Prepress Production Artist at McCracken Bag & Label Co. – Chicago, Illinois

At McCracken Bag & Label, we specialize in high-performance printing for pharmacy labels, commercial product labels, and custom bags. Quality isn’t just important it’s essential. Our customers rely on our precision, consistency, and attention to detail, and we take that responsibility seriously.

As we continue to grow, we’re looking for a detail-oriented Prepress Production Artist to join our team and help us maintain the high standards we’re known for.

If you’re organized, eager to learn, and take pride in producing technically accurate, visually perfect artwork, this role could be the start of a rewarding long-term career in label and bag production.

About the role:

Are you a creative, detail-oriented designer passionate about print? McCracken Bag & Label is looking for a Prepress Production Artist to bring designs to life! Using your expertise in Adobe Illustrator, Hybrid Packz (a plus), and flexographic & digital printing, you’ll create stunning, press-ready files that meet the highest standards for our clients.

This is a hands-on role where your work directly impacts product quality and customer satisfaction. You’ll collaborate with a dynamic team, suggest improvements, and help elevate our print production processes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Transform artwork into press-ready files using Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat.
• Review, refine, and ensure artwork meets production and client standards.
• Perform preflighting, a critical prepress process where digital files are inspected for errors—such as missing fonts, low-resolution images, incorrect color modes (RGB vs. CMYK), or missing bleeds before sending them to print. This ensures designs match intended output and prevents costly printing errors.
• Apply press profiling and color management to maintain accurate, high-quality prints.
• Build efficient workflows for flexographic and digital printing.
• Repurpose existing design assets into multiple formats and media.
• Collaborate with Customer Service and clients to ensure expectations are exceeded.
• Meet project deadlines while maintaining high-quality standards.

Skills and Qualifications:

• 1 or more years of experience in design, print production, artwork preparation, or a related role, ideally in printing, retail, or packaging.
• A.A. in Graphic Arts required; B.A. preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat.
• Knowledge of process flexographic printing, digital printing, and prepress workflows.
• Experience with Hybrid Packz or similar prepress systems is a plus.
• Strong layout, composition, and production skills, including color management and trapping.
• Highly organized, adaptable, and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Nice to have: Leadership experience in production or design teams.

What we offer:

We believe in taking care of our team so they can take care of our customers. Here are just a few of the benefits we provide:

• Competitive hourly wage or salary
• 401(k) with company match
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Accident and Cancer Insurance
• Company-paid life insurance
• Annual performance-based bonus share
• Paid time off (PTO) and Personal time off (UPER)
• Opportunities for growth and career development
• A friendly, team-focused work environment

If you’re ready to build a rewarding career in Prepress and play a critical role in ensuring print accuracy, color consistency, and production excellence, we’d love to hear from you.