Prepress Graphic Designer

Bay Cities has an exciting opportunity for a Prepress Graphic Designer located at our corporate offices in Pico Rivera, California. The Prepress Graphic Designer is responsible for preparing, evaluating, and optimizing customer-supplied and internally developed artwork for print production across a variety of display and packaging formats. This role emphasizes technical prepress execution over conceptual design, ensuring all files are production-ready, color-accurate, and aligned with manufacturing and press capabilities.

The position requires a strong understanding of digital and high-end flexographic printing processes, including the ability to convert and manage color from RGB to CMYK and spot color systems, while ensuring optimal output based on substrate, ink limitations, and machine specifications. The Designer must be able to assess supplied artwork and determine the most effective print method and production approach to achieve quality and efficiency.

This role works closely with sales, customer service, structural design, 3D rendering, and production teams to troubleshoot artwork issues, ensure manufacturability, and maintain quality standards. Responsibilities include pre-flighting files, preparing artwork for production, building mockups, approving first article builds, and identifying potential risks related to print, color, and converting processes.

The role operates in a Mac-based environment using Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat) and requires knowledge of file preparation, trapping, separations, and print-ready output. A deep understanding of print plates, anilox specifications, dot structure, and press limitations is essential.

Additionally, the Designer supports continuous improvement by testing print methods, substrates, and workflows, and communicating best practices across teams. This role prioritizes accuracy, efficiency, and technical problem-solving to ensure files print correctly the first time and perform well on press.

JOB FUNCTION/PURPOSE

• Prepare and preflight customer-supplied artwork to ensure files meet production and press requirements.
• Convert and manage color accurately from RGB to CMYK and spot color systems, ensuring optimal print reproduction across various substrates and print methods.
• Evaluate artwork and determine the most suitable printing method (digital vs. flexographic) based on machine specifications, material, and design intent.
• Build and finalize print-ready files, including proper separations, trapping, overprints, and bleeds.
• Review proofs for color accuracy, print feasibility, and production efficiency, identifying and correcting issues prior to manufacturing.
• Collaborate with production and structural teams to ensure artwork aligns with dielines, corrugation direction, and converting requirements.
• Create and prepare mockups and production files for customer approval and internal use.
• Apply color correction techniques to ensure consistent, high-quality print output on press.
• Work with Pre-production team and print vendors and internal teams to communicate press requirements, plate expectations, and file specifications.
• Support plate production processes, with working knowledge of flexo plates, trapping, screening, dot gain, and print distortion considerations.
• Assist with press checks, calibration, and maintaining color consistency across jobs and repeat orders.
• Utilize 3D visualization tools (Esko or equivalent) primarily for production validation and customer presentations when needed.
• Maintain organized, accurate file versions and ensure timely delivery to production.
• Performing other duties as assigned by management.