Description of the Role
As a Graphic Artist, you will be the technical bridge between a clientβs digital design and the physical printing press. While general design skills are valued, the absolute primary focus of this role is screen printing preparation and color separation.This role requires a master-level understanding of how ink behaves on garments, halftones, underbases, and trapping. You will work closely with the US-based team to ensure every design is separated accurately, cleanly, and ready for physical production in a fast-paced environment.
Please note: This is currently scoped as a contract role running through the end of September, with the potential for review based on performance and business needs.
On a day-to-day basis, this means:
- Execute highly accurate color separations for physical screen printing (including spot colors, simulated process, CMYK, and creating white underbases).
- Take existing client artwork and prepare it strictly for print production, ensuring no secondary artist needs to touch the file before it goes to the press.
- Vectorize, clean, and refine blurry or low-resolution logos to meet precise apparel production standards.
- Seamlessly collaborate with the team, stepping in to handle the heavy technical lifting of their print prep.
- Communicate proactively and effectively with the team to overcome any logistical hurdles of remote collaboration.
- Manage a high volume of separation tasks, ensuring all artwork is delivered accurately within a 24-hour turnaround time.
Requirements
- 2-4+ years of professional experience strictly in an apparel, screen-printing, or promotional products environment.
- Mastery of Color Separation is non-negotiable. A strong portfolio showcasing before-and-after files of complex color separations for screen printing is required for consideration.
- Expert proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop (experience with specific separation software/plugins is a major plus).
- Proven experience in vectorizing and redrawing low-quality artwork.
- Excellent English communication skills (both written and verbal). You must be able to ask clear questions and provide updates to ensure working overseas feels completely seamless.
- Ability to work efficiently and accurately under tight deadlines.
Personal Attributes
- Super attentive to detail: You understand that one missing underbase or misaligned registration mark can ruin a physical print run. You have an eagle eye for technical flaws.
- Highly efficient: You thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and can manage a high volume of technical prep tasks without sacrificing quality.
- Proactive & Transparent: You over-communicate. You never leave the team guessing about the status of a project, mitigating any logistical friction.
- Collaborative: You work well within a team, are open to feedback, and are happy to be the "technical finisher" for other designers' artwork.
- Calm under pressure: You have a sense of urgency but can channel it into productively working through file issues.
Compensation and Benefits
- Competitive Salary
- Opportunity to work with a highly respected US-based custom apparel manufacturer.
- Working alongside a supportive and talented group of in-house artists.
Details
This is a WFH contract role starting immediately and running through the end of September.This role requires someone who is comfortable working a night shift to overlap with the US-based team. Hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST.
