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Freelance Prepress Graphic Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FastSigns

Prepress Graphic Designer

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Paid time off Prepress Graphic Designer Location: FASTSIGNS of Gurnee - Waukegan, IL Type: Full-Time About Us: FASTSIGNS of Gurnee is a leader in custom signage and visual communication solutions ...

PIP

Prepress Graphic Designer

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site

$23 - $29/hr

Our Prepress Graphics person works closely with customers and our sales team, providing support with the goal of increasing sales and customer satisfaction. Responsibility Overview: * Perform ...

PeopleShare

Graphic Design/Prepress Technician

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Graphic Designer / Prepress Technician Pay: $22.00-$26.00 per hour (based on experience) Schedule ... Portfolio of relevant design work (freelance experience accepted) What We're Looking For The ideal ...

FreeUp

Freelancer Graphic Designer

Saint Petersburg, FL · On-site +1

$10 - $20/hr

Freelance and Work from Home With FreeUp! Hi! We're FreeUp! FreeUp is a freelance marketplace ... Work and earn as much as you want freelancing as a graphic designer * 24/7 support for freelancers

tarte cosmetics

Freelance Graphic Designer

Freelance Graphic Designer - Remote tarte is seeking a creative, trend-savvy freelance graphic designer (remote) to support our marketing and social teams! You will collaborate closely with Social ...

Jobgether

Our partner is looking for a Freelance Graphic Designer / Signage Designer based in Netherlands. This is a remote freelance opportunity for a Graphic Designer specializing in signage and visual ...

Mindrift

Freelance Graphic Designer

$50/hr

About the Role This is a freelance role for a Tendem project. As a Graphic Designer, your focus will be on layouts, infographics, social media templates, and overall visual polish. We need a ...

IMKO

Graphic Designer

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$15 - $25/hr

The position requires balancing creativity with technical prepress skills to translate market ... Graphic Designer Responsibilities are, however, not limited to: * Creating/replicating designs for ...

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Freelance Prepress Graphic Designer information

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How much do freelance prepress graphic designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance prepress graphic designer in the United States is $34.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.88 and $41.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a freelance prepress graphic designer do?

A Freelance Prepress Graphic Designer prepares digital artwork and layouts for printing, ensuring that files are correctly formatted and ready for production. Their responsibilities include checking color accuracy, adjusting images and fonts, and making sure that all design elements meet the technical requirements of different printing processes. They work closely with clients and printers to resolve any issues that could affect the final printed product. This role requires strong attention to detail and a solid understanding of printing standards, file types, and prepress software.

What is the difference between Freelance Prepress Graphic Designer vs In-House Prepress Technician?

AspectFreelance Prepress Graphic DesignerIn-House Prepress Technician
CredentialsDesign certifications, Adobe Suite skillsTechnical certifications, industry-specific training
Work EnvironmentRemote, client sites, flexible hoursOffice-based, fixed hours
Employer & IndustryFreelance clients, printing & publishingPrinting companies, publishing houses
Work FocusDesign preparation, client communicationFile checking, color management, prepress workflows

Both roles require knowledge of prepress processes and technical skills, but a Freelance Prepress Graphic Designer typically works independently with multiple clients and emphasizes design skills, while an In-House Prepress Technician focuses on technical file preparation within a company’s production environment.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance prepress graphic designers, and how can they be managed?

Freelance prepress graphic designers often face challenges such as meeting tight deadlines, ensuring files are print-ready across various formats, and communicating clearly with clients who may not be familiar with technical requirements. To manage these challenges, it's important to establish clear communication from the start, use checklists for prepress file preparation, and stay organized with project timelines. Additionally, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of printing technologies and building strong relationships with printers can help prevent errors and ensure smooth project delivery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance prepress graphic designer?

A Freelance Prepress Graphic Designer needs expertise in graphic design principles, color theory, and print production processes, often supported by a relevant design degree or equivalent experience. Mastery of industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite (especially InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop) and knowledge of prepress standards like PDF/X are typically required. Attention to detail, time management, and strong communication skills are crucial for collaborating with clients and ensuring files meet printer specifications. These skills and qualities are essential to deliver accurate, print-ready files efficiently and maintain client satisfaction in a competitive freelance market.
What cities are hiring for Freelance Prepress Graphic Designer jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Prepress Graphic Designer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Prepress Graphic Designer jobs? The most popular types of Prepress Graphic Designer jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Prepress Graphic Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Prepress Graphic Designer jobs include:
Freelance Prepress Graphic Designer jobs near you

Prepress Graphic Designer

FastSigns

Waukegan, IL • On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Bonus based on performance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off

Prepress Graphic Designer
Location: FASTSIGNS of Gurnee - Waukegan, IL
Type: Full-Time
About Us:
FASTSIGNS of Gurnee is a leader in custom signage and visual communication solutions, providing high-quality designs and printed products to businesses of all sizes. We are looking for a Prepress Graphic Designer to join our growing team. This role blends creative design with technical production and prepress skills to ensure artwork is accurate, clean, and ready for print - particularly in a large-format environment.
What You'll Do:
Prepress & Graphic Design:
  • Prepare customer files and original artwork for print production, ensuring they meet all prepress requirements: correct bleeds, color modes, resolution, crop marks, and output settings.
  • Set up and manage files for output through ONYX RIP software, ensuring accurate color management and production specs.
  • Modify and finalize customer-supplied files to meet technical specifications for digital and large-format printing.
  • Create full-color designs for signage, banners, decals, and other visual communications.
  • Proof and review designs for accuracy, consistency, and production readiness.
  • Maintain an organized library of customer assets and artwork for future use.
  • Conduct quality control checks to ensure all output meets company standards and client expectations.

Team Collaboration:
  • Work closely with sales, production, and installation teams to ensure a seamless workflow from concept to final delivery.
  • Consult with clients as needed to ensure their design goals are achieved and their files are suitable for production.
  • Recommend design or material adjustments when necessary for improved output quality or efficiency.

Skills & Qualifications:
  • 1-2 years of experience in graphic design, prepress, or signage production.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop is required
  • Strong understanding of prepress and print file setup - especially for large-format or wide-format printing.
  • Experience using ONYX RIP software (or willingness to learn quickly).
  • Excellent attention to detail and ability to handle multiple projects in a fast-paced production environment.
  • Familiarity with sign shop equipment and materials is highly desirable.

What We Offer:
  • Competitive pay plus performance-based bonus
  • Paid holidays, paid time off, health & dental insurance, and 401k matching
  • Training and development in both design and production tools
  • A collaborative, growth-focused work environment
  • The opportunity to work on projects that have real impact for local businesses

If you're detail-oriented, technically proficient, and love the intersection of design and production, we'd love to hear from you!
Important Notes:
  • This is an in-office position located in Waukegan, IL. Remote work is not available
  • Only local candidates will be considered
  • Please do not contact the employer directly regarding this job posting

Compensation: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour
At FASTSIGNS, every day is unique and presents exciting opportunities, including new ways to use your talent and grow your skills. We have a large network of independently owned locations - both locally and internationally - who offer competitive pay and ongoing training opportunities.
Are you ready to plan for your future? Discover your next career. Make your statement.
Learn more by exploring the positions offered by FASTSIGNS centers.
This franchise is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. Your application will go directly to the franchisee, and all hiring decisions will be made by the management of this franchisee. All inquiries about employment at this franchisee should be made directly to the franchise location, and not to FASTSIGNS Corporate.

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