Production Artist, Covers (Contract)

Overview: Responsibilities:

• Cover Mechanical Production and Cover Pre-Press/Pre-Flight — 60%:

o Maintain all assigned InDesign cover templates, ensuring these meet departmental and printer requirements as per best practice (SOPs);
o Ensure all format versions are up-to-date and reflect the current approved “look” and branding elements as per best practice (SOPs);
o Assist with internal, proprietary workflows, Emap (Content Station) and BPS, helping to ensure the proper tracking of assigned covers through all stages of production;
o Build both print and digital cover materials in InDesign ensuring that the final delivery of the press ready PDFs follow departmental best practice (SOPs).

• 
  Cover Image Production — 30%

o Edit supplied layered Photoshop artwork, ensuring accuracy for reproduction as per design, communicate any issues that impact the look directly with Art;
o Create all decorating elements as per Art’s supplied Decorating Instruction Sheet (DIS) while communicating any issues and/or changes required directly with both the Art group and the Controllers to ensure quoted print material remains within budget;
o Interact with all departments as needed and in a timely manner to ensure assigned materials meet specified deadlines.

• 
  Product Maintenance — 10%:

o Organize and archive (TAG) all completed materials on product server following departmental best practices and naming conventions (SOPs). Qualifications:

• 3+ years graphic production experience; publishing an asset
• Post-secondary diploma or equivalent in Graphic Arts
• Advanced MAC technical abilities and file building techniques in Adobe InDesign, PhotoShop, Acrobat and Illustrator
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a focus on team building
• Clear multi-departmental communication with a customer-first attitude
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Advanced pre-flight, analytical and problem-solving skills in both InDesign and Acrobat
• Knowledge of typography, design layout, color work and print processes
• Ability to multi-task while working independently or as a team player
• Adaptable/flexible to changing business processes and requirements