Graphic Designer and Production Specialist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer and Production Specialist

Company: FASTSIGNS #360501

Location: Draper, UT

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Graphic Design & Production Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-16T18:16:29

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This dual-role position combines graphic design, pre-press, and hands-on production within a sign-making environment.

• Responsible for transforming client creative concepts into tangible, high-quality physical signage solutions.

• Requires a blend of artistic talent, technical software proficiency, and practical production skills for wide-format output.

• Plays a crucial role in the end-to-end project lifecycle, from initial design to final fabrication and quality assurance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "dual-role" which implies a need for versatility and the ability to manage distinct but related operational functions. The emphasis on "local landmarks" and "hands-on craftsmanship" suggests a company that values tangible outputs and community impact. The target candidate is likely someone who enjoys both the creative aspect of design and the meticulous execution of production.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design & Pre-Press Operations:

  • Develop impactful, full-color graphics specifically for wide-format printing and signage applications.
  • Optimize vector files, including setting up cut lines, bleeds, and registration marks for vinyl cutting and application.
  • Ensure all digital files are technically sound and ready for production, adhering to industry best practices for pre-flighting.
  • Collaborate with Account Sales Executives to translate client briefs into technically feasible and brand-compliant signage designs.

• Production & Fabrication Execution:

  • Prepare various substrates (e.g., PVC, ACM, Acrylic, Coroplast) for graphic application.

  • Apply cut vinyl, wrap vinyl, and wide-format prints to substrates and vehicles with precision, ensuring a flawless finish.

  • Operate and maintain wide-format laminators for encapsulation, over-laminating, and mounting processes.

  • Conduct thorough quality assurance checks on all finished signs to match proofs precisely before delivery or installation.

  • Manage and operate production equipment, including vinyl plotters and large-format printers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate two primary functional areas: digital design/pre-press and physical production/fabrication. This structure indicates a need for someone who can seamlessly transition between these two disciplines. The mention of "wrapping vinyl" and "vehicles" suggests specific production techniques that might require specialized training or experience.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related field is preferred. Experience:

• 2-5 years of proven experience in a sign shop or similar production environment, demonstrating proficiency in both design and production tasks.

• Hands-on experience with the full signage production workflow, from design to final product. Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Software Proficiency: Expert command of Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop, for vector and raster graphic creation.

• Signage Production Expertise: Strong practical skills in weeding vinyl, applying graphics (taping, mounting), and operating laminators.

• Substrate Handling: Familiarity and hands-on experience with preparing and working with diverse sign substrates like PVC, ACM, Acrylic, and Coroplast.

• Pre-Press & File Optimization: Ability to prepare files for wide-format printing and vinyl cutting, including setting up cut paths and ensuring proper resolution.

• Quality Control: Meticulous attention to detail for proofreading and conducting rigorous QA checks on finished products.

• Equipment Operation: Experience operating wide-format printers, vinyl plotters, and laminating equipment.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with sign-specific RIP software such as Onyx or Flexi.

• Experience with vehicle wrap application.

• Basic understanding of color theory and its application in wide-format printing.

• Knowledge of different sign types and their construction methods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "2-5 years" experience level, combined with the dual-role nature, suggests a candidate who is beyond entry-level but not yet a senior specialist. They should be capable of working independently on most tasks within both design and production. The preference for specific RIP software highlights a potential area for candidates to differentiate themselves.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Demonstrations: Showcase a range of graphic design projects executed for signage, including examples of vector artwork, full-color graphics, and typography.

• Production Case Studies: Present specific examples of signs or projects where you managed the production process from start to finish, highlighting the materials and techniques used.

• File Preparation Examples: Include samples of pre-press files that illustrate your ability to set up designs for wide-format printing and vinyl cutting, demonstrating correct bleeds, cut lines, and color profiles.

• Quality Assurance Showcase: Provide examples or descriptions of projects where meticulous quality control was critical, demonstrating your commitment to error-free output.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to document and follow established production workflows for vinyl cutting, printing, laminating, and substrate preparation.

• Experience in adhering to brand guidelines and design specifications provided by clients or sales teams.

