Production Designer (Freelance)
Our client is a multi-disciplinary design agency based in Northeast Minneapolis, dedicated to connecting people and brands in both physical and digital environments. We are looking for a freelance Production Designer to support our creative team in developing production-ready assets for print, retail, and digital applications.
The ideal candidate is a detail-obsessed executor who understands how to translate concepts into precise, on-spec deliverables across multiple formats. You should be comfortable working at pace within established brand systems, collaborating closely with designers, producers, and account teams to deliver accurate and polished files.
Key Responsibilities
- Translate approved creative concepts into fully built, production-ready files for print, retail, and digital channels.
- Prepare mechanicals and final artwork based on supplied specifications, templates, and vendor guidelines.
- Adapt layouts across sizes, formats, and platforms while maintaining visual consistency and brand integrity.
- Set up and refine typography, grids, and layout systems to ensure clarity and hierarchy.
- Conduct thorough preflight checks (bleeds, margins, fonts, links, color modes, resolutions) prior to release.
- Organize, name, and package files for handoff to printers, vendors, and internal teams.
- Create internal and client-facing proofs, mockups, and presentation-ready files.
- Collaborate daily with designers, project managers, and production partners to clarify requirements and timing.
- Incorporate feedback efficiently and accurately, maintaining version control across multiple rounds.
- Support ongoing file maintenance, asset library updates, and documentation of production best practices.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a related field; or equivalent professional experience.
- 4+ years of experience in production design, print production, or graphic design in an agency, in-house, or studio setting.
- Strong command of production workflows for print (including large format, collateral, and point-of-sale materials).
- Proficient in preparing files for multiple outputs, including offset, digital, large format, and digital display.
- Expert-level skills in Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop; familiarity with additional Adobe tools as needed.
- Experience working in MacOS environments and comfort collaborating in tools such as Figma.
- Exceptional attention to detail, particularly regarding layout, spacing, typography, and file integrity.
- Ability to interpret and execute against brand guidelines, using existing systems for type, color, and imagery.
- Strong organizational and file-management habits, including logical naming conventions and folder structures.
- Clear, concise communication skills and comfort collaborating with creative and non-creative stakeholders.
- Proven ability to prioritize, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and shift focus quickly as needs change.
Engagement Details
- Employment type: Freelance
- Reports to: Associate Creative Director
- Workload: Project-based, with potential for ongoing engagements depending on fit and capacity.
- Location: Minneapolis-based candidates preferred
- Compensation: Commensurate with experience and project scope.
