Digital Print Applications Specialist

The Digital Print Applications Specialist is responsible for creating, preparing, and managing digital artwork and production files for industrial digital printing systems. This role serves as the internal expert for graphic file preparation, color management, print layout, and production readiness, ensuring customer artwork is optimized for successful printing across a variety of products and substrates.

The ideal candidate combines strong graphic design skills with technical knowledge of digital printing workflows and a keen attention to detail.

Essential Responsibilities

Artwork Creation & File Preparation

• Create, modify, and prepare production-ready artwork for digital printing applications.
• Review customer-supplied artwork for print compatibility and quality requirements.
• Set up files for cylindrical, handled, and specialty product printing.
• Create print layouts, templates, and production files for multiple product types.
• Ensure artwork meets machine, fixture, and production requirements.
• Prepare and organize print-ready files for production and testing activities.

Color Management & Print Optimization

• Adjust artwork to achieve desired print results and color accuracy.
• Manage color profiles and artwork settings for optimal print quality.
• Troubleshoot artwork-related print quality issues.
• Work with application and engineering personnel to improve print outcomes.
• Maintain consistency across customer brands and product lines.

Variable Data & Production Support

• Create and manage variable data printing files.
• Prepare artwork files for serialized, personalized, or customized products.
• Support workflow development for high-volume production environments.
• Maintain organized file structures and artwork archives.

Creative Development

• Design marketing samples, demonstration graphics, and internal print projects.
• Create visual concepts and production artwork for testing new applications.
• Assist in developing product examples and showcase pieces that demonstrate printing capabilities.
• Support photography, image editing, and graphic enhancement activities as needed.

Documentation & Standards

• Develop and maintain artwork templates and file standards.
• Create work instructions for file preparation and print setup.
• Document artwork requirements and best practices.
• Maintain version control and file management procedures.

Qualifications

Required

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Digital Media, Visual Communications, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of experience preparing artwork for digital printing, screen printing, packaging, promotional products, or related industries.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud, including Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Strong understanding of vector and raster graphics.
• Excellent organizational and file management skills.

Preferred

• Experience with industrial or UV digital printing systems.
• Experience with RIP software and print workflow systems.
• Knowledge of color management and ICC profiles.
• Experience preparing files for variable data printing.
• Familiarity with promotional products, packaging, or direct-to-object printing.

Key Competencies

• Graphic Design
• Production Artwork Preparation
• Color Management
• Attention to Detail
• Creative Problem Solving
• File Organization
• Technical Aptitude
• Collaboration

Success Measures

• 
  Accuracy of production-ready artwork files
• Reduction in artwork-related production issues
• Timely completion of artwork requests
• Consistency of color and print quality
• Effective management of artwork libraries and templates
• Support of successful production and testing activities