📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Creative Production Artist
🔹 Company: Matthews International
🔹 Location: Witham, Essex, United Kingdom
🔹 Job Type: On-site, Full-time
🔹 Category: Creative & Design
🔹 Date Posted: May 9, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Creating packaging artwork based on design guidelines and technical specifications
- Collaborating with account managers and production teams to ensure brand consistency and quality
- Learning about print-ready files, color management, and brand consistency
- Working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
ASSUMPTION: This role is ideal for recent graduates or early-career individuals looking to break into the packaging industry. It offers a supportive environment with opportunities for growth and learning.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Create packaging artwork based on design guidelines and technical specifications
✅ Collaborate with account managers and production teams to ensure brand consistency and quality
✅ Learn about print-ready files, color management, and brand consistency
✅ Work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
ASSUMPTION: While this role is entry-level, it requires a strong attention to detail and the ability to work well under pressure.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: No specific degree required, but a keen interest in design, packaging, and artwork production is essential.
Experience: No prior experience is required, but basic knowledge of Adobe Illustrator is preferred.
Required Skills:
- Basic knowledge of Adobe Illustrator
- Detail-oriented mindset
- Willingness to learn
- Team player
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
Preferred Skills:
- Previous experience in packaging or a related field
- Familiarity with print-ready files and color management
ASSUMPTION: While no specific degree is required, a background in graphic design or a related field could be beneficial.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The salary range for this role is typically £18,000 - £22,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications. This is an estimate based on industry standards for entry-level creative roles in the UK.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary
- On-the-job training and development opportunities
- Pension scheme
- Health insurance
- 25 days' annual leave
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with flexibility to work additional hours as needed to meet deadlines.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate and may vary based on individual performance and company discretion.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Matthews International is a global packaging and brand experience company, operating in the consumer goods industry.
Company Size: Matthews International has 1,001-5,000 employees worldwide, providing a large and diverse work environment.
Founded: Matthews International was founded in 1850 and has since grown into a global leader in its industry.
Company Description:
- Matthews International delivers packaging solutions and brand experiences that give brands the freedom to speak louder, scale faster, and grow stronger.
- The company simplifies marketing and amplifies brands to deliver value.
- Matthews International is a Matthews International company.
Company Specialties:
- Packaging and artwork production
- Brand experience and marketing
- Global operations and supply chain management
Company Website: Matthews International Website
ASSUMPTION: Matthews International's size and global presence offer employees opportunities for growth and career advancement.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is entry-level, suitable for recent graduates or early-career individuals looking to break into the packaging industry.
Reporting Structure: The Creative Production Artist will report directly to the Artwork Production Manager and work closely with account managers and production teams.
Work Arrangement: This is an on-site role, with the opportunity to work from home occasionally, depending on project requirements and team needs.
Growth Opportunities:
- On-the-job training and development opportunities
- Potential career progression into more senior roles within the artwork production or design teams
- Opportunities to work on diverse projects and collaborate with various teams
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a supportive environment for learning and growth, with opportunities to develop both technical and soft skills.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: The office is a modern, open-plan workspace with dedicated areas for artwork production and design teams.
Office Location(s): Witham, Essex, United Kingdom
Geographic Context:
- Witham is a market town in Essex, located approximately 35 miles northeast of London.
- The office is conveniently located near major transportation links, including the A12 and A120 roads, and Witham railway station.
- The area offers a mix of urban and rural living, with easy access to both London and the Essex countryside.
Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with a 30-minute lunch break. However, flexibility is required to meet project deadlines.
ASSUMPTION: The office environment is collaborative and supportive, with a strong focus on teamwork and communication.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening with the HR team
- In-person or virtual interview with the Artwork Production Manager and a member of the design team
- Final decision and offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Portfolio review and discussion
- Technical skills assessment, focusing on Adobe Illustrator
- Behavioral and situational questions to assess problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare a portfolio showcasing your design and artwork production work, with a focus on packaging projects
- Research Matthews International and the packaging industry to demonstrate your enthusiasm and understanding of the role
ATS Keywords: Packaging, Artwork Production, Adobe Illustrator, Design, Brand Consistency, Print-Ready Files, Color Management, Deadline-Driven, Team Player
ASSUMPTION: The interview process is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best candidate for the role.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Illustrator
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
ASSUMPTION: While specific tools and technologies may vary, the role requires proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and familiarity with project management tools.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Customer Focus
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Accountability
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and flexible, with a focus on meeting project deadlines
- Attention to detail and commitment to quality
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment?
- Are you detail-oriented and committed to producing high-quality work?
- Are you comfortable working with tight deadlines and managing multiple projects?
ASSUMPTION: Matthews International values a strong work ethic, collaboration, and a commitment to producing high-quality work.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The role may require working overtime to meet project deadlines
- The office environment can be noisy and busy, with a high volume of artwork production tasks
- The role may involve working with tight deadlines and managing multiple projects simultaneously
- The role may require occasional travel to client meetings or industry events
ASSUMPTION: While these challenges exist, the role offers a supportive environment with opportunities for growth and development.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Junior Packaging Designer or an Artwork Production Assistant, but with a stronger focus on entry-level development and training opportunities
- The role offers a unique blend of creative and technical responsibilities, with a focus on packaging artwork production
- Career progression may include roles such as Senior Packaging Designer, Artwork Production Manager, or similar positions within the design or production teams
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity for entry-level candidates to gain experience in the packaging industry and develop their skills in a supportive environment.
📝 Sample Projects
- Design and production of packaging artwork for a new product launch
- Creation of print-ready files for a range of packaging formats and materials
- Collaboration with the design team to ensure brand consistency across multiple packaging SKUs
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are representative of the day-to-day responsibilities and tasks associated with this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What opportunities are available for training and development in this role?
- How does this role fit into the broader artwork production and design teams?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does Matthews International support work-life balance for its employees?
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare for them?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and relevant questions demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the online application form
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare a portfolio showcasing your design and artwork production work, with a focus on packaging projects
- Research Matthews International and the packaging industry to demonstrate your enthusiasm and understanding of the role
- Follow up with the HR team one week after submission to confirm receipt of your application and inquire about the next steps in the interview process
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
