Creative Artworker (Packaging)

Overview

An established consumer goods brand is seeking an experienced Creative Artworker to join its growing in-house Creative Team, reporting to the Packaging Lead.

With an expanding portfolio spanning multiple product categories and continued innovation plans, packaging remains a key strategic focus. This role will support the ongoing development and execution of packaging artwork across the portfolio, from minor copy updates and technical amendments to packaging refreshes and new product development initiatives.

The position combines creative artwork with technical production delivery. While a strong design eye is important, the majority of the role focuses on artwork execution, approvals, accuracy, and maintaining brand consistency throughout the production process. A solid understanding of how artwork translates from screen to print is essential to ensure seamless handover of production-ready files to suppliers and manufacturers.

The Candidate

The ideal candidate will be a meticulous artwork professional with exceptional attention to detail and a passion for craft and quality.

They will possess a strong understanding of print production, packaging systems, and digital artwork processes, ensuring all outputs are delivered accurately and to specification. Comfortable working within a fast-paced environment, they will collaborate closely with designers, marketing teams, product managers, operations teams, and technical stakeholders.

The successful candidate will be calm under pressure, highly organised, collaborative, and committed to maintaining quality, consistency, and accuracy across all packaging projects.

Key Responsibilities

Packaging Artwork & Production

• Create, adapt, and finalise print-ready packaging artwork across multiple packaging formats, including cans, cartons, bottles, pouches, labels, and shelf-ready packaging.
• Support colour management processes and the development of master templates and artwork systems appropriate for various print methods.
• Roll out approved designs across product ranges, flavours, sizes, and international markets while maintaining consistency and accuracy.
• Apply and manage copy, barcodes, legal information, nutritional data, and regulatory content accurately.
• Prepare and release artwork files in accordance with printer and supplier specifications.
• Set up artwork correctly for special print finishes such as spot varnishes, foils, embossing, and white ink layers.

Brand & Creative Collaboration

• Interpret creative concepts and translate them into production-ready packaging artwork.
• Ensure all artwork aligns with established brand guidelines and visual standards.
• Collaborate closely with internal creative and cross-functional teams throughout the packaging development process.

Quality Control & Approval

• Conduct detailed artwork reviews to ensure technical accuracy, consistency, and compliance requirements are met.
• Work with printers, manufacturers, and suppliers to resolve technical queries and production challenges.
• Attend press checks and colour approvals where required to ensure packaging quality standards are maintained during production.

Workflow & Studio Support

• Maintain organised, accurate, and accessible filing systems and artwork archives.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects while meeting deadlines and production schedules.
• Contribute to the ongoing improvement of studio processes, workflows, and best practices.

Experience & Skills

Essential Requirements

• Minimum 3–4 years' experience in packaging artwork, production artwork, or packaging design execution roles.
• Strong understanding of print production and artwork preparation for manufacturing.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Excellent file management and artwork structuring skills, including the effective use of layers, swatches, and print specifications.
• Exceptional attention to detail, particularly in typography, layout, and technical artwork.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining accuracy.
• Experience working within brand guidelines and structured template systems.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Technical & Production Knowledge

Candidates should be confident working with:

Print Processes

• CMYK and Pantone (spot colour) workflows.
• Digital, lithographic, and other commercial print methods.
• Colour management and print specification requirements.

Artwork Preparation

• Bleed, overprint, trapping, spot colours, varnishes, and export settings.
• Production-ready file creation and pre-flight checks.
• Layer management for specialist finishes and print processes.

Packaging Formats

• Flexible packaging, including pouches and sachets.
• Labels, including adhesive labels and shrink sleeves.
• Cans, cartons, wraps, and other consumer packaging formats.
• Dielines, cutter guides, die-cut, and laser-cut specifications.

Production Awareness

• Digital versus large-scale commercial production methods.
• Direct print versus sleeving applications.
• General manufacturing and packaging production workflows.

Desirable Experience

• Experience within food, beverage, health, wellness, or consumer packaged goods sectors.
• Familiarity with packaging and labelling regulations.
• Experience managing artwork across large product portfolios.
• Point-of-sale (POS) artwork experience.
• Exposure to packaging suppliers, materials, and manufacturing environments.
• Understanding of cost, scalability, and sustainability considerations in packaging development.
• Knowledge of reprographics and pre-press processes, including how artwork files are prepared and processed by printers.