• Understanding of the process for pre-flighting files to ensure they meet the requirements of wide-format printing and cutting equipment.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio should not just be a collection of final designs but should also communicate the candidate's understanding of the production process. Demonstrating the ability to prepare files for specific equipment and detailing the steps taken in physical production will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers and Production Specialists with 2-5 years of experience in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area (Draper, UT), the estimated salary range is $45,000 - $60,000 per year. This range accounts for the dual nature of the role, combining creative and technical production skills.

• Research Methodology: This estimate is derived from analyzing similar roles in the Graphic Design, Manufacturing, and Trades sectors within the specified geographic region, using data from industry salary aggregators and labor market information. Factors such as company size, specific tool proficiency, and the demand for dual-skilled individuals were considered.

Benefits:

• Full-Time Employment: Stable, full-time position offering consistent work.

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrued vacation days, sick leave, and paid holidays.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Potential for a 401(k) or similar retirement savings plan with company match.

• Employee Discounts: Discounts on FASTSIGNS products and services.

• Training & Development: Opportunities for ongoing training in new design software, production techniques, and equipment operation.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week.

• Estimated working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with potential for occasional overtime during peak periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for this type of dual-role position in the specified region. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, skill set, and the company's internal compensation structure.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail & Commercial Services (Signage and Visual Communications)

Company Size: FASTSIGNS is a large franchise network with individual centers varying in size. The Draper center is likely a small to medium-sized business operation (e.g., 5-20 employees), allowing for a close-knit team environment.

Founded: FASTSIGNS was founded in 1985, indicating a well-established brand with proven operational models and industry experience. The Draper center is a local franchise unit operating under this established brand.

Team Structure:

• Core Team: Likely includes a Center Manager, Sales Executives, Graphic Designers/Production Specialists (this role), and potentially installation technicians or administrative support.

• Reporting: This role will likely report directly to the Center Manager or a Production Manager, depending on the center's specific hierarchy.

• Collaboration: Close collaboration is essential with Sales Executives to understand client needs and project specifications, and with other production team members to ensure efficient workflow and timely project completion.

Methodology:

• Client-Centric Approach: Focus on understanding and meeting client needs for visual communication solutions.

• Process-Driven Production: Adherence to established workflows for design, pre-press, printing, and finishing to ensure consistency and quality.

• Quality & Accuracy Focus: Emphasis on delivering error-free products that meet brand standards and client expectations.

• Innovation & Problem-Solving: Encouraging creative solutions to design challenges and practical problem-solving on the production floor.

Company Website: https://www.fastsigns.com

📝 Enhancement Note: As a franchise, the Draper center will operate under the FASTSIGNS brand guidelines and operational standards but will have its own local team dynamics and culture. The "dual-role" nature suggests a lean operational structure where individuals wear multiple hats, fostering a collaborative and adaptable environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Mid-Level position, suitable for individuals with foundational to intermediate experience in both graphic design and production. It requires a solid understanding of the sign production lifecycle and the ability to work independently.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer and Production Specialist will typically report to the Center Manager or a Production Lead within the Draper FASTSIGNS location. This structure allows for direct oversight of production processes and design quality.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the company's revenue and client satisfaction by ensuring that high-quality, visually appealing, and technically accurate signage is produced on time. Efficient design and production processes contribute to profitability by minimizing waste and maximizing output.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to specialize further in either graphic design for signage or in advanced production techniques (e.g., vehicle wraps, large-scale installations, specific material expertise).

• Team Leadership: With proven success and experience, there's potential to move into a Senior Production Specialist role, a Production Manager position, or even lead a dedicated design or production team as the center grows and potentially splits these functions.

• Skill Expansion: Continuous learning opportunities to master new equipment, software updates, and emerging signage technologies.

• Franchise Network Opportunities: Potential to leverage experience within the broader FASTSIGNS franchise network for career advancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "dual-role" nature presents a unique growth path. It can lead to specialization in one area or progression into a management role that oversees both functions. The company's emphasis on growth potential for this role suggests a forward-thinking approach to talent development within the franchise.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role within a commercial signage production facility. The environment will likely include a design workspace with computers and software, as well as a production floor with machinery, materials, and assembly areas.

