Graphics & Pre Press Production Manager

FREEMAN; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

Paid Parental Leave

Life, Accident and Disability

Retirement with Company Match

Paid Time Off

Pay Range: $65,000 - $85,000 per year

Job summary

The Freeman Company in St. Paul, MN is seeking a Graphics Production Artist to prepare, review, and produce graphic files for print and installation. You will bridge design and production, ensuring brand compliance and production readiness while supporting finishing, inventory, and installation processes.

This full-time role is based on-site in St. Paul, MN and requires 3–5 years in graphic production or related fields, with strong Adobe CC and print workflow expertise.

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Marketing, or related field.
• Strong knowledge of typography, layout, color management, and print production processes.
• Experience with QA/proofing procedures and production standards.
• Working knowledge of vinyl production, laminating, graphic mounting, and finishing techniques.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Review and prepare artwork files for print production, ensuring accuracy and compliance with brand standards.
• Proof artwork, layouts, typography, color, and file integrity prior to production.
• Identify and resolve artwork and production issues to meet deadlines and quality expectations.
• Read, interpret, and apply customer, legal, regulatory, and production specifications.
• Maintain production templates, graphics standards, and reference materials.
• Assist with file setup and work order packages for internal production and external vendors.
• Support the transition of conceptual designs through final production-ready artwork.
• Coordinate graphics production activities with shop personnel, installers, shipping, and warehouse teams.

Skills

Typography

Layout

Color management

Print production processes

Attention to detail

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Graphic Design

Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud

Illustrator

Photoshop

InDesign

Mac OS

Large-format printers

Laminators

Vinyl plotters

Job description

About Us

Sparks is a leading global brand experience agency, specializing in the design and execution of award-winning experiences that forge deep connections between brands and audiences. Recognized by Adweek as Experiential Agency of the Year, we bring a unique blend of strategic insight and execution excellence to every brand activation, corporate event, trade show exhibit, and immersive experience. Our commitment to creativity, innovation, and flawless execution drives us to craft impactful experiential marketing solutions that deepen relationships, inspire action, and build trust—all around the world.

Summary

The Graphics & Prepress Production Artist is responsible for preparing, reviewing, producing, and quality-checking graphic files and finished products for print and installation. This role serves as the bridge between design and production by ensuring artwork complies with client brand standards, print specifications, and production requirements while also supporting graphic fabrication, finishing, inventory management, and installation readiness. The incumbent works closely with design, production, shipping, warehouse, and installation teams to deliver high-quality graphic solutions on time and within project specifications.

This position is eligible to work an in person schedule based out of our St. Paul, MN location.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Prepress & Graphic File Preparation

• Review and prepare artwork files for print production, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with customer brand standards.

• Proof artwork, layouts, typography, color, and file integrity prior to production.

• Identify and resolve artwork and production issues to meet deadlines and quality expectations.

• Read, interpret, and apply customer, legal, regulatory, and production specifications.

• Maintain production templates, graphics standards, and reference materials.

• Assist with file setup and work order packages for internal production and external vendors.

• Support the transition of conceptual designs through final production-ready artwork.

Graphics Production & Finishing

• Set up files for output and support large-format print production processes.

• Operate vinyl-cutting equipment and perform vinyl weeding, masking, application, and mounting.

• Laminate graphic prints and apply graphics to various substrates.

• Inspect finished graphics to ensure they meet quality and appearance standards.

• Coordinate graphics production activities with shop personnel, installers, shipping, and warehouse teams.

• Facilitate finishing requirements, attachment methods, packaging, and installation support materials.

Project Coordination & Quality Control

• Track project status, monitor work order schedules, and verify completion milestones.

• Maintain inventory records, project documentation, and production archives.

• Coordinate quality control inspections and support shipping accuracy.

• Confirm final shipping inventories and ensure installation materials, documentation, and electronic files accompany projects.

• Communicate proactively with design, production, and installation teams to minimize errors and improve workflow efficiency.

• Recommend and implement process improvements that enhance graphics production consistency and predictability.

• Maintain and improve graphic archives and project records.

• Assist with inventory tracking and database updates.

• Process and store graphics returning from shows, including labeling, documentation, and storage organization.

• Monitor equipment and supply inventory levels and assist with replenishment as needed.

General

• Maintain an organized, safe, and clean work environment.

• Support cross-functional teams and contribute to continuous process improvement initiatives.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Marketing, or related field, or equivalent practical experience.

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in graphic production, prepress, print production, or a related role.

• Experience preparing files for large-format printing and production workflows.

• Strong understanding of typography, layout, color management, and print production processes.

• Experience with quality assurance and proofing procedures.

• Working knowledge of vinyl production, laminating, graphic mounting, and finishing techniques.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Education & Experience

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, including Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.

• Familiarity with large-format printers, laminators, vinyl plotters, and related production equipment.

• Knowledge of Mac operating systems and graphics production workflows.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.

• Ability to work independently while supporting a team-oriented environment.

• Demonstrate a positive, professional attitude while maintaining reliable attendance and punctuality.

What We Offer

The Freeman Company provides benefits that aim to empower our people and their families to thrive mentally, physically, and financially. These are a handful of the types of programs and benefits our full-time people may be eligible for. There may be some variances in specific benefits across regions.

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Paid Parental Leave

• Life, Accident and Disability

• Retirement with Company Match

• Paid Time Off

• Pay Range: $65,000 - $85,000 per year, depending on experience

Diversity Commitment

At The Freeman Company, our commitment to diversity and inclusion is helping us to create not only a great place to work, but also an environment where our employees, our customers and our communities around the world can reach their goals and connect with each other. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status and other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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