Print jobs in South Africa

The role of the Print Production & Artwork Specialist is to ensure the creation of error-free, print-ready files for prototyping, as well as the recreation of high-resolution artwork for both internal and external purposes. This individual will collaborate closely with design and engineering teams to meet prototype deadlines while maintaining the highest quality standards.

Key Responsibilities:

Print Production:

• Create print-ready files with meticulous attention to detail, considering factors such as resolution, color accuracy, bleed settings, and file formats.
• Collaborate closely with design and engineering teams to understand prototype requirements and deadlines.
• Ensure that print materials meet industry standards and guidelines to achieve optimal print quality.

Artwork Recreation:

• Recreate high-resolution artwork for various purposes, this includes internal printing as well as external suppliers.
• Collaborate with relevant teams to gather source materials and guidelines for accurate artwork reproduction.
• Maintain consistency and accuracy while recreating artwork, paying close attention to colors, typography, and visual elements.

Quality Assurance:

• Thoroughly review and proofread all materials to identify and rectify any errors, ensuring the final output is flawless.
• Conduct pre-production checks to identify potential issues that could affect print quality or visual integrity.
• Continuously seek ways to improve and refine processes to minimize errors and enhance efficiency.

Deadline Management:

• Coordinate with design, engineering, and project management teams to prioritize and meet prototype deadlines.
• Maintain a proactive approach to anticipate potential delays and work collaboratively to mitigate them.

Collaboration:

• Communicate effectively with cross-functional teams, including designers, engineers, and project managers, to align on project requirements and expectations.
• Act as a bridge between design and engineering, facilitating smooth communication and ensuring that design intent is preserved during prototyping.

Technical Expertise:

• Possess in-depth knowledge of printing processes, materials, color management, and file formats to ensure accurate and consistent results.
• Utilize industry-standard software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) to prepare files for print and recreate artwork.

Problem-Solving:

• Address technical challenges related to file preparation, color accuracy, and print specifications.
• Propose creative solutions to overcome obstacles and optimize the print production workflow.

Continuous Improvement:

• Stay updated on industry best practices, emerging technologies, and advancements in printing techniques to enhance knowledge and capabilities.
• Share insights and recommendations to enhance the quality and efficiency of print production processes.

Minimum qualifications & skills:

• Working experience in the Print or Packaging industry is preferable.
• Strong proficiency in design software, particularly Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
• Solid understanding of print production processes for Silkscreen/Litho/Digital and color management principles.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to producing error-free materials.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills to meet tight deadlines.
• Effective communication skills for collaborating across teams.

Describe a typical day in the life of this role:

Planning and Prioritisation:

• Print Production & Artwork Specialist will Review your to-do list and prioritise tasks, based
• on Prototype deadlines.

Team Communication:

• Collaborate with designers to make sure artwork and processes are correct to ensure
• prototypes come out as intended.
• Constant communication with Engineering and Prototyping teams will be crucial to ensure relevant departments have what they need to meet all deadlines.
• Attend relevant prototyping kickoffs / meetings.

Design Execution:

• Artwork to be set up using various Adobe Creative Suite software.
• Hand over documents to be set up and checked by all relevant individuals (Designer, Engineer & Quentin Jones)

File Preparation:

• Prepare design files for print, ensuring that they meet the necessary specifications for the relevant processes (Silkscreen/Litho/Digital)
• Liaise with printing departments to make sure they are clear on the requirements.

Professional Development:

• Dedicate time to improving your skills by watching tutorials, sitting with the repro team and trying new print processes to continuously push the boundaries.
• Stay updated on the latest design trends, software updates, and industry best practices.

Artwork reviews:

• Review your artwork setups with the Designer (creative), Engineer & Quentin Jones (technical).

Project communication:

• Update project management tools or systems with your progress, track time spent on different tasks, and make sure you're on track to meet project deadlines.
• Be clear and concise as to reasons should deadlines not be met.