Spot Sublimation Print Specialist

Lakeshirts; Detroit Lakes (MN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k)

Profit sharing

Dog-friendly office

Flexible schedules

Paid time off

Job summary

Lakeshirts seeks a Spot Sublimation Print Specialist to prepare artwork, review orders, and ensure color accuracy before production. You will create test prints, compare results with approved artwork, and catch issues early.

Working with Art, Production, Customer Service, and Sales, you will maintain production files, troubleshoot color and transfer issues, and contribute to continuous improvement while onsite in Detroit Lakes, MN.

Qualifications

• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality and accuracy.
• Basic working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; production artwork experience a plus.
• Understanding of color management, digital printing, heat transfer, dye sublimation, prepress, or apparel decoration preferred.
• Ability to review order details, proofs, comps, and samples and identify discrepancies before production.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, organize, and maintain production-ready artwork and files for spot sublimation orders.
• Review work orders, customer comps, proofs, garment details, placements, and production notes for accuracy before printing.
• Create test prints and pressed samples; evaluate color, placement, scale, detail, and overall print quality.
• Compare finished samples to approved artwork, color expectations, and customer requirements.
• Identify color, file setup, or production concerns early; suggest corrections before production run.
• Communicate color adjustments and artwork improvements clearly to Art and Production.
• Maintain organized production files, test results, samples, and supporting documentation.
• Collaborate with Production, Art, Customer Service, and Sales to keep orders moving on time.

Skills

Color accuracy

Production art

Quality focus

Problem-solving

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Job description

COLOR ON POINT + ARTWORK PRODUCTION-READY + QUALITY IN EVERY PRESS

THE OPPORTUNITY

Great spot sublimation starts before the press ever runs. As a Spot Sublimation Print Specialist, you'll prepare and review artwork, order details, comps, proofs, and color callouts so each job is ready for production and aligned with what the customer approved.

You'll create and evaluate test prints and pressed samples, compare finished results to approved artwork, and catch color, artwork, or production concerns before they become reprints . Working closely with Art, Production, Customer Service, and Sales, you'll help keep orders accurate , on time, and moving through the value stream.

This role is a strong fit for someone who enjoys combining production art, color accuracy, print quality, and hands-on problem-solving to deliver exceptional decorated apparel.

PAY + SCHEDULE

Location: Onsite at Lakeshirts headquarters in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota

Shift: Monday-Thursday, 4:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m.

Pay: $18.50/ hr

Growth: Build expertise in production art, color management, prepress, quality control, and spot sublimation workflows.

BENEFITS

Lakeshirts offers a fun, creative, team-driven culture where team members are empowered to grow and thrive. The package includes compensation guided by meritocracy with a daily pay option; health and life insurance plus voluntary dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, critical illness, and accident coverage beginning the first of the month following 60 days of full-time employment; up to 22 paid days off during the first year; profit sharing; a 401(k) program; subsidized onsite breakfast, lunch, and snacks at Detroit Lakes HQ; dogs at work; a relaxed dress code; an employee merchandise discount; and flexible work schedules based on role and business needs.

A TYPICAL DAY | Prepare + Proof + Test + Match Color + Troubleshoot

• Prepare, organize, and maintain production-ready artwork and files for spot sublimation orders.
• Review work orders, customer comps, proofs, garment details, placements, and production notes for accuracy before printing.
• Create test prints and pressed samples, then evaluate color, placement, scale, detail, and overall print quality.
• Compare finished samples to approved artwork, color expectations, and customer requirements.
• Identify artwork, color, file setup, or production concerns early and recommend practical corrections before the production run.
• Communicate color adjustments and artwork improvements clearly to the Art Department and production partners.
• Help maintain consistent color and print-quality standards across orders, garments, and repeat runs.
• Troubleshoot artwork, file, printer, transfer, and press-related issues and elevate concerns when needed.
• Maintain organized production files, test results, samples, and supporting documentation.
• Collaborate with Production, Art, Customer Service, and Sales to resolve questions and keep orders moving on time.
• Follow established quality, safety, and production procedures and contribute ideas for Continuous Improvement.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned based on business needs.

SKILLS | Color Accuracy + Production Art + Quality Focus + Problem-Solving

• Strong attention to detail and a consistent commitment to quality and accuracy.
• Basic working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop preferred; experience preparing production artwork is a plus.
• Understanding of color management, color matching, digital printing, heat transfer, dye sublimation, prepress, or apparel decoration preferred.
• Ability to review technical order details, proofs, comps, and samples and recognize discrepancies before production.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to explain recommendations clearly across Art and Production.
• Organized, dependable, and able to maintain accurate files and documentation.
• Practical troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with a Continuous Improvement mindset.
• Ability to prioritize multiple orders and shifting deadlines in a fast-paced production environment.
• Comfort working independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
• Ability to recognize, contribute to, and strengthen Lakeshirts culture with a humble, team-first attitude.
• Must love dogs. We kinda like them at our Minnesota headquarters, and we hope you do, too.
• Must love tees, plus hats, stickers, and novelty socks.

WHY LAKESHIRTS IS THE PLACE YOU WANT TO BE

OUR CULTURE is one-of-a-kind and truly sets us apart. We are proud of our humble beginnings and non-corporate style . We offer a unique atmosphere, unlike any other manufacturer. We work hard to be the best and we seek only committed individuals that will help move our company forward and embrace our values and culture. Lakeshirts | Blue 84 is one of the largest privately owned screenprint manufacturers in the United States, responsible for decorating and distribution of a wide variety of garments for the resort, college and K-12 markets. At our headquarters in Detroit Lakes, MN, we employ over 1000 great people, proudly producing 35,000+ garments daily. It's not just a job but a lifestyle. Our job descriptions help support and guide you in the role you play in making our company successful. LIFE'S BETTER IN A T-SHIRT. IT REALLY IS.

COGNITIVE OR MENTAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB

Employee must be able to see and hear, read and write. Requires adaptability, analyzing, assessing, calculating, decision-making, dependability, judgment, reading, speaking, following direction, handling multiple priorities, and reasoning.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

CONTINUOUSLY: Sit

FREQUENTLY: Reach above shoulder height

OCCASIONALLY: Lift, stand, walk, carry, push, pull, balance, bend, twist, reach, lift under 10 lbs., lift 10-50 lbs., reach at shoulder height, and reach below shoulder height

NEVER: Climb, crawl, or lift over 50 lbs.

NOTE / DISCLAIMER

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive and should in no way be considered a contract or guarantee of employment. Employee may perform other related duties as needed, based on the ongoing needs of the business. Minnesota is an Employment-At-Will state and implies no specific length of employment.