Office Location(s): FASTSIGNS Draper, UT (Specific address details would be provided upon application or interview). The location in Draper, UT, suggests a business park or commercial area accessible for employees.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Design Area: A dedicated space for graphic design work, likely equipped with high-performance computers, large monitors, and necessary software. This area may be shared or individual, depending on center size.

• Production Floor: A well-organized and safety-conscious production floor housing wide-format printers, vinyl plotters, laminators, cutting tools, and work tables for assembly and finishing.

• Material Storage: Dedicated areas for storing various substrates, vinyl rolls, and finishing materials.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with sales, management, and other production staff is expected, fostering a team-oriented atmosphere.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time position, typically Monday to Friday, during standard business hours (e.g., 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM).

• Flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines, potentially involving occasional overtime or weekend work during peak seasons or for urgent client requests.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is a mix of office and industrial/workshop settings. Candidates should be comfortable with both creative computer-based tasks and hands-on, potentially physically demanding, production work. Safety protocols on the production floor will be a key aspect of the work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Screening of resumes and portfolios for relevant experience and skills.

• First Interview (Phone/Video): Discussion of qualifications, experience, and general fit for the role. This may include preliminary questions about design process and production capabilities.

• Skills Assessment/Practical Test: A hands-on test or design challenge to evaluate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, file preparation, and potentially basic production tasks (e.g., vinyl weeding, applying graphics).

• In-Person Interview: Meeting with the hiring manager and potentially other team members to discuss projects in detail, assess problem-solving skills, and evaluate cultural fit. This stage may involve a thorough review of the candidate's portfolio.

• Reference Checks: Verification of previous employment and performance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Versatility: Include a diverse range of projects that demonstrate both your graphic design capabilities (branding, layout, typography) and your understanding of how designs translate into physical products (signage examples with material considerations).

• Highlight Production Process: For production-focused pieces, be prepared to discuss the materials used, the specific techniques applied (e.g., vinyl application, mounting, finishing), and any challenges overcome.

• Demonstrate Technical Skills: Include examples of vector file preparation for cutting and printing, showcasing your ability to set up bleeds, cut paths, and optimize files for specific equipment.

• Quantify Impact (If Possible): If you can, mention the impact of your work – e.g., "Designed branding for a new business that led to increased foot traffic," or "Efficient production process reduced project completion time by X%."

• Organize Clearly: Structure your portfolio logically, perhaps sectioned by design vs. production, or by project type. Be ready to walk through specific examples during the interview.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: Expect a task that requires you to design a sign based on a brief, or to optimize an existing design for a specific production method. Focus on brand consistency, readability, and production feasibility.

• Technical Challenge: You might be asked to demonstrate weeding techniques, apply vinyl to a substrate, or explain the steps for setting up a file in RIP software.

• Problem-Solving: Be ready to discuss how you would handle common production issues, such as material defects, equipment malfunctions, or design revisions under tight deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The skills assessment and portfolio review are critical components for this role. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate practical skills and articulate their understanding of the entire design-to-production pipeline.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) is essential. Proficiency is required.

• RIP Software: Familiarity with sign-specific RIP software like Onyx or Flexi is preferred, as it's crucial for managing print output and cut paths.

• Plotter/Cutter Software: Understanding of software used to drive vinyl plotters.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytics role, understanding how to interpret job tickets, sales orders, and production reports is necessary for workflow management.

• Knowledge of job costing and material estimation principles is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Experience with CRM systems is helpful for understanding client order history and sales interactions.

• Basic understanding of how design and production software integrate with order management systems.

• Automation within the design process (e.g., using templates, scripts) can be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is on production-oriented software and design tools. Candidates should highlight their experience with RIP software as it directly impacts the efficiency and quality of wide-format printing and cutting.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Craftsmanship & Quality: A deep commitment to producing high-quality, durable, and visually appealing signage that reflects positively on both the client and FASTSIGNS.

• Efficiency & Productivity: Striving for streamlined workflows and timely project completion without compromising quality, essential for meeting client deadlines and profitability.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with colleagues across sales, design, and production to ensure seamless project execution and a supportive work environment.

• Innovation & Problem-Solving: A proactive approach to finding creative design solutions and overcoming production challenges with practical, effective methods.

