Production Manager
Comprehensive Sites
AllGraphicDesign.comFree downloads for graphic design are offered here, as well as information on design careers and management of publishing, links to templates, fonts and typography, and software information. The site hosts a wide variety of tools for the production manager or student and even has layout tips and free stock photography sources.
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Prepress TechniciansThe U.S. Department of Labor created this site to give you an excellent overview of the work of prepress technicians and workers. From a general job description to information on earnings, this site contains everything you need to get started on the exploration of a career in the management of prepress files and organization.
Graphic Arts Information NetworkThis organization is a service of the Printing Industries of America and the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation. Here, you will find quick links to technical information, printing details, a bookstore, and a job bank. Click on the student link, and you can locate an interactive guide to careers in graphic communications and production, in addition to scholarships, internships, and other important opportunities.
Occupational Titles
Advertising Layout Worker
Art Director
Digital Artist
Forms Designer
Graphic Art Designer
Graphic Communications
Label Maker
Layout Artist
Mac Artist (Macintosh)
Online Producer
Photo Stylist
Presentation Specialist
Production Artist
Production Manager
Traffic Manager
Traffic Coordinator
Accredited Academic Programs
Association for Suppliers of Printing, Publishing, and Converting Technologies: EducationThe Association for Suppliers of Printing, Publishing, and Converting Technologies has created this education information page to connect visitors with affiliated programs and details on its scholarship fund. Go to Graphic Comm Central to find access to thousands of educational resources, or look at the International Graphic Arts Education Association.
Graphic Comm CentralAccess to thousands of educational resources for graphic communications faculty, students, and industry trainers are provided at this site, including curriculum and instruction resources, publications, career opportunities, and college and university links.
International Graphic Arts Education AssociationDedicated to sharing theories, principles, techniques and processes relating to graphic communications and imaging technology, this organization sponsors an annual conference and scholarship awards.
Salary Levels
PayScale: Production ArtistA salary survey by years of experience as a production artist is supplied at this page, which also includes median wage according to city or state of employment. Perform a search on your own using related job titles or a location of your choice.
Professional Organizations
Art Directors ClubThis organization is dedicated to providing a forum for creativity and networking in the visual communications field. You will find descriptions of programming for the production managers in advertising, design, publishing, and interactive media. Read about these events, download podcasts, hear about student competitions, or discover the site’s job board for advertising, exhibit design, graphic design, and internet creativity.
Graphic Artists GuildThe Guild is a national union of graphic artist professionals and other creative people who have joined together to share their experience and pursue common goals. Members of this organization work in many disciplines, including illustration, production management, graphic design, and photography. Join the Guild at a discounted student membership rate, and reap the benefits of discounts on art supplies, award-winning publications, and group health insurance, among others.
Graphic Arts Education and Research FoundationAt “Make Your Mark,” you can learn about graphic communications industries by touring the workplace online, or exploring the graphic communications process. Develop your talents by creating a project, or get a start on your career with access to information on college programs, scholarships, and jobs.
Job Opportunity Sources
Indeed.com: Prepress TechnicianLearn about the job responsibilities of prepress employees and their role in compiling files in the management off printing operations. Over 1,000 jobs are listed, drawn from a variety of sources around the nation.
Indeed.com: Production ManagerIndeed hosts nearly 3,000 production manager positions at this page, collected from a variety of nationwide job databases. Search the database, and click on your selection to be taken to information on job details. Sort your results by relevance or date posted.
Indeed.com: Traffic Manager and Production JobsLinks to thousands of opportunities in production and traffic management in advertising and publishing are provided at this page, with job openings collected from a variety of respected databases and private employers around the country.
Publications
Communication ArtsThis publication hosts competitions in advertising, design, illustration, production management, and interactive digital arts. Find departments on jobs and talent location, or link to information on student subscriptions to this magazine. In it, you will find fresh insights, exhibits, webpicks, and news in visual communications.
Computer Graphics WorldThe current issue of this magazine is available at this site, as well as issue archives, a gallery of graphics and illustration, portfolios, news, a job board, and computer graphics forum.
Graphic ExchangeGraphic design resources are collected here, where you can find details on upcoming learning events, graphic news, conversations with important people in the area of graphics training, production management, and video tutorials of such programs as Photoshop.
Online Forums & Blogs
Design: TalkBoardIf you are new to design, you might be interested in reading about the differences between web page, graphic, and poster design jobs. You’ll find design news discussions, reviews, links, and glossaries to help you cut through the jargon quickly so you can focus on the real concepts in design.
GraphicComm Central: ListservSign up here -mail discussion group for graphic arts educators, industry trainers, and anyone else interested in graphic communication education. A wide range of topics are discussed on the GCC-L Listserv, such as current issues in graphic arts production and education.
Web Design & Graphics BlogDesign forum and design communities are available here, where you can join discussions across many different categories. Software forums, business discussions, many leads, tool, and opportunities await at these active communication boards and blogs.
Career Videos
Career Explorer.net: Graphic Artist VideoIf you have an eye and passion for art and graphic design, you will want to hear about all the options out there in this field. Learn about different types of graphic artists, the different arenas they work in, and the qualities and interests you’ll need to get ahead in this occupation.
YouTube: Prepress Technicians and Workers Job DescriptionLearn about work in a smaller and larger shop, with the use of design software, coordination with other technicians and color specialists, and the need for artistic abilities for production. You’ll also find out about typical deadlines and the increasing role of computers, formal education, and certification.
