Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Production Designer

Company: Aston Carter

Location: Brookfield, Wisconsin, United States

Job Type: CONTRACTOR

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Manufacturing

Date Posted: April 23, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is focused on the critical production-side of graphic design, specifically preparing and refining existing artwork for high-volume printing machines within a plant environment.

• Key responsibilities include converting supplied assets into print-ready files, ensuring accuracy in formatting, sizing, resolution, and color consistency to meet stringent production specifications.

• The position requires strong proficiency in graphic production, prepress workflows, and a deep understanding of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Acrobat for PDF preparation.

• Successful candidates will thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven setting, demonstrating exceptional attention to detail and the ability to adapt to evolving processes and workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the description clearly indicates a "Graphic Production Designer" role, emphasizing refinement and preparation of existing artwork rather than original design creation. This is crucial for candidates to understand the focus on technical production skills over creative ideation. The role is situated within a "production plant environment," highlighting a hands-on, operational focus.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Receive and process job requests originating from sales orders, each linked to a unique reference ID, and transform associated artwork into finalized production-ready files.

• Adapt, adjust, and format existing artwork to meet specific machine and production requirements, focusing on technical readiness rather than original design concept development.

• Convert raw images and files into high-quality, print-ready PDFs and Photoshop files that comply with detailed machine and production specifications.

• Diligently ensure the accuracy of artwork, including precise formatting, appropriate sizing, correct resolution, and consistent color profiles before releasing files to the production floor.

• Produce print-ready artwork that is optimized for compatibility with a variety of production and printing machines operating within the facility.

• Manage and prioritize a high volume of incoming work efficiently in a dynamic, fast-moving environment, maintaining strong organizational discipline.

• Foster close collaboration with manufacturing and print teams to ensure seamless integration with production schedules and adherence to operational timelines.

• Actively support ramp-up activities for newly installed printing equipment by adapting files and workflows to accommodate evolving processes and specifications.

• Maintain an exceptionally high level of attention to detail to minimize errors, reduce rework, and ensure the quality of production files.

• Demonstrate agility and adaptability in quickly responding to changes in processes, technical specifications, and operational workflows as the production environment grows and evolves.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are heavily focused on the technical and procedural aspects of print production. Emphasis is placed on file preparation, format conversion, and quality assurance for existing artwork, distinguishing it from a pure graphic design role. The need to support a "newly installed printer" suggests a dynamic environment where adaptability and process refinement are key.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a background in Graphic Design, Digital Graphics, or a related field is implied through the skill requirements.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience in graphic production, print production, or prepress environments is preferred, indicating an entry-level to junior role.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience working in a graphic production, print production, or prepress environment.

• Strong, hands-on working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop for image manipulation and file preparation.

• Proficient working knowledge of Adobe Acrobat and its capabilities for PDF preparation and optimization for print.

• Demonstrated ability to take existing artwork and transform it into fully print-ready files suitable for various production and printing machines.

• Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy when preparing and reviewing production files.

• Comfort and capability in working within a high-volume, deadline-driven production environment.

• Strong organizational skills and effective time-management abilities to juggle multiple jobs and competing priorities.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Adobe Illustrator and the broader Adobe Creative Suite.

• Background in graphic design, rendering, or digital graphics, providing a foundational understanding of visual elements.

• Experience specifically working with signage or similar large-format print applications.

• Familiarity with 3D design or rendering software such as SketchUp or comparable tools.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, particularly within production and manufacturing departments.

• A strong motivation to grow within the graphic production and print industry, with a focus on building long-term, specialized skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The distinction between "Required" and "Preferred" skills is clear. The required skills focus heavily on technical proficiency with core software (Photoshop, Acrobat) and practical production experience. The preferred skills suggest areas where additional knowledge (Illustrator, large-format print, 3D software) would be advantageous but not essential for immediate success in the role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Examples of print-ready files prepared for various production machines, showcasing technical accuracy and adherence to specifications.

• Case studies demonstrating the process of converting raw artwork into finalized production files, highlighting problem-solving for technical print challenges.

• Visual documentation of workflow optimization for print preparation, if applicable, showing efficiency improvements.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to document and follow established workflows for artwork submission, modification, and release to production.

• Understanding of process steps involved in preparing files for different printing technologies and machine types.

• Familiarity with quality control checkpoints and documentation for print production processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly mandated, the nature of the role implies that candidates should be prepared to showcase examples of their production-ready files and demonstrate their process for handling artwork preparation. The emphasis is on technical execution and process adherence rather than creative design portfolios.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.

• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital insurance coverage.

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with pre-tax and Roth post-tax contribution options.

• Voluntary Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) for the employee and dependents.

• Short-term and Long-term disability coverage.

• Health Spending Account (HSA).

• Transportation benefits.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.

