Production Designer

ROLE DESCRIPTION
Skidmore Studio is seeking a Production Designer who will be responsible for taking final or near-final designs and preparing them for print production. This role requires meticulous attention to detail and a strong understanding of print processes to ensure that all designs meet production standards without compromising creative intent. The ideal candidate is a “craftsperson” who thrives on turning creative concepts into tangible products that promote both studio profitability and showcase our world-class creative team’s capabilities.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare Designs for Print: Transform creative designs into print-ready formats. Ensure all designs adhere to print specifications, including color management, resolution settings, and file formatting.
• Translate Designs Across Multiple SKUs: Adapt and scale the final design to fit various product sizes and types, ensuring consistency and quality across all SKUs.
• Collaborate with Creative Teams: Work closely with creative designers to understand the vision and requirements of projects. Provide technical advice to ensure designs are feasible within print parameters.
• Quality Control and Proofing: Oversee the proofing process, making necessary adjustments to art files to ensure accuracy and quality before print runs. Manage the production sample review process to ensure final product quality.
• Vendor Liaison: Act as the main point of contact with print vendors. Communicate specifications and quality expectations, and manage ongoing relationships to ensure consistent product quality.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years of experience in a print production role, preferably within a branding or creative studio environment.
• In-depth knowledge of print production processes, materials, and finishing techniques.
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
• Strong understanding of dielines and mechanical files
• Comfortable with light to moderate photo retouching.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with a proven ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

BONUS

• Ability to create mockups using Photoshop/Dimensions/3D

ATTRIBUTES OF SKIDMORVIANS

Ability to work entrepreneurially in shades of gray

• Adaptable and flexible with wearing “multiple hats” within our boutique studio
• Resourceful and comfortable with taking ownership of undefined work or problem solving
• Ability to bring structure to the nebulous and communicate clearly in the face of ambiguity 

Desire for excellence and to learn and grow

• Coachable, continuous learner who is vulnerable about one’s own growth
• Curious and hungry for knowledge, with a desire to excel and have meaningful impact
• High creative and service standards with a passion for continuous improvement

Passionate about Brand, Collaboration, and Results

• Creative, innovative problem solver who cares more for collaboration than being “right,” the winner, or in charge 
• Ability to capture and respond to feedback in ways that value others
• Desire to remove “not possible” from your vocabulary; substitute with “how might we…”

PURPOSE + VALUES OF SKIDMORVIANS

Every member of the Skidmore team is expected to continuously strive to fulfill the Studio’s core purpose and uphold our core values:

Core Purpose:
To help good organizations and good people be their best.  

Core Values:

Be a Sage: Bring wisdom, Add confidence, Be discerning
Have the Zest: Bring enthusiasm, Add flavor, Be genuine
Deliver the Goods: Bring purpose, Add value, Be unified

Benefits

Paid time off: Paid vacations days, 11-13 paid holidays per calendar year, and unlimited paid sick/personal time after 60 days employment.

Medical Coverage: The Studio pays a portion of the premium for both employees and eligible family members.

Dental Coverage: 100% Studio paid for employees. 

Vision Coverage: 100% Studio paid for employees. 

401K Plan: Sponsored 401k retirement savings plan which includes an employer match after 90 days employment. 

Wellness Reimbursement: Monthly wellness stipend. 

Wireless Communication Stipend: Stipend for personal cell phone and home internet expenses.

COACHING & PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Every Skidmorvian is supported with a customized, personal development plan with routine coaching sessions. The plans include rituals and routines for recognition; education and training planning; skills, values, and performance evaluations; and career path creation. Skidmorvians are expected to have personal commitment to their own development, and develop the ability to ask for and receive support from studio’s managers, leadership, and coaches. 

REMOTE / VIRTUAL / “CONNECTED” STUDIO
Skidmore Studio is operated as a connected team who work remotely, predominately in Eastern and Central Time Zones. Our virtual work expectation is the team is connected Monday through Friday and available for online meetings, phone calls and chats during common business hours (9 am – 5 pm Eastern, 8 am - 4 pm Central). 

Our team is expected to travel for in-person studio-wide meetings every quarter. Previous quarterly meetings have taken place in Detroit, Michigan, and Chicago, Illinois. Future destinations will be added.

Teammates are provided company hardware and software tools relevant to their roles and are expected to have reliable internet connections and the ability to appear on camera for meetings indicated as video conferences.