Design SpecialistDesign Services is the system by which the customer’s ideas, requirements and dreams for artwork are translated into reality. Most of the work from Offset Printing and a portion of Digital Printing flows from this department. It is essential that the Design Specialist has an eye for quality, a desire for productivity, and enough creativity to meet your customers’ demands.Experience with current graphic design software programs is a must and, since this team player will be working with customers, good interpersonal skills are important too. Additionally, the Design Specialist will be responsible for creating and maintaining an ever-growing volume of originals.ResponsibilitiesDailyPerforms efficient full-serve creation of original digital files and hardcopies according to AlphaGraphics® productivity standards, including plates from a plate or film imagesetterProduces jobs in the order determined by the Production SchedulerMay be required to check Shop’s e-mail at least twice dailyRejects any orders not accompanied by an invoice or job ticketHelps ensure design jobs are charged according to value using the Design Services Price SheetAnswers all technical and design questions asked by other team members in the ShopKeeps organized files and drawers in Design Services area; archives completed work from prior dayMaintains a work-in-progress (WIP) folder on the file server and performs daily and weekly back-ups of WIP folderAdheres to legal requirements relating to duplication, printing, software, and fontsCompletes Design Production logsFollows safety/environmental rules and regulationsCleans and maintains Design Services area and equipmentOngoing Troubleshoots equipment problems with and without the help of Support ServicesWhen requested, consults with customers; schedules customer consultations on complicated design ordersCreates in-house artwork as assigned by ManagerAssists in the training of co-workers and customers regarding digital file acceptance and other software or technical issues; helps sales team to understand Design Services products and pricingHelps train the Key Operator and/or CSR on simple file outputKeeps abreast of new software/hardware/updates through use of manuals, tutorials, and regional training resources“Up sells” other AlphaGraphics products and services when there is opportunityMaintains customer (eCommerce) and Shop’s Web sitesCalibrates the imagesetter at least once a week and logs the calibrationAssists at the front counter as neededQualificationsCollege/university degree preferred; 2 or 4-year trade school acceptable2+ year(s) experience in design-for-print; both Mac and PC networked environmentsKeyboard proficiency (40 WPM or greater)Experience with Adobe Acrobat and Distiller, InDesign, Illustrator, PhotoShop, QuarkXPress, Word, PowerPoint, Excel and PublisherExperience with Adobe Acrobat production plug-ins (Enfocus, ArtsPDF and Quite) a plusDemonstrate a competence on the Internet including World Wide Web and e-mailExperience with imagesetting and digital prepress preferredExcellent verbal and written communication skills, including grammar, spelling, and punctuationAbility to work in a high-production, design-for-print environment; ability to concentrate amid distractionsAbility to work flexible hours and overtimeAbility and willingness to learn new software and hardware technologiesAble to combine creativity with practical production mentality; excellent organizational skillsGood customer relations skills

*AlphaGraphics centers (locations) are independently owned and operated. The posted positions are offered by individual franchisees who interview, hire, manage and pay the employees hired for positions in a specific local location (center) through their specific business.