What Does a Production Artist Do?
A production artist is responsible for preparing creative designs for final production across print and digital platforms. They take concepts created by graphic designers or art directors and refine them for accuracy, consistency, and technical readiness. Their duties often include adjusting layouts, correcting colors, formatting images, and ensuring that files meet printer or digital publishing requirements. Production artists work behind the scenes to guarantee that creative materials are delivered with precision and consistency.
Beyond technical preparation, a production artist collaborates closely with designers, project managers, and marketing teams to maintain brand integrity across all media. They review final artwork for errors, manage multiple file formats, and adapt creative assets for different platforms, from packaging and brochures to websites and social media. Their work ensures that visual campaigns are delivered on time, meet technical specifications, and maintain professional quality standards.
Looking to Hire a Production Artist?
Speak with one of our recruiting experts today.
Production Artist Core Responsibilities
- Format and prepare designs for print or digital publishing
- Perform image editing, retouching, and color correction
- Review files for accuracy, resolution, and technical compliance
- Adapt creative assets for various platforms and sizes
- Ensure consistency with brand guidelines and design standards
- Collaborate with designers and project managers to meet deadlines
- Maintain organized file systems and version control
- Troubleshoot and resolve pre-press or digital publishing issues
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Strong knowledge of print production processes and digital publishing standards
- Ability to perform image manipulation, layout formatting, and file preparation
- Familiarity with pre-press requirements and color management
Soft skills
- High attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong organizational and multitasking abilities
- Ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines
- Clear communication and teamwork skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communications, or related field recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–3 years of experience in print or digital production
- Knowledge of HTML/CSS for digital asset preparation
- Experience working with printers, agencies, or production vendors
National Average Salary
Production artist salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Production Artist is:
$52,750
Sample Job Description Templates for Production Artists
Entry-Level Production Artist
Position Overview
We are seeking an entry-level production artist to support design teams in preparing creative assets for print and digital production. This role is ideal for recent graduates or early-career professionals who are eager to learn technical production processes and gain experience in a fast-paced creative environment.
Responsibilities
- Assist in formatting layouts and preparing design files for output
- Perform basic image editing, resizing, and color correction
- Check files for accuracy, resolution, and consistency with brand standards
- Organize and maintain digital file libraries
- Support senior production artists with pre-press and digital publishing tasks
- Follow production schedules and meet project deadlines
Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Basic knowledge of print and digital production processes
- Ability to edit and format graphics for multiple platforms
Soft skills
- Willingness to learn and follow direction
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Good organizational and communication skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communications, or related field recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or portfolio experience in design or production environments
Junior Production Artist
Position Overview
We are hiring a junior production artist to prepare design projects for production and ensure creative assets meet technical specifications. This role requires proficiency with design tools and the ability to handle routine production tasks with limited supervision.
Responsibilities
- Format layouts for print, web, and digital publishing
- Edit and optimize images for clarity and resolution
- Ensure brand guidelines are followed across all production assets
- Prepare files for pre-press, proofing, or digital publishing platforms
- Work with designers and project managers to complete assignments on time
- Troubleshoot basic file issues or technical errors
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite with focus on Photoshop and InDesign
- Understanding of pre-press requirements and digital output standards
- Ability to manage multiple file formats and project versions
Soft skills
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Collaborative team player with clear communication skills
- Detail-oriented and proactive in problem-solving
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communications, or related field recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–2 years of experience in production or creative services
Mid-Level Production Artist
Position Overview
We are seeking a mid-level production artist to independently manage production-ready files for both print and digital platforms. This role requires technical expertise, strong attention to detail, and the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
Responsibilities
- Prepare production-ready files for packaging, marketing collateral, or digital media
- Ensure accuracy in file formatting, typography, and layout consistency
- Perform advanced image manipulation and color correction
- Collaborate with designers, project managers, and vendors to ensure deliverables meet requirements
- Conduct quality control checks on final artwork before release
- Maintain digital asset libraries and enforce file management standards
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Strong understanding of color theory, resolution, and print processes
- Ability to troubleshoot file compatibility and output issues
Soft skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects in deadline-driven environments
- Strong attention to detail and critical thinking skills
- Effective cross-team communication and collaboration
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communications, or related field recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 3–5 years of experience in production or creative roles
- Experience working with printers and digital vendors
Senior Production Artist
Position Overview
We are hiring a senior production artist to oversee production design activities, mentor junior staff, and ensure accuracy and consistency across all creative output. This role requires advanced production expertise, leadership skills, and the ability to manage high-volume workflows.
Responsibilities
- Lead production of print and digital assets for large-scale campaigns
- Review and approve production files for technical accuracy
- Provide quality control checks and ensure compliance with brand standards
- Mentor junior and mid-level production artists on best practices
- Collaborate with designers and art directors to refine layouts and deliverables
- Liaise with external vendors to manage proofing and production timelines
Requirements
Hard skills
- Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite and production workflows
- Deep understanding of print production, pre-press, and digital publishing
- Expertise in file troubleshooting and optimization
Soft skills
- Leadership and mentoring abilities
- Excellent problem-solving and organizational skills
- Strong communication with creative teams and external partners
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communications, or related field recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 7+ years of experience in production or creative services
- Prior experience managing production for high-profile campaigns
Lead Production Artist
Position Overview
We are seeking a lead production artist to direct daily production activities and ensure creative deliverables are prepared at the highest technical and brand standards. This role balances hands-on production work with team oversight and vendor management.
Responsibilities
- Supervise production workflows and assign tasks to team members
- Ensure quality control across all production files before release
- Provide training and support to junior and mid-level production artists
- Collaborate with art directors and designers on campaign deliverables
- Coordinate with vendors to manage print runs, proofs, and digital publishing requirements
- Recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and production technologies
- Strong project management and workflow coordination skills
- Advanced knowledge of color management, typography, and pre-press standards
Soft skills
- Strong leadership and coaching abilities
- Excellent organizational and multitasking skills
- Clear communication with creative and vendor partners
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communications, or related field recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 8–10 years of experience in creative production roles
- Proven track record of leading production teams or projects
Production Art Manager
Position Overview
We are hiring a production art manager to lead the production art department, oversee team performance, and align production practices with organizational goals. This leadership role requires a balance of technical production expertise, team management, and cross-department collaboration.
Responsibilities
- Manage and oversee production art staff across all projects
- Develop production processes, standards, and quality control measures
- Collaborate with creative directors, marketing, and leadership on production strategy
- Oversee budgets, timelines, and resource allocation for production projects
- Lead vendor selection and maintain strong relationships with external partners
- Mentor staff and support professional development within the production art team
Requirements
Hard skills
- Mastery of print and digital production processes and technologies
- Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and asset management systems
- Strong project and budget management expertise
Soft skills
- Executive-level leadership and team management
- Strong communication and client-facing skills
- Strategic thinking and decision-making abilities
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communications, or related field required; master’s degree preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 10+ years of experience in production art with at least 3 in a leadership role
- Experience managing large teams or overseeing enterprise-level creative production