What Does a Production Artist do?

A Production Artist is responsible for producing high-quality artwork for print and digital media, ensuring that designs are accurately executed according to specifications.

They work closely with graphic designers, art directors, and other creative professionals to prepare final files for production, adjusting layouts, retouching images, and ensuring that all design elements are correctly formatted. Production Artists handle a variety of tasks, including resizing images, creating print-ready files, and ensuring that colors, fonts, and other design components meet the required standards. They play a crucial role in the production process, ensuring that the final output meets both creative and technical requirements.

Their work is essential in bridging the gap between design and production, ensuring that creative concepts are accurately translated into finished products that meet the highest quality standards.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Production Artists in the Art & Entertainment field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

  • Prepare and format final artwork for print and digital production, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
  • Collaborate with graphic designers and art directors to execute designs according to project specifications.
  • Resize, retouch, and adjust images to meet design requirements and ensure high-quality output.
  • Create print-ready files, ensuring that all design elements are correctly formatted and meet production standards.
  • Maintain consistency in branding by ensuring that colors, fonts, and other design elements align with brand guidelines.
  • Review and proof artwork for errors, making necessary adjustments before final production.
  • Work closely with printers, vendors, and other production partners to ensure that the final product meets quality standards.
  • Stay updated with the latest design and production software, tools, and techniques to enhance efficiency and quality.

How to Become a Production Artist

Launching a career as a Production Artist requires a specific education. We outline the essential qualifications, skills, and steps to enter this field.

Qualification

  • Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related field; relevant experience may substitute for formal education.
  • Experience in graphic design, prepress, or a related production role.
  • Proficiency in design software, such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
  • Strong understanding of print production processes, color theory, typography, and layout design.
  • Relevant certifications, such as Adobe Certified Expert (ACE), are advantageous.

Requirements & Skills

  • Excellent attention to detail to ensure accuracy in all aspects of production work.
  • Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with designers, art directors, and production teams.
  • Technical proficiency in preparing files for print and digital production.
  • Commitment to maintaining consistency and quality in all design outputs.

Production Artist Salary Guide

Wondering what Production Artists earn? Explore salary ranges by experience, and career tips to maximize your earning potential.

Job Branch Avg. US Salary
Production Artist Art & Entertainment 53,500 USD

The average salary for a Production Artist in the U.S. is approximately $53,500 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. Production Artists may receive a wide range of benefits.

Production Artist Salary Career Steps


Level Experience Avg. Salary per Year
Veteran20+ years$66,875
Senior11+ years$58,850
Experienced6-10 years$53,500
Mid Level3-5 years$48,150
Entry Level0-2 years$40,125

To explore more detailed salary information, including specific salary estimates in your country, visit the Production Artist Salary Country Overview.

How to Advance Your Career

Production Artists can advance to roles such as Senior Production Artist, Art Director, or Creative Director. With additional experience and skills, they may also move into specialized areas such as packaging design, digital media production, or print management. Continuous professional development, including learning new software tools and techniques, can lead to leadership positions within creative teams or opportunities to work in larger design agencies, marketing departments, or publishing companies.

Typical Work Environment

Production Artists typically work in office settings within creative agencies, design studios, publishing houses, or corporate marketing departments. The role involves collaborating closely with designers, art directors, and production teams to ensure that artwork is accurately prepared for production. Production Artists may work standard business hours, but tight deadlines may require additional hours, including evenings and weekends, particularly when working on large projects or during busy production periods. The work environment is fast-paced and requires a high level of attention to detail, technical proficiency, and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Cityjobs.info provides not only a detailed Production Artist job description but also insights about salary data in different countries worldwide.


Explore more Careers & Salary Insights

Actor

Embark on the journey of an actor, from stage to screen. Uncover the intricacies, capabili...

Job Description Salary Info

Art Director

Explore the dynamic role of an Art Director, who guides the visual storytelling in various...

Job Description Salary Info

Artist

Create original artworks using various mediums, interpret concepts, collaborate with teams...

Job Description Salary Info

Photographer

Advance your career as a Photographer, capturing moments, telling stories, and delivering ...

Job Description Salary Info

Production Artist

Learn about a Production Artist’s salary, job duties, and required skills to ensure that...

Job Description Salary Info

Explore Our Latest Blog Posts on Career Development and Personal Growth

Discover in our guide how to work online and get paid — no experience needed! Discover legit remote jobs, essential skills, and step-by-step tips to start earning from home today. Avoid scams & find your perfect online gig.
  • Career,

How can I work online and get paid?

Discover in our guide how to work online and get paid — no experience needed! Discover legit remote jobs, essential skills, and step-by-step tips to start earning from home today. Avoid scams & find your perfect online gig.

Discover the best free job boards, including CityJobs.info, Glassdoor, and SimplyHired. Learn how to optimize your job postings and attract top talent—all without spending a dime!
  • Career,

Free Job Boards Guide: Find Talent and Save Costs

Discover the best free job boards, including CityJobs.info, Glassdoor, and SimplyHired. Learn how to optimize your job postings and attract top talent—all without spending a dime!