Graphic Designer

• Build new artwork from customer briefs, rough sketches, or "make it look like this."
• Take customer-supplied art (often a low-res JPG of a logo from 2009) and rebuild or clean it up so it actually prints.
• Prep production-ready files: outline fonts, embed images, scale at output size, set bleeds, color-manage for our output devices.
• Maintain the customer logo and art library so we're not rebuilding the same files every order.
• Inspect every job before it goes to output: right material, right device settings, right size, right colors.

• Operate the roll-to-roll printer: color management, media loading, RIP and print queue, quality checks. That list grows as the shop grows. A desktop UV printer, a flatbed, and a second roll-to-roll are on the roadmap, and you'll be trained on and running those too.
• Operate the vinyl plotter: set up cut paths, load rolls, run cuts, weed, mask, and hand off (or apply, depending on the job).

• Prep files for the CNC router: clean vectors, proper tool paths, accounting for kerf, tabs, and material. The operator depends on you sending files that don't waste material or burn time.
• Prep files for the laser cutter: correct line weights and colors for cut vs. score vs. raster. Same idea. The operator's day goes well or badly based on your file.

• Laminate prints when the job calls for it.
• Mount printed vinyl or paper to substrate (foam board, ACM, coroplast, etc.).
• Help out with applications and finishing when production is slammed and you're between design jobs.

• Occasionally hop on a quick call or email thread with a customer to clarify direction before you burn hours going down the wrong path.

• Real proficiency in Adobe Illustrator (the workhorse), Photoshop, and InDesign. Not "I took a class once." We mean sit-down-and-work proficiency.
• 2+ years of design experience. Sign, print, or production background is a big plus. We'll also consider strong designers from adjacent fields if you're willing to learn the production side fast.
• Solid file hygiene. Layered, named, organized. We have to come back to your files months later, and so does the next designer we hire.
• Comfort with print production realities: bleeds, color profiles, vector vs. raster, why a 72dpi logo is a problem.
• Willingness to get up from the desk. This is not a pure-design seat. You'll be on your feet part of the day, running equipment and working with materials alongside the design work.
• Ability to prioritize across 10 to 20 active jobs without dropping balls.
• High school diploma or equivalent. Formal design training is great but not required if you can do the work.

• Depth in design. Take on the harder, more creative jobs. Own brand work for repeat customers. As we hire a second designer down the road, become the lead.
• Breadth into production. Cross-train on the CNC and laser cutter so you can take a job from concept to finished sign without handoffs. As we add equipment, become the person who knows every machine in the shop.

• Full-time, on-site at our Irvine shop.
• Monday through Friday, daytime hours.
• Paid time off, 401(k) with match, and competitive pay. Happy to discuss specifics when we talk.