• Paid Time Off (PTO), Vacation Leave, or Sick Leave, subject to eligibility.

Working Hours: Assumed to be a standard 40-hour work week, typical for a full-time contractor role, with potential for overtime depending on production demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is provided as an hourly range for a contract position. The benefits listed are typical for contract roles through staffing agencies like Aston Carter, often including a comprehensive package to attract talent. The mention of eligibility requirements and potential changes is standard for contract positions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Staffing and Talent Solutions (Aston Carter), with the role itself embedded within a Manufacturing/Printing company.

Company Size: Aston Carter is a large, global organization. The specific client company where this role is located is not detailed, but it operates a "production plant environment" with "multiple production and printing machines," suggesting a medium to large-scale manufacturing operation.

Founded: Aston Carter was founded in 1997. The founding date of the client company is not specified.

Team Structure:

• The role is part of a graphic production team working directly within a manufacturing or printing facility.

• Collaboration is expected with manufacturing and print teams, indicating cross-functional interaction within the plant.

Methodology:

• Focus on efficient and accurate artwork preparation for production workflows.

• Emphasis on adhering to established specifications and adapting to evolving machine and process requirements.

• Data-driven adjustments to files based on print machine capabilities and customer order specifications.

Company Website: https://careers.astoncarter.com/us/en

📝 Enhancement Note: This section differentiates between Aston Carter (the staffing agency) and the client company where the role is physically located. The culture description is based on the client's environment ("laid-back and easygoing," "supportive"). The operational methodology centers on technical accuracy and production efficiency.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at an entry-level to junior level (0-2 years of experience) within the graphic production and print industry. It serves as a foundational role for individuals looking to build practical skills in a production environment.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Production Designer will likely report to a Production Supervisor, Print Manager, or a designated lead within the manufacturing plant's operations team.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the efficiency and accuracy of the printing production line. By ensuring that artwork is technically sound and ready for print, the designer minimizes errors, reduces material waste, and helps meet production deadlines, thereby contributing to the overall operational throughput and client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to become an expert in specific printing technologies, large-format printing, or advanced prepress techniques.

• Process Improvement: Potential to contribute to refining artwork preparation workflows and integrating new printing technologies.

• Advancement: Possible progression to roles like Senior Graphic Production Specialist, Prepress Lead, or Production Coordinator within the manufacturing plant, depending on performance and company needs.

• Industry Exposure: Develop a deep understanding of the print production lifecycle from digital file to physical output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis focuses on building practical, technical skills within the print production domain. Advancement is framed within the operational structure of a manufacturing plant rather than a corporate GTM or RevOps setting.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a fully on-site position located in a production plant environment. The atmosphere is described as "laid-back and easygoing."

Office Location(s): Brookfield, Wisconsin.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace involves direct interaction with manufacturing and print teams, emphasizing collaboration in a production setting.

• Access to production machinery and related technology is inherent to the role.

• Opportunities for hands-on learning and direct involvement in the print production process.

Work Schedule: The role is expected to be a standard 40-hour work week, on-site. Flexibility might be limited due to the production plant's operational hours and demands, but the tasks themselves are process-oriented and detail-focused.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description emphasizes the "production plant environment" and the collaborative nature with manufacturing teams. The "laid-back" culture is a key descriptor for the work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of resume and potentially a brief phone screen with Aston Carter to assess basic qualifications and fit.

• Technical Assessment: Likely includes a practical test using Adobe Photoshop and Acrobat to evaluate file preparation skills, accuracy, and speed. Candidates may be asked to convert or modify sample artwork.

• On-site Interview: Meeting with the hiring manager and potentially members of the production or print team at the plant location. This will focus on assessing technical skills, understanding of production workflows, attention to detail, and cultural fit within the plant environment.

• Portfolio Review (Informal): While not explicitly a formal portfolio submission, candidates should be prepared to discuss and potentially show examples of their past work demonstrating print-ready file preparation.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Production Readiness: Showcase examples of final files prepared for print, highlighting technical aspects like color profiles, resolution, bleed, and trim marks.

• Demonstrate Process: Be ready to explain your step-by-step process for taking artwork from a raw state to production-ready, especially for different printing machines.

• Highlight Problem-Solving: If you have examples of overcoming specific technical challenges in print preparation (e.g., complex layering, file optimization for large formats), be ready to discuss them.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): Mention instances where your preparation skills directly led to fewer errors, faster turnaround times, or reduced material waste.

Challenge Preparation:

• Software Proficiency: Be prepared for a hands-on test in Adobe Photoshop and Acrobat. Practice tasks such as creating print-ready PDFs, adjusting image resolution, converting color modes (e.g., RGB to CMYK), and setting up files with proper bleed and trim.

