Graphic Designer / Prepress

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer / Prepress
Company: AlphaGraphics - US403
Location: West Jordan, UT, United States
Job Type: FULL_TIME
Category: Operations - Print Production & Design
Date Posted: 2025-09-23T15:12:48
Experience Level: Mid-Senior (5+ years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for bridging creative design with the technical demands of print production, ensuring seamless workflow from concept to final output.
• Focuses on meticulous file preparation and optimization to guarantee high-quality, accurate printing results for a diverse range of marketing collateral.
• Requires strong collaboration with clients and internal teams to translate project requirements into visually appealing and print-ready assets.
• Involves staying abreast of industry-specific design trends and printing technologies to maintain a competitive edge in service delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer / Prepress," the emphasis on "prepress" and the required experience suggest a role that is heavily weighted towards the technical execution and file preparation aspects of graphic design, rather than purely conceptual creative work. This is a key distinction for operations-minded candidates who excel in process and quality control within a production environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and meticulously prepare print-ready files for a broad spectrum of marketing materials, including brochures, flyers, banners, signage, and other commercial print products.
• Collaborate effectively with clients to understand their project vision, brand guidelines, and specific printing requirements, ensuring designs align with business objectives.
• Conduct thorough quality assurance checks on all design files, verifying accuracy in typography, imagery, color profiles, and layout adherence to maintain brand consistency and print integrity.
• Leverage advanced proficiency in industry-standard design software, particularly the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), to produce compelling visual content and optimize files for various printing methods.
• Proactively manage and prioritize a portfolio of multiple design and prepress projects simultaneously, ensuring all deadlines are met without compromising quality or accuracy.
• Stay current with emerging design trends, software advancements, and innovative printing techniques to continuously enhance the quality and scope of services offered.
• Execute the critical prepress process, including detailed color correction, trapping, imposition, and file optimization, to ensure seamless integration with digital and offset printing equipment.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and technical support to junior designers or production staff, fostering a collaborative environment for skill development and process improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative output and rigorous technical execution. Operations professionals will recognize the importance of workflow management, quality control, and process adherence in this role, especially the emphasis on prepress activities which directly impact production efficiency and final product quality.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a closely related field is preferred. Equivalent practical experience in a professional design and prepress environment will also be strongly considered.
Experience: A minimum of 5 years of dedicated experience in graphic design, with a significant focus on prepress production within the commercial printing or marketing collateral industry.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, for design creation and file preparation.
• Strong understanding and practical application of prepress workflows, including color correction, trapping, imposition, and file optimization for various printing outputs.
• Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in all design elements and print-ready file specifications.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration with clients and internal teams.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, prioritize tasks, and meet stringent deadlines in a fast-paced production environment.
• Solid knowledge of commercial printing processes (digital, offset), paper stocks, and finishing techniques.
• Proven creative problem-solving abilities and a passion for delivering high-quality design solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specialized prepress software or workflows beyond the core Adobe suite.
• Familiarity with project management tools to track design and prepress tasks.
• Basic understanding of print production equipment and capabilities.
• Experience in a client-facing role, providing design consultation and feedback.
• Knowledge of web-to-print platforms or online design tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 5+ years of experience, coupled with specific software proficiencies and prepress knowledge, indicates a need for a candidate who can operate with a high degree of autonomy and expertise. This is typical for mid-senior level operations roles where process ownership and problem-solving are key.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of graphic design projects, with a strong emphasis on print collateral (brochures, flyers, banners, etc.).
• Demonstrations of prepress file preparation, including examples of optimized files, color correction, and resolution adjustments for print.
• Case studies or project examples that highlight the candidate's ability to manage projects from initial client brief to final print-ready file delivery.
• Evidence of workflow efficiency and problem-solving in design and prepress challenges, such as fixing complex layout issues or achieving specific color matching.
• Visual examples of how design choices consider the constraints and opportunities of various printing processes.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your personal workflow for taking a design project from concept to a final, print-ready file, detailing each step of your process.
• Ability to articulate how you ensure quality control and accuracy throughout the design and prepress stages.
• Examples of how you adapt your design process based on different printing technologies or client specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role blending design with prepress, the portfolio must not only showcase creative talent but also the technical rigor and process-oriented thinking required for successful print production. Candidates should be ready to explain the "how" and "why" behind their file preparation choices.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The estimated salary range for this Graphic Designer / Prepress position in West Jordan, UT, is between $22.00 to $25.00 per hour, translating to an annual salary of approximately $45,760 to $52,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• 401(k) Plan: Provides a retirement savings option for employees.
• 401(k) Matching: Company contribution to employee 401(k) accounts, enhancing retirement savings.
• Company Parties: Opportunities for social engagement and team building.
• Employee Discounts: Reduced pricing on AlphaGraphics products and services.
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage for employees and potentially their dependents.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrued time for vacation, sick leave, or personal needs, promoting work-life balance.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, reflecting a full-time commitment. Specific daily schedules may vary based on production needs and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hourly rate of $22-$25/hour aligns with mid-level graphic design and prepress roles in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area. Benefits are standard for full-time positions, with 401(k) matching and health insurance being key attractors for operations professionals seeking stability.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Printing, Marketing Services, and Commercial Graphics. AlphaGraphics operates within a competitive B2B service sector, where reliability, quality, and timely delivery are paramount. Company Size: AlphaGraphics - US403 is likely a small to medium-sized business (SMB) unit within a larger franchise network, indicating a potentially close-knit team with direct impact on business outcomes. Founded: AlphaGraphics as a brand has been established for over 30 years, suggesting a stable company with a proven business model and established operational processes.

