Albion, NY (onsite) role combining graphic design and digital print production for custom apparel, DTF, and printed materials.
Responsibilities
- Create, modify, and prepare production-ready artwork in Adobe Illustrator
- Design graphics for T-shirts, apparel, stickers, decals, labels, and printed materials
- Convert customer files into print-ready formats, ensuring correct sizing and output specs
- Work with AI, EPS, SVG, PDF, PNG, and TIFF file formats
- Prepare gang sheets for DTF transfer production and maximize film utilization
- Apply print knowledge for CMYK and RGB, resolution, transparency, bleeds, cut lines, and dimensions
- Create mockups and digital proofs for customer approval
- Maintain organized artwork files and production records
- Operate a commercial direct-to-film (DTF) printing system
- Use compatible RIP software (including Roland VersaWorks) to set print settings, profiles, and white ink layers
- Monitor printhead performance, ink levels, film feeding, curing, and powder application
- Operate powder shaker and curing system
- Perform nozzle checks, printhead cleaning, and preventative maintenance
- Troubleshoot banding, adhesion issues, color inconsistency, and film-feed problems
- Inspect completed DTF transfers for quality
- Prepare transfers for cutting, heat pressing, packaging, and delivery
- Operate an integrated print-and-cut machine for vinyl decals, stickers, labels, and compatible printed products
- Prepare artwork with appropriate cut contours and registration settings
- Load and manage printable vinyl and other compatible media; verify print-and-cut alignment
- Adjust cutting settings for different materials; weed, trim, and finish vinyl products
- Complete routine maintenance, quality checks, and operator-level preventative maintenance
- Operate high-volume black-and-white production printing for documents, forms, manuals, and other monochrome printed products
- Configure paper sizes, weights, duplex printing, and supported finishing options
- Prepare print-ready PDF documents; manage print queues and production schedules
- Monitor toner, paper, and consumables; clear routine paper jams and resolve printing problems
- Inspect output for alignment, image quality, and finishing accuracy
- Review customer orders and verify specifications
- Operate heat presses for apparel applications
- Cut and separate DTF gang sheets; weed vinyl and apply transfer tape when necessary
- Trim, package, and label finished products; perform final quality checks
- Monitor supplies and inventory; meet production goals and customer deadlines
- Maintain a safe, clean, organized production environment
Requirements
- Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator
- Strong understanding of vector graphics and print-ready artwork
- Knowledge of typography, layout, resolution, and color preparation
- Experience with RIP software preferred
- Ability to modify, resize, trace, and prepare customer artwork
- Experience with commercial digital printing, DTF, or wide-format equipment
- Understanding of routine printer maintenance and calibration
- Ability to troubleshoot common equipment and production issues
- Familiarity with heat transfer, vinyl cutting, and print finishing
- Comfort using Windows computers and digital file systems
- Excellent attention to detail
- Strong time management and organizational skills
- Ability to manage multiple orders and deadlines
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Willingness to learn new equipment and printing methods
- Professional communication skills
Technologies
- Adobe Illustrator, AI, EPS, SVG, PDF, PNG, TIFF
- CMYK, RGB
- RIP software, Roland VersaWorks RIP software
- Ricoh Pro 8400, Roland VersaSTUDIO BN2-20A, ColDesi DTF 24H2
- Windows
Benefits
Preferred Experience
- 2+ years of graphic design or digital printing experience
- Adobe Illustrator experience
- DTF, sticker, apparel, or commercial printing experience
- Knowledge of complete print production workflows
- Prior employment in a print shop, custom apparel business, or sign shop
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand for extended periods
- Ability to safely lift and move up to 40 pounds, with assistance for heavier loads
- Manual dexterity for printing, trimming, weeding, and packaging
- Ability to work safely around heat presses, cutting machines, and printing equipment
Compensation & Advancement
- Suggested pay range: $22–$28 per hour depending on experience and technical skills
- Suggested pay range listed for this posting: $21–$28 per hour
- Advancement may include Digital Print Production Lead or Print Production Manager as the business grows
Application Details
- Application title: Graphic Designer / Digital Print Production Specialist
- Pay: $21.00 - $28.00 per hour
- Work location: In person
- People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply