A successful production designer must possess a mix of both creative and technical skills. They must be able to work quickly but also remain extremely detail-oriented. This unique set of skills makes the production designer an indispensable — and in-demand — part of the creative team.

The production designer assists creative and design teams primarily in producing print, packaging, advertising, point-of-purchase and digital graphics. The most common duty for a production designer is preflight formatting, in addition to collecting, processing, checking and uploading files for both print and digital projects.

This person would work in our Columbia, MO or Kansas City, MO office.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

While an art director comes up with creative concepts and a graphic designer executes them, it’s the production designer who brings them to life. That’s why strong typographic and layout skills, strict attention to detail, and outstanding organizational, project management, file-organization and archiving skills are a must.

The production artist job description often includes the ability to:

• Collaborate closely with art directors, designers and developers to complete assign projects.
• Produces all artwork according to the art director’s specifications; makes all requested changes/corrections promptly and correctly.
• Generates proofs for review by supervisor, creative director, art director, account service, proofreader and/or client.
• Confirms deadlines with supervisor, project manager or production.
• Maintains working knowledge of software needed to complete work.
• Assists in preparing digital images for use by the digital department.

Knowledge and Skills

• Must be efficient and organized.
• Able to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Competent with the Adobe Creative Suite for work in print and web.
• Familiarity with preflighting and checking files, creating electronic layouts and proofing.
• Well versed in current software, production trends and technologies.

Leader Behaviors

How leaders act on a daily basis as they seek to implement the company’s vision and strategic priorities, strive to fulfill the brand promise and live up to the value. Everyone can be a leader.

• Open-minded and active listener.
• Continually grows people and business.
• Truthful and transparent.
• Decisive, accountable and proactive.
• Forward thinking.
• Communicates in a positive manner.

Education/Experience/Certifications

A bachelor’s degree in design or other related positions is preferred for the production artist position. Significant course work in graphic design, print production, visual arts or a related field, along with an outstanding portfolio and experience that demonstrates clear knowledge of print production and design, may suffice in the absence of a degree.

Experience with digital content such as websites, social media, online advertising and email campaigns may be required, along with basic knowledge of HTML5, Adobe After Effects and web-development software.

A production artist should have strong analytical skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to handle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. These creative professionals should also be process-oriented self-starters. And they must stay up to date with new production techniques and trends through research and education.