-permanent tattoos, with more than three decades of category leadership and a global customer base. Headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, the company designs and produces USA-made temporary tattoos and plant-based semi-permanent tattoos that meet or exceed safety standards in North America and Europe.

Today, TM International is in the midst of a deliberate transformation. The organization is evolving from a traditional wholesale and retail-driven model into a digital-first, e-commerce‑led business. This shift represents a full operational reset—introducing new systems, processes, and expectations—while creating significant opportunity for innovation, efficiency, and growth.

Position Summary

The Prepress Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring that all customer‑submitted and internally generated artwork is accurately prepared, corrected, and optimized for print production. This role serves as a key quality control checkpoint between design and production, requiring both technical expertise and strong cross‑functional collaboration.

Successful candidates are highly detail‑oriented, process‑driven, and comfortable operating in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven production environment. This individual must proactively identify and resolve file issues, communicate clearly across departments, and ensure that jobs move efficiently from concept to press without errors or delays.

Key Responsibilities

File Review & Preflight

Review incoming artwork and production files for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with print specifications.

Conduct comprehensive preflight checks including resolution, bleed, trim, color space (CMYK/RGB/spot), font integrity, image quality, transparency issues, and layout alignment.

Identify potential production risks and correct issues prior to release to press.

File Preparation & Production Readiness

Modify, correct, or rebuild customer‑submitted files to meet production standards.

Prepare print‑ready files, ensuring proper imposition, bleed, and color accuracy.

Convert files between formats and platforms as needed to support workflow requirements.

Quality Assurance

Ensure all files meet internal quality standards and customer expectations prior to production.

Perform final checks before releasing jobs to press to minimize rework, waste, and production delays.

Maintain consistency and accuracy across multiple jobs and production runs.

Workflow Coordination

Collaborate with customer service, design, and production teams to clarify job requirements and resolve discrepancies.

Communicate file issues, corrections, and timelines clearly to stakeholders.

Support smooth handoff of jobs from prepress to production to meet scheduling commitments.

Troubleshooting & Problem Solving

Diagnose and resolve file‑related and production issues quickly and effectively.

Recommend solutions or alternatives when files are not print‑ready.

Escalate complex issues when necessary while maintaining workflow continuity.

Systems & Tools Management

Operate and maintain prepress software, RIPs, and workflow automation tools.

Utilize automation platforms (e.g., Enfocus Switch or similar) to streamline file processing.

Stay current with software updates, print technologies, and industry best practices.

Required Skills & Competencies

Technical Expertise

Strong understanding of print production processes (digital and/or offset).

Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Acrobat).

Solid knowledge of file preparation standards including bleed, trim, color modes, resolution, and font management.

Experience working across macOS and Windows environments.

Operational Excellence

Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to catch errors before they impact production.

Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent jobs.

Ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines in a high‑volume production environment.

Problem Solving & Critical Thinking

Ability to identify root causes of file issues and implement effective solutions.

Proactive approach to preventing errors and improving workflow efficiency.

Communication & Collaboration

Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to work cross‑functionally with customer service, design, and production teams.

Comfortable providing feedback and guidance on file requirements and corrections.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate’s degree or technical certification in Graphic Design, Print Production, Prepress Technology, or a related field; OR

Minimum of 2 years of hands‑on experience in a print or prepress environment.

Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud tools.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in commercial print, packaging, or high‑volume digital print environments.

Strong graphic design background with the ability to translate creative concepts into production‑ready files.

Experience with workflow automation tools (e.g., Enfocus Switch or similar).

Familiarity with imposition and layout software (e.g., Kodak Preps, Kodak Workshop, Tilia Phoenix, Impostrip).

Work Environment & Expectations

Fast‑paced, deadline‑driven production environment with multiple simultaneous projects.

Frequent interaction with cross‑functional teams to ensure alignment and accuracy.

High emphasis on precision, accountability, and continuous improvement.

May require extended focus on detailed digital file work for prolonged periods.

Success Factors in This Role

Consistently delivering error‑free, press‑ready files on time.

Reducing production delays and rework through proactive issue identification.

Maintaining strong communication and collaboration across departments.

Demonstrating adaptability as workflows, tools, and production demands evolve.

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