Graphic Arts Technician

Position Summary

Graphic Arts Technician serves as the primary liaison between customers and the production team, ensuring customer artwork is print-ready and meets production specifications. This role combines exceptional customer service with advanced prepress and graphic arts expertise to deliver high-quality printed products. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, technically proficient, and committed to providing outstanding customer support while maintaining efficient production workflows.

Essential Responsibilities

Customer Service

Review customer-supplied artwork to determine printability and production compatibility.Communicate with customers regarding artwork revisions required for successful printing.Answer customer questions related to artwork preparation, printing specifications, and production processes while maintaining a professional and positive customer relationship.Prepare and send digital proofs for customer review and approval.Follow up with customers to obtain timely proof approvals and resolve any outstanding artwork issues.Coordinate with internal departments to ensure customer expectations and production requirements are met.Graphic Arts Technician

Collaborate with Estimating and the Production Director on new projects and production planning.Preflight customer-supplied artwork and digital files to verify compliance with print production standards.Create die lines and prepare die orders according to job plan specifications.Produce customer proofs and perform internal proofing prior to production.Review approved proofs against final RIP files before press runs to ensure accuracy.Process approved files for output to screen plate setters and digital presses using Hybrid software workflows.Create variable data templates and develop workflow programming for variable data printing (VDP) projects.Maintain digital assets, job files, and department databases in accordance with company standards.Follow established department procedures, documentation, forms, and quality standards.Produce digital assets from engineered blueprint drawings as required.Troubleshoot artwork, file processing, hardware, networking, and workflow issues to minimize production delays.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong keyboarding and computer skills in both Apple macOS and Windows environments.Advanced proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud applications, including Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.Experience with Hybrid Packz and other Hybrid software systems is highly preferred.Strong understanding of color management, color spaces, and color tolerances.Knowledge of press layouts, file preparation, and print production standards.Experience creating and managing Variable Data Printing (VDP) templates and working with CSV databases.Understanding of barcode creation and verification according to ISO/IEC 15415 and GS1 specifications.Ability to troubleshoot hardware, software, networking, and production workflow issues.Ability to create and modify vector artwork and continuous-tone images.Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.Excellent written and verbal communication skills.Ability to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced production environment.Strong problem-solving skills and a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

Experience

Minimum of four (4) years of experience in graphic arts, prepress, print production, or a related field.Demonstrated experience creating and correcting vector artwork and continuous-tone image files.Working knowledge of major desktop publishing applications; experience with Hybrid Packz software is preferred.Experience working in a commercial printing, packaging, or label production environment is preferred.Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Graphic Arts, Graphic Design, Printing Technology, or a related field preferred.Equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience may be considered.

Working Conditions

Office and production environment.Frequent computer use with extended periods of sitting.Occasional interaction with manufacturing and pressroom operations.Ability to prioritize multiple projects while maintaining accuracy and meeting production deadlines.

Key Competencies

Customer FocusTechnical ExpertiseAttention to DetailCommunicationCollaborationProblem SolvingTime ManagementQuality AssuranceAdaptability