• Client Focus: Understanding that every project is for a client, and therefore prioritizing their needs, brand integrity, and satisfaction.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Communication: Regular interaction and clear communication with sales teams to ensure accurate project briefs and with other production staff for workflow coordination.

• Feedback Integration: An open attitude towards receiving and providing constructive feedback to improve designs and production processes.

• Shared Responsibility: A willingness to assist team members when needed and to contribute to the overall success of the center's output.

• Process Adherence & Improvement: Following established protocols while also being open to suggesting improvements that enhance efficiency or quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely emphasizes a hands-on, results-oriented approach where team members are expected to contribute across different functions. Values like craftsmanship and efficiency are key differentiators in the signage industry.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Creativity with Production Constraints: The primary challenge is creating designs that are both aesthetically pleasing and technically feasible and cost-effective to produce with available equipment and materials.

• Managing Tight Deadlines: The fast-paced nature of the signage industry often involves demanding turnaround times, requiring effective time management and prioritization skills.

• Keeping Up with Technology: Rapid advancements in printing technology, software, and materials necessitate continuous learning to stay current and competitive.

• Material Variability: Working with diverse substrates and vinyls can present unique challenges in application, durability, and finishing depending on environmental factors and specific product characteristics.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite or learn new design and production software.

• Equipment Operation & Maintenance: Training on new or advanced wide-format printers, plotters, and finishing equipment.

• Industry Certifications: Potential for pursuing certifications related to graphic design, digital printing, or specific application techniques (e.g., vehicle wraps).

• New Material Exploration: Learning about and experimenting with new signage materials and their applications.

• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced team members or management on career progression and skill development within the FASTSIGNS network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "dual-role" nature itself presents a growth opportunity by building a comprehensive skill set. Challenges often stem from the practical realities of production and client demands, which in turn drive the need for continuous learning and adaptation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a project where you had to balance a client's creative vision with technical production limitations. How did you resolve it?" (Focus on problem-solving, communication, and compromise.)

• "Walk me through your process for preparing a design file for wide-format printing and vinyl cutting. What are the key steps and considerations?" (Assess technical pre-press knowledge.)

• "How do you ensure consistent quality and accuracy when applying vinyl graphics or prints to various surfaces, especially on vehicles?" (Evaluate hands-on production skills and attention to detail.)

• "Describe your experience with a specific RIP software (e.g., Onyx, Flexi). What are its key functions you utilize?" (Gauge familiarity with essential production software.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for FASTSIGNS, specifically in a dual design and production role?" (Assess motivation and understanding of the role.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends in graphic design and signage production?" (Evaluate commitment to continuous learning.)

• "Describe a time you had to work under a tight deadline. How did you manage your workload and ensure the project was completed successfully?" (Assess time management and stress handling.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrate Your Process: For each portfolio piece, explain not just the final design but also your thought process, the tools/techniques you used, and any production considerations.

• Showcase Both Sides: Clearly present examples that highlight your graphic design skills and separate examples that showcase your production execution.

• Be Specific About Materials & Techniques: When discussing production, mention the types of substrates, vinyl, inks, and finishing methods you employed.

• Highlight Problem-Solving: If a project involved a unique challenge (design or production), use it as an opportunity to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities.

• Prepare for a Practical Test: Be ready to demonstrate software proficiency or perform a hands-on production task.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviews will likely assess both creative aptitude and practical production capability. Candidates should be prepared to discuss specific projects, demonstrate technical skills, and articulate their understanding of the entire signage production lifecycle.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer and Production Specialist position:

• Submit Your Application: Click "Apply Now" through the provided link to submit your resume and any requested documents.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare a digital portfolio that prominently features examples of both your graphic design work (especially for signage) and your hands-on production experience. Ensure it highlights your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and any relevant RIP software.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords from the job description, such as "Graphic Design," "Sign Production," "Adobe Illustrator," "Adobe Photoshop," "Wide-Format Printing," "Vinyl Application," "Pre-Press," and "Substrate Preparation." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare for a Skills Assessment: Be ready for a practical test that may assess your design software skills, file preparation capabilities, or basic production techniques.

• Research FASTSIGNS: Familiarize yourself with the FASTSIGNS brand, its typical products, and its commitment to quality and customer service. Understand the value proposition of a dual-role position.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.