Production Artist & Print Project Coordinator

Production Artist & Print Project Coordinator

Riverside Graphics and Lowitz + Sons are established Chicago printing companies providing digital printing, commercial printing, design, and print production management services. We handle everything from everyday business printing to more complex publications, marketing materials, and specialty print projects.

We're looking for an organized, detail-oriented person with practical layout, typesetting, and prepress skills to support our customer service and production teams.

About the Position

This is a hands-on position combining basic layout and typesetting, preflight and file preparation, order processing, and print project coordination.

Initially, the role will primarily support our existing customer service representatives and project managers behind the scenes, helping prepare files, process orders, develop estimates, and coordinate production. As you become familiar with our customers and processes, the goal is to take on greater responsibility for managing projects and providing direct customer support.

We're looking for someone who understands how printing works, enjoys solving problems, and is comfortable handling a variety of responsibilities in a small business environment.

Responsibilities

Graphics & Prepress

• Prepare, review, and modify customer artwork for print production.
• Create and revise layouts for brochures, booklets, business cards, presentations, and other printed materials.
• Preflight files, identify potential printing issues, and make necessary corrections.
• Prepare print-ready PDFs, proofs, and production files for digital and commercial printing.
• Work with our production team and outside vendors to ensure files are prepared correctly.

Order Processing & Project Coordination

• Assist customer service representatives and project managers with preparing estimates, writing orders, and coordinating jobs.
• Review project specifications and identify missing information or potential production issues.
• Request pricing and coordinate production details with outside printing and finishing vendors.
• Track job progress, follow up on outstanding items, and help keep projects moving through production.
• Support both Riverside Graphics' in-house printing operations and Lowitz + Sons' commercial print projects.
• Develop the ability to communicate directly with customers and fully manage assigned projects.

Production Support

• When needed, assist the production team with basic hand assembly, finishing, packaging, and shipping.

Qualifications

• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat.
• Experience preparing artwork and files for commercial printing.
• Working knowledge of bleeds, trim sizes, resolution, color modes, and other print production requirements.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities.
• Comfortable working independently, recognizing problems, and asking questions when needed.
• Good communication skills and a willingness to work collaboratively with customer service, production staff, and outside vendors.

Preferred, but not required:

• Previous experience working for a commercial printer, quick-print shop, or print production company.
• Experience with print estimating, job tickets, or print management software.
• Familiarity with digital printing equipment and basic bindery operations.
• Experience communicating with customers or coordinating print projects.

What We're Looking For

The right candidate is someone who combines practical design and technical production skills with good organization and follow-through.

We value accuracy, reliability, flexibility, and a willingness to learn. You should enjoy working on a variety of projects and be comfortable in an environment where priorities can change throughout the day.

This is a good opportunity for someone with graphic design or prepress experience who wants to expand into print production coordination and project management.

Pay: $24.00 - $26.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person