Digital Prepress Artist

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Job Summary

Electronically prepares art and copy layouts for digital production to meet customer specifications, and other related job information. Operates computer and other peripheral electronic equipment to complete job assignments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Takes the customer high resolution files and creates the digital image to the customer specifications while maintaining the integrity of the schedule.
• Determines size arrangement or image changes of the client artwork to assure proper fit on finished product.
• Enters information into computer equipment with mouse, keyboard, scanner, or modem to create layout proofs for customer and company approval.
• Maintains log of digital jobs and coordinates them with others in department.
• Performs preflight on customers artwork to determine accuracy, omissions, or additional requirements.
• Creates a print of the digital image for the department print file.
• Maintains accuracy for material color profiles.
• Understands and performs rasterization of files for digital output.
• Prepares a scale proof and presents the sample to customer service for customer approval
• Alters illustrations to enlarge, reduce, or clarify image on original artwork to match customer’s expectations.
• Maintains electronic files and archives of all computer created graphics.
• Assists with other jobs in department as needed.
• Increases knowledge of computer graphic design through reading trade publications and independent study.
• Ensures compliance with company safety rules and policies.
• Maintains cleanliness of work area and equipment.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has no supervisory responsibilities. Carries out conduct and leadership responsibilities in accordance with company policies, procedures, safety, and applicable laws.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

Knowledge of both DOS and MAC based computer programs including Email. Good verbal and written communication skills. Ability to read and understand blueprints and mechanical drawings. Prior experience in a printing environment is preferred. Associate's degree or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or six months to one year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general computer periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports and business correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers, and employees.

Mathematical Skills

Good working knowledge of basic mathematics functions. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations and printing jobs.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of computer instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. Some independent travel may be required.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally be exposed to fumes, toxic chemicals, and heat. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.