At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and prepare artwork for high-quality branding and signage projects.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Optimum, working with top UK hospitality brands.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, full training, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture where your ideas are valued and growth is encouraged.
- Why this job: Combine creativity and precision to bring brands to life in an exciting environment.
- Qualifications: 3 years of graphic design experience and excellent knowledge of Adobe Illustrator.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
At Optimum we manufacture and deliver high-quality branding, interiors, large format graphics and bespoke fit-out solutions for some of the UK’s leading hospitality and retail brands, including Wingstop, Prezzo and Pizza Pilgrims.
Following a recent expansion, we’re looking for a Graphic Designer & Pre-Press Technician to join our growing team.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys both the technical side of preparing artwork for manufacture and the creative side of bringing brands and environments to life.
Role Description
This full-time, on-site Graphic Designer / Pre-Press Operative role is based in Preston.
The role involves designing and preparing artwork for signage, interiors, alfresco, and digital applications, ensuring all files are print-ready and meet production specifications.
Day-to-day tasks include creating brand-aligned graphics and logos, refining layouts and typography, and adapting designs across various formats and materials.
The role also includes pre-press checks, color matching, file optimization, and liaising with production teams to ensure accurate output.
The Graphic Designer / Pre-Press Operative will collaborate with colleagues and clients to understand project requirements, maintain quality standards, and meet deadlines.
Responsibilities
- Preparing artwork for print and manufacture.
- Checking customer artwork for accuracy and ensuring it is production-ready.
- Setting up correct bleed, crop marks and production specifications.
- Creating and adapting artwork for a wide range of printed and fabricated products.
- Producing creative concepts and visual mock-ups for customer presentations.
- Colour matching and preparing files using the appropriate colour systems.
- Working closely with our production and sales teams to ensure projects are delivered to the highest standard.
We’re looking for someone who has
- Excellent knowledge of Adobe Illustrator (essential).
- Good working knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite.
- Previous experience within print, signage, large format graphics or a manufacturing environment.
- A strong eye for design alongside exceptional attention to detail.
- The ability to spot and resolve artwork issues before production.
- A methodical, organised approach with the ability to manage multiple projects.
- Strong communication skills and a positive, proactive attitude.
Desirable (but not essential)
- Knowledge of RAL, Pantone and other print colour systems.
- Experience in signage or large format graphics.
- Experience in Corel Draw
- Experience using PC-based workflows (we use Windows rather than Mac, although full training will be provided).
What We Offer
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Company pension scheme.
- Full training on our systems and workflows. The opportunity to work on projects for leading hospitality brands.
- A friendly, supportive team where your ideas are valued.
- A growing business with exciting opportunities to develop your skills and progress your career.
If you’re someone who enjoys combining creativity with precision and takes pride in producing outstanding work, we’d love to hear from you.
Experience
- Graphic design: 3 years (required)
- Adobe Illustrator: 3 years (required)
- Adobe Creative Suite: 3 years (preferred)
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Graphic Designer / Pre-Press Operative in Preston employer: Optimum
At Optimum, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values innovation, collaboration, and personal growth. Our Maintenance Technicians play a crucial role in enhancing connectivity solutions, and we offer a supportive work culture that encourages continuous learning and development. With competitive benefits and a commitment to empowering our employees, Optimum is the ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers while enjoying a vibrant community atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graphic Designer / Pre-Press Operative in Preston
✨Show Off Your Skills with a Killer Portfolio
As a graphic designer, your portfolio is your secret weapon! Make sure it's not just a collection of your work but showcases your creative process too. Use platforms like Behance or Dribbble to share your designs and gain visibility within the design community.
✨Get Involved in Design Meetups
Networking is key in the design world! Check out local design meetups or workshops where you can connect with other creatives and potential employers. This is a goldmine for finding unadvertised job openings at companies like Optimum.
✨Tailor Your Applications
When you’re applying for a full-time role at a creative company like Optimum, don’t go for a one-size-fits-all approach. Ensure your application highlights specific projects or styles that align with their brand image, showing that you’re a perfect fit for their team.
✨Leverage Social Media
Don't underestimate the power of social media in landing your dream design job! Share your work on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest, and engage with accounts from your desired companies—this could put you on their radar before they start hiring.
We think you need these skills to ace Graphic Designer / Pre-Press Operative in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Portfolio:Your portfolio is your visual CV! Make sure to include a link to your best design projects that showcase your creativity and versatility. Tailor it to include works that relate to the kind of design work Optimum does, so they can see you in action.
Tailor Your CV for Design:When crafting your CV, highlight your design skills and software proficiencies, like Adobe Creative Suite or Sketch. Mention any relevant experience you have with branding, UI/UX design, or typography, as we want to see how you fit in with the creative team at Optimum.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share your design philosophy and what excites you about working at Optimum. Let us know how you approach your design projects and any specific campaigns or themes that resonate with you, showing we’re not just a good fit but a perfect match!
Highlight Collaboration Skills:As a graphic designer, you often work with various teams and stakeholders. In your application, mention experiences where you've collaborated with others to bring a project to life, whether it's with clients, writers, or developers. This shows you can thrive in a team environment, which is key at Optimum.
How to prepare for a job interview at Optimum
✨Get Your Portfolio Ready
Your portfolio is your secret weapon in graphic design interviews! Make sure it's showing off your best work, with a variety of styles and projects that highlight different skills — from branding to digital illustration. Be prepared to talk through each piece, focusing on your creative process and the tools you used.
✨Know Your Design Tools Inside Out
Familiarity with software like Adobe Creative Suite is a must! Brush up on your skills with Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, as interviewers might dive into specific technical questions or ask for your workflow. If you’ve worked with any innovative tools or techniques, don't hesitate to showcase that expertise!
✨Prepare for Design Challenges
Some companies may throw a design challenge your way during the interview! This might involve sketching out ideas or solving a branding issue on the spot. Practising these quick thinking exercises beforehand can help us show off our creativity and adaptability.
✨Passion Counts
For a full-time position, showing genuine enthusiasm for design is key! Talk about your inspirations, the projects you're excited about, and why you're drawn to Optimum. They want to see not just a skilled designer, but someone who'll bring passion and fresh ideas to the team.
