Testing Grounds

Role & responsibilities Artwork Management & Preparation Receive and review artwork files from Sales/Clients, ensuring compliance with brand guidelines and print specifications. Adapt or modify artworks to fit packaging dielines (pouches, rollstock, cartons, etc.) while maintaining design integrity. Ensure all elements such as logos, typography, barcodes, and regulatory text are accurate and print-ready. Prepare high-resolution mockups and proofs for internal and client approvals. Prepress & Technical Execution Perform complete color separations for gravure, flexo, or digital print methods. Manage trapping, overprints, bleed, image resolution, and step & repeat layouts. Optimize files for different substrates (PET, PE, BOPP, paper, foil, laminates, etc.). Ensure spot colors, Pantone references, and ICC color profiles are applied correctly. Generate final print-ready files (CIP3/4, PDF/X, TIFF, etc.) for converters. Quality Control Conduct thorough preflight checks to eliminate errors before production. Maintain version control and ensure all revisions are documented. Work closely with converters to resolve prepress or color issues during proofing. Cross-functional Collaboration Liaise with Sales, Project Managers, and Clients to clarify artwork briefs and resolve technical challenges. Coordinate with Converters Prepress/Production teams for proof approval and plate/cylinder making. Support internal teams with technical expertise on packaging structures, print limitations, and prepress best practices. Preferred candidate profile Education: Diploma/Degree in Printing Technology, Graphic Design, Packaging, or related field. Additional certifications in Prepress or Color Management preferred. Experience: Experience in Prepress for flexible packaging (gravure, flexo, or offset). Strong background in packaging artwork, print production, and color management. Technical Skills: Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Esko ArtPro+, PackEdge, or similar prepress software. Strong knowledge of color separation, trapping, step & repeat, and plate/cylinder preparation. Familiarity with different packaging substrates and print processes. Understanding of barcode generation, nesting, and dieline creation. Soft Skills: Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving abilities. Ability to manage multiple projects under tight timelines. Strong communication and collaboration skills. Client-centric mindset with focus on delivering quality outputs.