Typical Jobs in Print

CREATIVE

Copywriter: The copywriter starts the process of production by writing the text for the piece to be created. They can be technical, creative, marketing or journalistic writers. A copywriter should have a good command of the language and the ability to be concise and accurate. Copy writers work in business firms, software development companies, advertising and public relations, and other industries.

Graphic Designer: The designer plans the piece to be printed and establishes the theme and style of the printed piece. Materials are created utilizing computerized design tools and programs. Designers should have a natural artistic talent as well as an eye for detail and color.

Illustrator: The illustrator creates illustrations, drawings, charts, graphs, or full-color artwork to complement the written word. Most illustrations are now created using computerized software programs. However, an illustrator must still have precise artistic talent as well as a knowledge of composition and proper use of the tools of the craft.

Electronic Pre-press Tech: The Prepress Technician uses software to perform a variety of functions that are key to the production and processing of a job. Depending on the production method being utilized, these may include a number of related functions such as pre-flighting, scanning of images, file repair, trapping, imposition, outputting of proofs or plates, and finalizing files for reproduction.

Production Manager or Coordinator: The production manager or coordinator organizes traffic flow for production, or manufacturing jobs through the plant, making sure that each piece of material gets where it should go at the proper time and in the proper sequence, from the time the job enters the plant until delivered. Production managers should be well-organized individuals, able to plan ahead, foresee and troubleshoot problems, and be level-headed in their interactions.

Project Estimator: The estimator determines the most efficient method in which a particular project can be produced in their plant once they receive all specifications from the client or print buyer. The estimator’s analysis, production recommendations and predicted project resources are the basis for the firm’s bid on a job. Key qualifications for this role include an analytical mind, comfort with computer programs and a good grasp of numbers.

Department Supervisor: A department supervisor or manager is responsible for the personnel who function in that area of the company. They may make recommendations for equipment and personnel to senior management and will be responsible for the performance of their area. Normally achieving this position will come after serving for some years in a production role. Leadership and communication skills are required.

Lean Manufacturing Coordinator: Job consists of developing and implementing an action plan for lean process improvement, and work with management to identify, develop and implement continuous improvement projects, cost reductions, product quality enhancements, and process effectiveness improvement. Knowledge of six sigma methodologies, analytical and cognitive skills, project management ability and software knowledge are required.

Press Operator: The press operator runs multi-million-dollar printing presses, putting “ink on paper”. Commercial press operators must know the mechanical workings of the machine, possess good manual dexterity, and think quickly on their feet to produce a top-quality product efficiently. Modern machines, whether sheet or web fed, have many automated or computerized features requiring technical skills as well. Digital presses utilizing ink jet or toner based technologies are common in nearly all production facilities today. They require a more technically skilled orientation, along with color knowledge and the ability to quickly adapt from one job sequence to another. Hardware and software advances are nearly continuous in this area.

SALES & MARKETING

Customer Service Representative: The customer service representative, or CSR, functions as a liaison between production and the customer once a job has entered the manufacturing facility. If there are any questions or problems concerning a job, the CSR must be able to communicate fluently with the buyer and must understand the customer’s needs. A CSR should be knowledgeable about the production process, and have good communication skills, to interact effectively with customers as well as internal personnel.

Sales Advisor: The sales representative solicits business for an organization on its behalf. They work with clients to determine their needs, and then create solutions to ensure a smooth sales process. They may represent any type of graphic solutions provider, or may represent a company that is a vendor to the graphics industry. Excellent communication skills (including listening skills), knowledge of products that are being sold, willingness to continue to learn new things and the ability to bounce back after being rejected are all important characteristics of a professional sales representative.

Marketing, Internet or Social Media Specialist: These specialists work in the public relations, advertising, or marketing areas either for graphic service providers or vendors to them. Specialists in marketing often analyze where and how the company can do its business more efficiently. Advertising and social media personnel are responsible for promoting the work of the company through campaigns utilizing a broad range of channels from social media through printed means. Individuals should be creative and comfortable in the tech world.

Print Buyer: The print buyer contacts various vendors, such as designers, writers, photographers, and printers, and ask them to bid on a specific project. They coordinate production to achieve a mix of effective costs, timely delivery, best quality, and/or most creative ideas—whichever is more important to the buyer. A print

FINISHING & MAILING

Bindery Operators: The bindery typically performs one or more finishing functions to bring a project to completion. These include cutting, folding, gathering, collating, trimming, die-cutting and binding the final printed piece. Most bindery operators must be able to operate various kinds of machinery, so ground-level training on each piece of equipment is important. Good mechanical ability and functional flexibility are requirements. Modern machines have automated features, so comfort with those capabilities are needed as well.

Mail Data Specialist: This specialist administers and oversees direct mail projects, data cleansing and manipulation, statistical reporting and analysis, and utilizes mailing list management software. They are a key to the relationship between clients and effective use of mail resources. Qualities of the position include organization skills with an ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and a variety of demands, strong self-motivation, commitment to maintain confidentiality, high degree of accuracy, and ability to work accurately and effectively with computerized data systems.

TECHNICAL & SCIENTIFIC

Engineer or Scientist: The engineer designs machinery, and the scientist conducts research in all aspects of the industry such as ink formulation, papermaking, health and safety standards, and quality control. Broad use of computerized programs leads to a demand for electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, and computer specialists along with chemists, physicists, mathematicians, optical engineers, and color specialists. Many of these positions are found with companies that serve as vendors to the graphics industry.