Production Artist

Kids for the Future; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance through UnitedHealth

Dental, Vision, Life insurance through

Job summary

Culture Studio in Chicago is seeking a Production Artist to transform creative concepts into production-ready artwork and mockups for apparel and merchandise.

You will collaborate with clients, design and production teams, and ensure artwork is accurate, color-accurate, and print-ready across multiple techniques.

Qualifications

• Advanced Illustrator and Photoshop skills with strong vector/raster understanding.
• Experience preparing artwork for screen printing and related production methods.
• Knowledge of PMS color matching, color theory, typography, branding and layout.
• Familiarity with prepress workflows, trapping, ink types, and production sequencing.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and preflight both vector and raster artwork for production.
• Create accurate digital mockups for apparel and promotional products.
• Adjust artwork, Pantone colors, print order, and production methods to ensure accuracy.
• Communicate with clients regarding artwork approvals and revisions.
• Create production-ready files for screen printing, embroidery, DTG, DTF, sublimation.
• Troubleshoot artwork with press operators and production teams.
• Collaborate daily with Chicago and Daytona Beach teams via Slack, email, and phone.
• Meet KPIs while maintaining quality and speed.

Skills

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Vector artwork

Pantone Matching System (PMS)

Color theory

Typography

Branding

Layout

Prepress workflows

Screen printing prep

Mac proficiency

Job description

• Location 1151 W 40TH ST,Chicago, IL, 60609-2506,United States
• Employee Type FT Exempt

Why This Role Matters:

The Production Artist plays a critical role in transforming creative concepts into production-readyartwork that exceeds client expectations and ensures seamless execution on the production floor. Thisposition serves as the bridge between our clients, account teams, and production departments bypreparing accurate artwork, mockups, and production files that bring brands to life through customapparel and merchandise.
At Culture Studio, Production Artists combine creativity with technical expertise, balancing speed,precision, and problem-solving in a fast-paced environment. From preflighting artwork and creatingapparel mockups to collaborating directly with clients and production teams, this role ensures everydesign is optimized for quality, efficiency, and successful production. The Production Artist partnersclosely with teammates across all Culture Studio locations to deliver exceptional work, continuouslyimprove processes, and help create merchandise that our clients and their fans are proud to wear.

Top Priorities:

• Deliver Production-Ready Artwork with Accuracy & Speed: Prepare, proof, and release production-ready artwork, mockups, and print files that meet Culture Studio quality standards while supporting production schedules. Ensure every file is technically accurate the first time, minimizing revisions and production delays.
• Drive Seamless Client & Production Communication: Own the art approval process by communicating clearly with clients and internal teams, setting expectations, responding with urgency, and resolving artwork challenges before they impact production. Build confidence through professionalism, responsiveness, and a solutions-first mindset.
• Protect Quality While Continuously Improving: Partner with production teams to troubleshoot artwork, improve print outcomes, and identify opportunities to increase efficiency. Maintain consistency across all projects by upholding brand standards, color accuracy, and production best practices while continuously seeking better ways to work.

Position Duties

• Prepare and preflight both vector and raster artwork for production
• Create accurate digital mockups for apparel and promotional products
• Adjust artwork, Pantone colors, print order, and production methods to ensure printed products match customer expectations
• Communicate directly with clients regarding artwork approvals and revisions
• Create production-ready files for screen printing, embroidery, DTG, DTF, sublimation, and specialty print techniques
• Troubleshoot artwork alongside press operators and production teams
• Create original logos, illustrations, apparel graphics, and marketing assets
• Build product presentations and merchandise collections for client pitches
• Panel artwork for sublimation printing
• Photograph finished products for client approvals and marketing
• Collaborate daily with both our Chicago and Daytona Beach teams through Slack, email, and phone
• Meet department KPIs while maintaining exceptional quality and speed

We're looking for someone with:

• Advanced Adobe Illustrator skillsAdvanced Adobe Photoshop skillsStrong understanding of vector artwork and raster artworkExperience preparing artwork for screen printingUnderstanding of Pantone Matching System (PMS)Knowledge of color theory, typography, branding, and layoutUnderstanding of underbases, trapping, print sequencing, and ink typesWorking knowledge of mesh counts, LPI, DPI, halftones, and prepress workflowsMac proficiencyStrong organization and time managementExcellent communication skills

Great to have but not required:

• Bilingual: English|Spanish
• Screen printing industry experience
• Embroidery digitizing knowledge
• Apparel decoration experience
• Photography experience
• Experience with music, promotional products, or branded merchandise

Benefits at Culture Studio

• Medical insurance through United Healthcare (2 plan options)
• Dental, Vision, and Life insurance through Mutual of Omaha