Team Structure:

• The design and prepress team is likely integrated within a broader production department, possibly including print operators, finishing specialists, and sales/customer service representatives.
• Reporting structure will likely place this role under a Production Manager or Print Operations Lead, with direct interaction with sales and client management teams.
• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, requiring close coordination with sales to understand client briefs and with production staff to ensure smooth file handoffs and print execution.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on systematic processes for file intake, design creation, review, and prepress preparation to ensure consistency and reduce errors.
• Data-driven approaches may be less about complex analytics and more about tracking job throughput, error rates, and client feedback to optimize production workflows.
• Workflow planning is critical, involving efficient scheduling of design tasks and prepress adjustments to meet production deadlines.
• Automation might be leveraged for repetitive tasks in file preparation or workflow management where possible.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The franchise model of AlphaGraphics suggests adherence to established brand standards and operational procedures, which is beneficial for candidates who thrive in structured environments. The "US403" designation indicates a specific franchise location, implying a local team dynamic.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-level position within the print production and design operations. It requires specialized technical skills in graphic design software and prepress processes, with a strong emphasis on execution and quality control. Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer / Prepress typically reports to a Production Manager or Operations Lead. They will work closely with Sales Associates to receive project briefs and with Print Operators to ensure successful file handoffs for production. Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the company's ability to deliver high-quality print products efficiently. Accurate prepress work minimizes production errors, reduces waste, and ensures client satisfaction, which directly contributes to revenue and brand reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Advance expertise in specific print technologies, color management, or advanced prepress techniques (e.g., packaging design prepress).
• Team Lead/Supervisory: Transition into a lead role overseeing a team of designers and prepress specialists, focusing on workflow management and process optimization.
• Production Management: Move into a broader production management role, responsible for the entire print production lifecycle, including scheduling, resource allocation, and quality assurance.
• Sales Support/Estimating: Leverage design and production knowledge to assist the sales team with technical aspects of client projects and provide accurate job estimates.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not a traditional "revenue operations" role, the principles of process, efficiency, and quality control are central. Growth paths are tied to mastering the technical craft and then moving into roles with greater responsibility for workflow and team management within a production context.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role. The work environment will likely be a commercial print shop setting, which can include office spaces for design and client interaction, as well as production floor areas. Office Location(s): The primary work location is at the AlphaGraphics facility in West Jordan, UT (84088).

Workspace Context:

• The designer's workspace will likely be equipped with high-performance computers, calibrated monitors, and access to industry-standard software.
• Collaboration will occur in project-based team settings, client meetings (potentially on-site or remote), and daily huddles with the production team.
• Access to print samples, material swatches, and direct communication channels with print operators will be crucial for understanding production realities and ensuring accurate file preparation.

Work Schedule: The position is full-time, typically 40 hours per week. While standard business hours are expected, flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines or accommodate urgent client needs, common in production environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working in a print shop environment means being comfortable with the sights and sounds of production machinery. The proximity to the production floor is a significant advantage for a prepress role, facilitating direct communication and problem-solving with operators.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications, design skills, and prepress experience.
• Technical Interview: Discussion focused on your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, understanding of prepress workflows, color management, and experience with various print production challenges.
• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you present your portfolio, discussing specific projects, your design process, and how you handled prepress requirements and client feedback.
• Situational/Behavioral Interview: Questions assessing your problem-solving skills, ability to manage pressure, collaboration style, and how you handle client interactions and tight deadlines.
• On-site Visit/Practical Test (Potential): You might be asked to perform a small design or prepress task to demonstrate your skills in real-time.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your graphic design skills AND your prepress preparation capabilities. Include examples of files prepared for different print outputs.
• Showcase Process: For key projects, briefly walk through your design process, from brief to final file. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you overcame them, particularly in file preparation.
• Highlight Prepress Expertise: Clearly label or explain the prepress steps taken for each relevant project (e.g., color mode conversion, resolution checks, bleed setup, font embedding).
• Quantify Impact: If possible, mention the outcome of your work – e.g., "reduced production errors by X%" or "successfully met tight deadline for Y campaign."

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss common prepress issues and how you would troubleshoot them (e.g., incorrect color profiles, missing fonts, low-resolution images).
• Prepare examples of how you've collaborated with production teams to resolve design or file issues.
• Think about how you prioritize tasks when faced with multiple urgent design and prepress requests.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize both creative talent and technical process knowledge. A strong portfolio that explicitly demonstrates prepress proficiency, alongside clear explanations of your workflow and problem-solving, will be key to advancing.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Photoshop (image editing, retouching), Illustrator (vector graphics, logos, illustration), and InDesign (layout, page design, document assembly).
• Prepress Software: Familiarity with features within Adobe applications related to print output (e.g., PDF presets, color separations, overprint settings) and potentially specialized prepress software for imposition or advanced PDF manipulation.
• Color Management Tools: Understanding of color profiles (CMYK, RGB, Pantone), color correction techniques, and calibration concepts to ensure color fidelity across different media and devices.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a data analysis role, tracking job progress, error rates, and client feedback might involve basic reporting or data entry into internal systems.
• Familiarity with digital asset management (DAM) systems could be beneficial for organizing client files and project assets.

CRM & Automation:

• Interaction with a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to understand client project history and requirements.
• Potential use of project management or workflow automation tools to manage design and prepress tasks and deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. Beyond that, a candidate's understanding of the nuances of print-specific software features for output and color management will set them apart.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Precision: A strong commitment to accuracy in design and prepress is paramount to ensure client satisfaction and minimize production waste.
• Efficiency & Timeliness: Adherence to deadlines and efficient workflow management are critical in a production environment where turnaround times are key.
• Collaboration & Communication: Open communication with clients and internal teams (sales, production, finishing) is essential for project success.
• Continuous Improvement: A willingness to learn new techniques, adapt to new technologies, and refine processes to enhance output quality and efficiency.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a collaborative environment where designers work closely with sales to understand client needs and with production staff to ensure files are print-ready and meet technical specifications.
• A culture that encourages feedback exchange between design, prepress, and production teams to identify and resolve potential issues early in the process.
• Emphasis on knowledge sharing regarding design best practices and effective prepress strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values will likely reflect the demands of the commercial printing industry: reliability, accuracy, and client focus. A candidate who demonstrates these values in their work approach will fit well within the team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Client Needs: Balancing creative requests with technical printing limitations and client budgets can be challenging.
• Meeting Tight Deadlines: The fast-paced nature of print production often requires working under pressure to meet critical deadlines for client campaigns.
• Color Accuracy: Achieving consistent and accurate color reproduction across different projects and print runs requires meticulous attention and technical skill.
• File Integrity: Ensuring all design files are correctly prepared with proper bleeds, crops, color modes, and fonts to prevent production errors.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Prepress Techniques: Opportunities to deepen knowledge in areas like advanced color theory, trapping, imposition, and specialized file output for various printing methods.
• New Software & Technology: Training on new features within the Adobe suite or exposure to emerging prepress technologies and workflows.
• Cross-Training: Learning aspects of other production roles (e.g., basic print operation, finishing) to gain a more holistic understanding of the print process.
• Client Interaction Skills: Developing stronger client communication and consultation skills to better understand and translate needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to hone specialized technical skills critical to the print industry. Overcoming challenges in this role directly contributes to personal skill development and career advancement within print operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process & Prepress Integration: "Describe your end-to-end process for designing a brochure, from initial client brief to delivering the final print-ready PDF. What specific steps do you take to ensure print readiness?"
• Problem-Solving in Production: "Imagine a client provides a design file with incorrect color profiles. How would you identify the issue, correct it, and communicate the solution to the client and the production team?"
• Managing Workflow: "How do you prioritize your workload when you have multiple projects with competing deadlines, some requiring creative design and others needing urgent prepress attention?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about AlphaGraphics and our services? What attracts you to working in a franchise environment like ours?"
• "How do you approach collaboration with sales teams and print operators to ensure project success?"
• "Describe a time you received constructive feedback on your design or prepress work. How did you incorporate it?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or chronologically. For each project, have a brief narrative ready that covers the objective, your role, the process (especially prepress steps), and the outcome.
• Highlight Prepress: Explicitly call out the prepress aspects of your work. For example, "For this banner, I ensured the CMYK conversion was accurate, added the correct bleed and trim marks, and optimized the resolution to 300 DPI for crisp printing."
• Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to answer technical questions about your software choices, color settings, and file formats used for specific projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be ready to demonstrate not just creative talent, but also a deep understanding of the practical, technical requirements of print production. Your ability to articulate your processes and problem-solving skills will be as important as the visual appeal of your portfolio pieces.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer / Prepress position:

• Submit your application directly through the provided link on the AlphaGraphics careers portal.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 5+ years of specific experience in graphic design for print, emphasizing your prepress skills, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, and any experience with commercial printing processes. Use keywords from the job description.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features print-ready projects and clearly demonstrates your prepress workflow and attention to detail. Be prepared to discuss specific examples.
• Prepare for Technical Questions: Review your knowledge of CMYK vs. RGB, Pantone colors, bleeds, resolution, file formats (PDF, EPS, TIFF), and common prepress troubleshooting.
• Research AlphaGraphics: Understand their service offerings and target markets to better articulate your fit and interest in their specific franchise location.

⚠️ 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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