A Pre-Press Technician operates machinery or equipment used in the first stage of a printing process; makes adjustments to layout, color, images, and text before a document is sent to the press.
Chicago, IL Job Details Full-time 9 hours ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance Paid time off Vision insurance 401(k) matching Life insurance Qualifications Basic graphic design principles Color management Graphic design software Typography design for media Color matching analysis Brand identity design
Full Job Description Why This Role Matters:
The Production Artist plays a critical role in transforming creative concepts into production-ready artwork that exceeds client expectations and ensures seamless execution on the production floor. This position serves as the bridge between our clients, account teams, and production departments by preparing accurate artwork, mockups, and production files that bring brands to life through custom apparel and merchandise. At Culture Studio, Production Artists combine creativity with technical expertise, balancing speed, precision, and problem-solving in a fast-paced environment. From preflighting artwork and creating apparel mockups to collaborating directly with clients and production teams, this role ensures every design is optimized for quality, efficiency, and successful production. The Production Artist partners closely with teammates across all Culture Studio locations to deliver exceptional work, continuously improve processes, and help create merchandise that our clients and their fans are proud to wear.
Top Priorities:
Deliver Production-Ready Artwork with
Accuracy & Speed:
Prepare, proof, and release production-ready artwork, mockups, and print files that meet Culture Studio quality standards while supporting production schedules. Ensure every file is technically accurate the first time, minimizing revisions and production delays.
Drive Seamless Client & Production Communication:
Own the art approval process by communicating clearly with clients and internal teams, setting expectations, responding with urgency, and resolving artwork challenges before they impact production. Build confidence through professionalism, responsiveness, and a solutions-first mindset.
Protect Quality While Continuously Improving:
Partner with production teams to troubleshoot artwork, improve print outcomes, and identify opportunities to increase efficiency. Maintain consistency across all projects by upholding brand standards, color accuracy, and production best practices while continuously seeking better ways to work. Position Duties Prepare and preflight both vector and raster artwork for production Create accurate digital mockups for apparel and promotional products Adjust artwork, Pantone colors, print order, and production methods to ensure printed products match customer expectations Communicate directly with clients regarding artwork approvals and revisions Create production-ready files for screen printing, embroidery, DTG, DTF, sublimation, and specialty print techniques Troubleshoot artwork alongside press operators and production teams Create original logos, illustrations, apparel graphics, and marketing assets Build product presentations and merchandise collections for client pitches Panel artwork for sublimation printing Photograph finished products for client approvals and marketing Collaborate daily with both our Chicago and Daytona Beach teams through Slack, email, and phone Meet department KPIs while maintaining exceptional quality and speed We're looking for someone with: Advanced Adobe Illustrator skills Advanced Adobe Photoshop skills Strong understanding of vector artwork and raster artwork Experience preparing artwork for screen printing Understanding of Pantone Matching System (PMS) Knowledge of color theory, typography, branding, and layout Understanding of underbases, trapping, print sequencing, and ink types Working knowledge of mesh counts, LPI, DPI, halftones, and prepress workflows Mac proficiency Strong organization and time management Excellent communication skills Great to have but not required:
Bilingual:
English|Spanish Screen printing industry experience Embroidery digitizing knowledge Apparel decoration experience Photography experience Experience with music, promotional products, or branded merchandise Benefits at Culture Studio Medical insurance through United Healthcare (2 plan options) Dental, Vision, and Life insurance through Mutual of Omaha 401(k) retirement plan Company 401(k) match Generous annual paid time off
