About This Role
Preparing customer artwork and production files for printing is the core of this role, ensuring all files meet company, customer, and press requirements. The Prepress Operator performs file review, correction, color management, proof generation, imposition, and workflow processing to ensure efficient production and high-quality printed products. This role works closely with Project Managers, Client Services, Sales, plating, and the press room to resolve artwork issues and maintain production schedules.
Responsibilities
- Review incoming customer artwork for printability and production compatibility
- Verify file specifications including dimensions, bleeds, margins, resolution, fonts, and color builds
- Correct artwork issues while maintaining customer design intent
- Create and manage production-ready PDF files
- Generate digital and hard-copy proofs for customer approval
- Execute trapping, imposition, and nesting as required
- Prepare files for offset printing
- Create press-ready files according to equipment, substrate, and finishes required
- Maintain file organization, revision control, and production documentation
- Communicate artwork concerns and technical requirements to internal customers
- Troubleshoot file-related production issues and implement corrective actions
- Support continuous improvement initiatives related to workflow efficiency and quality
- Adhere to company quality standards, safety practices, and production procedures
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 2+ years of experience in a prepress, graphic arts, packaging, or printing environment
- Proficiency with the Adobe Creative Cloud: Adobe Acrobat Pro, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign
- Strong understanding of PDF workflows and print production standards
- Knowledge of color management
- Experience with proofing systems, KODAK PRINERGY and PREPS, Enfocus PitStop Pro
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines
- Strong communication and problem-solving abilities
- Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods
- Visual abilities: close, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
Nice to have:
- Associate degree in Graphic Communications, Printing Technology, or related field
- Knowledge of offset printing, foil, em-, de-bossing for packaging
- Experience with barcodes, variable data printing, and packaging artwork
- Understanding of G7, GRACoL, SWOP, or other color standards
