Graphic Design Specialist

C2 Auto Design, LLC is seeking a Graphic Design Specialist in San Diego, CA to create, edit, and prepare production-ready artwork for customer and company projects. The role focuses on design execution, prepress and print file preparation, quality control, and coordinating artwork specifications to support timely production.

Role Summary

The Graphic Design Specialist will transform customer ideas, sketches, and concepts into professional, visually appealing, and production-ready graphics. Responsibilities span layout and design development, digital file preparation for multiple production methods, and collaboration with production personnel to ensure designs can be accurately produced.

Responsibilities

• Create, develop, and prepare professional graphic designs based on customer requests, project specifications, and company standards.
• Conceptualize, design, and arrange graphic layouts for applications including vehicle wraps and graphics, signs, banners, displays, decals, stickers, wall murals, and promotional materials.
• Translate customer ideas, sketches, concepts, and instructions into effective visual designs.
• Use Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and other relevant applications to create, edit, resize, and manipulate artwork.
• Apply graphic design principles, including typography, color theory, composition, layout, scale, and visual balance.
• Ensure designs meet required dimensions, color specifications, resolution, layout requirements, and production standards.
• Create design proofs and presentations for customer review and approval, and incorporate requested revisions while maintaining quality and consistency.
• Prepare, format, and optimize digital artwork for printing, vinyl cutting, fabrication, and other production processes.
• Set up artwork correctly for production, including dimensions, scaling, resolution, color modes, bleed, margins, and file formats.
• Demonstrate knowledge of prepress procedures and production requirements to reduce printing errors, material waste, and production delays.
• Prepare and manage vector and raster artwork, including converting fonts to outlines and creating cut paths for production.
• Apply appropriate color settings by understanding differences between RGB and CMYK color modes.
• Review production files for accuracy, completeness, image quality, and compatibility with printing and cutting equipment.
• Assist with operating large-format printers, wide-format printing equipment, vinyl cutting plotters, and related production equipment as needed.
• Prepare and set up print and cut jobs, including selecting materials, adjusting print settings, and preparing cutting files.
• Perform basic troubleshooting of artwork, file preparation, and production equipment issues.
• Coordinate with production personnel to verify artwork specifications and support accurate output.
• Review and proofread final artwork for accuracy, completeness, spelling, and compliance with customer specifications.
• Present concepts and proofs to customers and provide revisions when required.
• Communicate with customers to understand preferences, project requirements, and expectations, and provide professional recommendations when appropriate.
• Maintain consistent quality standards and address design-related questions, concerns, and revisions in a timely and professional manner.
• Manage multiple assignments, prioritize workloads, and coordinate schedules to meet deadlines.
• Collaborate with customers, coworkers, and production personnel to clarify requirements and achieve established timelines.
• Maintain organized digital files, artwork, project records, and design templates for easy access and future use.
• Maintain cleanliness and proper condition of workstations, production areas, equipment, supplies, and storage areas.
• Safely operate computers, graphic design software, and other tools and equipment required for assigned projects.
• Stay current with graphic design trends, software updates, printing technologies, production techniques, and industry best practices.
• Perform other related duties as assigned based on business needs.

Requirements

• Knowledge of graphic design principles, including visual communication, typography, color theory, composition, and layout.
• Proficiency with Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop, including technical functions and applications.
• Understanding of graphic reproduction processes, including digital printing, large-format printing, and vinyl cutting.
• Knowledge of prepress procedures and preparation of production-ready artwork.
• Working knowledge of vector and raster graphics, including resolution, file formats, color modes, scaling, bleed, margins, and cut paths.
• Understanding of printing specifications and production file requirements, including color separation concepts.
• Working knowledge of large-format printing plotters, wide-format printers, vinyl cutting plotters, and related equipment and technologies.
• Basic understanding of printer and cutting plotter software, equipment setup, material selection, print settings, and production workflows.
• Knowledge of materials and applications used in vehicle graphics, vehicle wraps, signs, decals, banners, displays, wall graphics, and promotional products.
• General office procedures and professional communication etiquette for telephone, email, and online correspondence.
• Creativity, artistic ability, and exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to prepare accurate, print-ready, and production-ready artwork with minimal errors.
• Ability to operate or learn to operate large-format printers, wide-format printing equipment, and vinyl cutting plotters, including preparing artwork, setting up print and cut jobs, and performing basic troubleshooting.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and problem-solving skills for managing multiple projects under deadlines.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with customers, coworkers, and management.
• Ability to work independently and contribute effectively as part of a team.
• Excellent customer service skills, including responding professionally to questions, requests, and revisions.
• Adaptability to changing priorities, new technologies, and evolving project requirements.
• Ability to safely operate computers, design software, and applicable production tools and equipment.
• Ability to maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
• Willingness to learn new techniques, software applications, materials, equipment, and production processes as needed.
• Education, training, and/or professional experience demonstrating the knowledge and skills required for the position.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop is required.
• Previous experience in graphic design, digital artwork, print production, sign making, vehicle graphics, or a related field is preferred.

Technologies

• Adobe Illustrator
• Adobe Photoshop

Benefits

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule

Pay / Expected Hours / Work Location

• Pay: $20.00 - $26.00 per hour
• Expected hours: 40.0 per week
• Work location: In person