As a Pre-Press Assistant, you will play a crucial role in preparing artwork for print, ensuring files are production-ready, colour-accurate, and meet the technical demands of high-end carton packaging. This role requires strong attention to detail, proficiency in pre-press software, and a solid understanding of offset printing processes.
Main Responsibilities and Duties:
* Digital Artworking: Prepare and adapt artwork supplied by clients or designers to meet print production specifications.
* File Preparation: Verify and adjust digital files for print readiness checking file formats, resolution, bleeds, colour profiles, and font embedding.
* Colour Management: Maintain consistent colour output by calibrating monitors and printers. Ensure accurate colour reproduction across various materials.
* Proofing: Produce accurate proofs to identify errors, check colour accuracy, and confirm print readiness. Troubleshoot and correct any issues prior to final print production.
* Imposition: Arrange artwork in the correct layout for printing, setting up impositions to ensure optimal colour consistency, accurate overlaps and bleeds for seamless production.
* Plate Processing: Maintain the plate processor and perform thorough content checks before plates go to production.
* Collaboration: Work closely with the design and production teams to ensure smooth workflow from artwork to print.
Skills and Attributes:
* Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop
* Solid understanding of Litho Printing and Carton packaging production
* Knowledge of pre-flighting, imposition, trapping, and colour separation processes
* Good knowledge of colour theory, profiling, and print standards
* High level of accuracy and attention to detail
* Ability to manage multiple jobs and work to tight deadlines
* Strong communication skills and a team-focused attitude
Desirable (Not Essential) Skills and Attributes:
* Previous experience in carton packaging or commercial print, Desirable (Not Essential)
* Experience with XMF workflow and Phoenix imposition software
* Familiarity with finishing processes and dieline requirements
* Understanding of pre-press automation tools and RIP systems
Benefits for the Pre- Press Assistant include:
* Competitive Salary DOE
* Overtime paid at x1.5 standard hourly rate
* 25 days holiday entitlement + 8 Statutory Bank Holiday allowance
* Company Workplace Pension
* Long Service Award, additional annual leave starting from 5 years’ service
* Death in Service (4x)
* Salary Benefits Program including :- Car Salary Sacrifice/ Cycle to Work/ Employee Discounts
* Annual Health Assessment
* Annual Company Social Events :- Summer & Christmas
Working Hours:
Monday – Friday, 40 hours per week