Position Summary: The Print Production Artist & Graphic Designer plays a critical role in bringing packaging concepts to life by creating accurate, print-ready production artwork for a diverse portfolio of wine and beverage alcohol brands. This position partners closely with Packaging Designers, Marketing, Compliance, Purchasing, Operations, and external print vendors to ensure all packaging materials are executed flawlessly, meet regulatory requirements, and are delivered on schedule. The ideal candidate combines strong graphic design skills with deep print production expertise, exceptional attention to detail, and a passion for creating high-quality packaging that performs in the marketplace.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Packaging Production & Artwork Management
•  Create, manage, revise, and release final mechanical artwork files for packaging projects, translating approved creative concepts into accurate print-ready production files.
•  Prepare and maintain packaging specifications including labels, cartons, corrugate shippers, case cards, neckers, point-of-sale materials, and other printed assets.
•  Build and manage die lines, production templates, and artwork libraries to ensure consistency and efficiency across multiple brands and client programs.
•  Ensure all artwork adheres to established brand standards, printer specifications, regulatory requirements, and production limitations.
•  Review and verify packaging copy, legal text, barcodes, and regulatory information for accuracy prior to release.

Quality Control & Print Production
•  Lead artwork quality assurance processes from file creation through final production.
•  Review and approve digital proofs, color proofs, press proofs, samples, and production mockups to ensure consistency with approved artwork and color standards.
•  Manage color accuracy across projects, including CMYK, RGB, spot color, metallic, and specialty printing applications.
•  Select and maintain Pantone color standards and ensure accurate color reproduction across multiple substrates and print vendors.
•  Attend press checks and production reviews as required to maintain quality standards and resolve production issues.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
•  Partner closely with Packaging Designers, Marketing, Purchasing, Compliance, Client Services, and Operations teams to ensure projects move efficiently from concept through production.
•  Coordinate with external vendors, printers, converters, and packaging suppliers to troubleshoot production challenges and maintain quality expectations.
•  Support new product launches, seasonal programs, retailer-exclusive products, and private-label initiatives.
•  Assist in maintaining project timelines and deliverables across multiple concurrent projects.

Marketing & Creative Support
•  Develop and update sales presentations, distributor decks, trade marketing materials, and customer-facing collateral.
•  Create digital assets for websites, email campaigns, social media platforms, digital advertising, and e-commerce initiatives.
•  Support photography coordination, image retouching, asset management, and content preparation.
•  Contribute creative solutions that enhance brand storytelling and market impact while maintaining production feasibility.

Continuous Improvement
•  Maintain organized digital asset management systems and artwork archives.
•  Develop and document packaging production standards, workflows, templates, and best practices.
•  Stay informed on packaging innovations, printing technologies, design trends, beverage alcohol regulations, and consumer marketing trends.
•  Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Education, Experience & Qualifications
Required
•  Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Packaging Design, Marketing Design, or related field.
•  3–5 years of graphic design and print production experience, preferably within the wine, spirits, consumer packaged goods (CPG), or beverage alcohol industries.
•  Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.
•  Strong understanding of packaging production processes, file preparation, prepress requirements, and print manufacturing.
•  Experience preparing mechanical artwork for labels, cartons, corrugated packaging, and point-of-sale materials.
•  Strong understanding of typography, vector artwork, image resolution, color profiles, and production specifications.
•  Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
•  Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to quality.
•  Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across departments and with external vendors.

Preferred
•  Experience with wine, spirits, beverage alcohol, or other regulated consumer packaged goods industries.
•  Familiarity with TTB labeling requirements and packaging compliance considerations.
•  Experience conducting press checks and managing printer relationships.
•  Experience operating or managing color proofing systems such as Epson proofers and Matchprint workflows.
•  Working knowledge of digital marketing asset creation and social media content design.
•  Experience with project management tools and digital asset management systems.

Requirements:
•  Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods.
•  Occasionally lift and carry materials up to 25 pounds.