Apertura Futura: Graphic Designer and Production Specialist

The best logos in the world have 2 colors and simple lines, but their offices can be a canvas that inspires and creates excitement. Being able to marry the two concepts into a cohesive plan is what truly makes a great designer. FASTSIGNS can give you the opportunity to hone your craft and be that creative voice. 

We are looking for a Graphic Designer/Production Specialist who possesses the maturity, passion, and energy to collaborate with others on the team. We need someone who can see beyond what is presented and design something that excites and inspires but can appreciate there is also a place for simple, clean, and eye-catching.Who can also work in a dynamic, creative and fast-paced environment to create and assemble sign and graphic products for many different business applications. Creative work is performed within the FASTSIGNS Center sign production area that is fully equipped with top-of-the-line sign-making equipment. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Graphic Designer and Production Specialist has a dual role working in the computer room and production room until the center has grown to the point of hiring additional staff and separating the roles. In the computer room, this position is responsible for creating computer generated vinyl and/or full color graphics output that can be weeded, cut and applied or printed and mounted to a substrate. This may involve various levels of artistic creativity and will ultimately lead to the complete or modified design from customer drawings, files, or exact output of customer-provided design for output to media. In the production room, this position is responsible for all aspects of the physical construction and assembling of signs from computer cut vinyl and wide format full color printouts. Sign assembly includes preparing substrates and applying vinyl or other media, mounting and/or laminating prints and operating and setting up the laminator for over-laminating, encapsulation, or mounting of digital imaged products. according to instructions. Proofreading signs and conducting quality assurance to ensure the accuracy of signs is also a responsibility.

REQUIREMENTS

• Post-secondary education in graphic design or 1-2 years of equivalent work experience.
• Keen interest in growing trends within the web design and branding space 

COMPUTER ROOM RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prioritize each day to efficiently and cost-effectively schedule the workflow.
• Determine the best output method based on the customer’s need.
• Read and interpret a Work Order.
• Work with co-workers and customers with file transfers, FTP access, photo library options, online proofs, etc.
• Determine size and arrangement of illustrative material and copy, select style and size of type,band arrange layout based upon available space, aesthetic design, and production requirements.
• Prepare comprehensive illustrations, sketches, layouts, and copy for print reproduction according to instructions of client or supervisor.
• Allocate appropriate amount of time to each Work Order.
• Inspect jobs for accuracy before sending them to output. Ensure correct material is used for each job and output device settings are accurate.
• Maintain customer logo library; convert graphic files.
• Image Sourcing: locate photos, understand copyright laws and release/usage requirements, knowledge of resources to buy stock images, work with service bureaus to create output beyond store capability, and understand resolution options and optimal enlargement specifications from image vendors and image originals.
• Provide proofs as necessary for customer approval.
• Perform daily/weekly computer back-ups; archive files as necessary.
• Maintain all equipment including computers, plotters and printer(s).
• Maintain accurate electronic record of File Storage and Disks following brand standards.
• Minimize waste by efficiently using ink, media, laminates, foils and vinyl; notify supervisor of low inventory.
• Communicate with other employees, Sales/Service members on job requirements, timing, and special needs; Production team on job input and output; Production Manager/Center Manager on inventory needs for computer supplies.

PRODUCTION ROOM RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prioritize each day to efficiently and cost-effectively schedule the workflow.
• Follow a layout to place computer-generated vinyl or full color graphic image(s) on a pre-determined substrate or medium.
• Prepare substrates for application. This may include cutting, painting, laminating, cleaning and maintaining the substrates for application.
• Maintain and operate printer(s) as required. Printers may include solvent ink, latex ink and/or UV curable ink.
• Weed excess vinyl from computer cut images. Weeding techniques vary with size, type of vinyl and complexity of image. Know how and when to use each technique.
• Perform quality assurance measures pre- and post-construction by accurately reading and interpreting a Work Order and then proofing for errors or unacceptable standards (bubbles, rough edges, loose seams).
• Perform finishing operations such as laminating, encapsulating, and/or mounting of printed pieces.
• Install signs when necessary.
• Operate the laminator while maintaining proper fit and settings. Thread laminating or encapsulating material onto the machine, set temperature, pressure, and side guides for proper feeding of material.
• Help unload raw materials; clean and maintain storage areas.
• Maintain production rate consistency; meet or exceed established minimum rates per hour.
• Work on different projects simultaneously.
• Adhere to all company policies, procedures and business ethics codes.
• Participate in and practice the brand mentality of “Everybody Sells”. Constantly be looking for sales opportunities for the center.
• Serve as a backup for answering the phone if the franchisee, manager and sales/service employees
  are busy assisting other customers. Assist at the front counter as needed.
• Understand the sales process enough to consult with customers to determine project needs and
  solutions.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

• Competitive Salary
• Full Time Job