Packaging Production Artist

Aquent; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Subsidized health plan

Vision and dental plans

Paid sick leave

Retirement plan with match

Free online training

Job summary

Aquent is seeking a meticulous Print Production Artist for our beauty packaging team in San Francisco. You will ensure brand guidelines are followed, craft precise comps, and prepare production-ready files for vendors.

With 5+ years in packaging print production, you’ll collaborate across functions, manage multiple projects, and contribute to high‑quality, color‑accurate packaging that enhances consumer storytelling. This role is on-site in San Francisco with a leading talent partner.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of dedicated Print Production Artist experience in packaging.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• Strong CMYK color theory understanding and color nuances.
• Independent, proactive, and collaborative in cross-functional teams.
• Excellent typography and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to brand guidelines while manipulating graphics.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet goals.
• Perform expert photo retouching and color correction.
• Create physical comps and mockups for packaging concepts.
• Develop print-ready mechanicals for packaging components.
• Lay out and prepare production-ready mechanicals for vendors.
• Release finalized files to vendors for sampling and production.
• Review print proofs for accuracy and quality.

Skills

Print Production Artist

Color theory

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe InDesign

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe InDesign

Job description

Aquent is partnering with a leading beauty brand developer and wholesaler, part of a global luxury group. This dynamic company serves as a hub of creativity and next‑generation beauty product development for global retail channels. Through original development, collaborations, and acquisitions, their portfolio of brands consistently delivers creativity, inspiration, and innovation. Our team is a dynamic engine of speed, expertise, and market‑savvy, redefining the beauty industry through exceptional products, compelling storytelling, and strategic retail and direct‑to‑consumer partnerships. This ethos is reflected in everything we do and what we stand for: a “Can Do” Spirit, unwavering Advocacy, Diversity, and Inclusion, authentic Storytelling, remarkable Resilience, and a commitment to Product Excellence that always puts the consumer first.

Are you a meticulous and passionate production artist ready to make a significant impact on the visual identity of groundbreaking beauty products? We are seeking a talented individual to join our creative packaging team, where your expertise will directly shape the consumer experience. This isn’t just about design; it’s about bringing visionary concepts to life with precision and an acute eye for detail. You will be instrumental in ensuring our packaging not only meets the highest standards of quality but also tells a compelling story, captivating audiences and driving the success of our innovative brands.

What You’ll Do:

• Adhere strictly to brand guidelines while skillfully manipulating graphics to meet creative needs.
• Work both independently and collaboratively with cross‑functional teams to achieve project goals.
• Perform expert photo retouching and color correction to ensure visual perfection.
• Create physical comps and mockup samples to visualize packaging concepts.
• Develop print‑ready mechanicals for all packaging needs, including various packaging components, in accordance with brand guidelines.
• Lay out, revise, and prepare production‑ready mechanicals for vendor submission.
• Release finalized files to vendors for both sampling and full production runs.
• Conduct thorough review and approval of all related print proofs, ensuring accuracy and quality.

Must‑Have Qualifications:

• 5+ years of dedicated Print Production Artist experience in packaging.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• Solid understanding of basic CMYK color theory and a keen eye for color nuances.
• Highly motivated, proactive, and able to take initiative.
• Proven ability to work independently and seamlessly within cross‑functional teams.
• Exceptional organizational skills and a meticulous attention to detail.
• Thorough understanding of various printing processes and manufacturing techniques for both primary and secondary packaging.
• Comprehensive knowledge of structure and die‑lines.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Excellent typography skills and an unwavering commitment to detail.
• Ability to thrive under pressure, manage multiple projects concurrently, and maintain flexibility in a fast‑paced environment.

Nice‑to‑Have Qualifications:

• Packaging experience within the color cosmetics and beauty industries.
• Experience creating comps and prototypes.
• A genuine passion for beauty, fashion, and cosmetics.

About Aquent Talent:

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world’s biggest brands. Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. More information on our awesome benefits! Aquent is an equal‑opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We’re about creating an inclusive environment—one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.