• Workflow Understanding: Brush up on common print production terms and processes, including CMYK vs. RGB, DPI/PPI, vector vs. raster, trapping, and imposition.

• Adaptability Scenarios: Think about how you would handle changing specifications, tight deadlines, or new equipment requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process for this role is highly technical and practical, focusing on demonstrated skills in graphic production software and print preparation rather than strategic GTM or RevOps methodologies.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Photoshop: Essential for image manipulation, retouching, color correction, and preparing raster-based artwork for print. Proficiency in layers, masks, and resolution adjustments is key.

• Adobe Acrobat: Critical for PDF creation, optimization, preflighting, and ensuring files meet print-ready standards. Experience with preflight tools and PDF settings is important.

Analytics & Reporting: Not directly applicable in a creative production sense, but understanding print job specifications and order details is crucial for accurate file preparation.

CRM & Automation: While the role itself doesn't heavily rely on CRM, understanding the sales order process and how jobs are generated from it is important for workflow management. Automation might be relevant in terms of efficient file handling or batch processing if specific tools are implemented.

Additional Tools (Preferred):

• Adobe Illustrator: For vector-based artwork preparation, logo adjustments, and layout work.

• SketchUp or similar 3D rendering software: Useful for visualizing signage or large-format print applications if applicable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on the Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop and Acrobat, reflecting the core technical requirements of graphic production and print readiness.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Accuracy and Precision: A core value, ensuring that every file is technically correct for optimal print output.

• Efficiency and Speed: Acknowledging the high-volume, deadline-driven nature of the plant environment; getting it right, quickly.

• Adaptability and Flexibility: Willingness to adjust to new equipment, evolving processes, and changing job requirements.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Working effectively with manufacturing and print teams to achieve production goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Direct and practical, focused on problem-solving related to artwork and print specifications.

• Cross-functional interaction with production staff to ensure smooth job transitions.

• Emphasis on clear communication regarding file requirements and potential production issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The cultural values are aligned with a production and manufacturing setting, emphasizing meticulous execution and teamwork within operational constraints.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High Volume & Tight Deadlines: Consistently managing a large number of job requests with demanding turnaround times.

• Technical Complexity: Adapting artwork for a variety of printing machines, each with unique specifications and capabilities.

• Evolving Technologies: Keeping pace with new printing equipment, software updates, and evolving file format requirements.

• Minimizing Errors: Maintaining absolute accuracy in file preparation to prevent costly mistakes in production.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Skill Enhancement: Deepening expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Photoshop and Acrobat, for advanced print production techniques.

• Print Process Mastery: Gaining in-depth knowledge of different printing methods, substrates, and finishing processes.

• Specialized Software: Learning to use or optimize workflows with other design or rendering software relevant to large-format or specialty printing.

• Operational Understanding: Developing a broader understanding of the manufacturing plant's operations and how graphic production fits into the larger supply chain.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are directly related to the operational demands of a high-volume print production environment, while growth opportunities focus on technical specialization within that domain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• File Preparation Scenarios: "Describe your process for taking a supplied logo file and preparing it for large-format vinyl printing." "How would you ensure color consistency for a print job that needs to match a specific brand guideline?"

• Software Proficiency: "Walk me through how you would troubleshoot a PDF file that won't preflight correctly." "What are your go-to Photoshop tools for preparing images for offset printing?"

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a rush job comes in with artwork that's low resolution. What steps would you take?" "How do you handle conflicting instructions from a sales order versus a client's previous job?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in a production-focused graphic role rather than a pure design role?"

• "How do you handle working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment?"

• "Describe a time you had to adapt to a new process or technology at work."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Technical Execution: Be ready to show examples of print-ready files and explain the technical considerations you addressed (e.g., resolution, color mode, bleed, file format).

• Explain Your Workflow: Detail your step-by-step process for preparing artwork from receipt to final output, highlighting efficiency and accuracy.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Use specific examples to illustrate how you've overcome technical challenges in print production.

• Highlight Adaptability: Be prepared to discuss how you approach learning new software or adapting to new production requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions will be heavily geared towards practical, hands-on skills and problem-solving within the context of graphic production and print operations.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Production Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Aston Carter careers portal link.

• Prepare Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in graphic production, print production, prepress, and proficiency with Adobe Photoshop and Acrobat. Use keywords from the job description.

• Gather Work Samples: If you have a digital portfolio, curate examples of print-ready files and projects where you refined existing artwork for production. Be prepared to discuss your process.

• Practice Technical Skills: Review Adobe Photoshop and Acrobat functionalities critical for print preparation (PDF export, color modes, resolution, preflighting). Be ready for a practical skills test.

• Research Aston Carter: Understand their role as a staffing agency and their commitment to talent solutions. Consider the type of manufacturing environment you'll be working in.

⚠️ 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.

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