Christopher Smith

A general interest in other fields of design including strong interest in tech, systems and how creative businesses can work smarter, architecture and furniture design. I have a keen eye for fine detail, a rational character, meticulous, passionate and methodical in my work and always go the extra mile to get the job delivered. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my children, gardening, walking, cooking and baking.

Head of Artwork at Tjarks & Tjarks (2018-11 – Present)

• Overseeing projects from initial design concepts through to final artwork, identifying and resolving potential issues prior to production.
• Responsible for managing font licensing and monitoring project budgets.
• Pre-production meetings with repro, printers and clients to collectively decide the best way to set up print-ready artwork to achieve the client’s expectations.
• Checking final artwork files for separations and making sure they are set up according to the printers specification.
• Setting up artwork files for high-end press-printed mock ups with foil, embossing and varnish finishings.
• Advising designers on printability of their designs and realistic expectations for final results on different substrates.
• Attending and overseeing press passes to ensure quality and accuracy.
• Managing studio scheduling and contributing to recruitment.
• Leading the implementation, management, and training of systems including Esko Automation Engine, GMG Colour Management, shaping workflows, and master assets.
• Overseeing the implementation and management of Extensis Connect and Adobe Acrobat Variable Data.
• Managing IT systems, troubleshooting technical issues, and liaising with IT support.
• Operating the Intec cutting and creasing table.
• Key member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to strategic decision-making and operational excellence.

Senior Artworker at Tjarks & Tjarks (2017-09 – 2018-10)

• Pre-production meetings, setting up artwork from design visual files for print and mock ups.
• Checking final artwork files and colour separations.
• Overseeing projects from an early stage with production managers to ascertain any upcoming issues when in artwork.
• Writing and updating the Tjarks & Tjarks artwork manual.
• Mentoring and training junior artworkers and freelancers.

Freelance - Senior Creative Designer / Artworker at MPH Creative (2017-02 – 2017-08)

• artworking files, colour management and print solutions as well as design development.
• Pre-production meetings, setting up artwork from design visual files for print.
• Checking final artwork files and colour separations.
• Overviewing projects from an early stage with the Managing Director to ascertain any upcoming issues when in artwork.
• Liaising with clients.

Design Manager / Artworker Manager at Brand Packaging Solutions (2014-09 – 2017-01)

• 3D conceptualising, product and packaging prototyping.
• Managing and briefing design agencies and photography studios.
• Pre-production meetings, setting artwork from design visual files for print, mock ups and product prototypes.
• Checking final artwork files and colour separations.
• Overseeing projects from an early stage with the Manging Directors to ascertain any upcoming issues.
• Mentoring and training juniors.
• Attend and oversee press passing.
• Liaising with the clients in the US.
• IT support.
• CAD engineer on the Zund cutting and creasing table.

Manager - Design / Artworker / IT Manager at Beams International (2002-01 – 2014-09)

• Setting up the Design & CAD Studio.
• 3D conceptualising, product and packaging prototyping Zund cutting and creasing table.
• Managing pre-production meetings, setting artwork from design visual files for print, mock ups and product prototypes.
• Checking final artwork files and colour separations.
• Overviewing projects from an early stage with the Manging Directors to ascertain any upcoming issues.
• Mentoring and training juniors and freelancers.
• IT support and maintaining both Mac and PC Servers.
• CAD engineer on the Zund cutting and creasing table.
• Attend and oversee press passing.

Freelance Designer / Artworker (2001-10 – 2002-01)

Junior Designer at Gyro Group (2000-01 – 2001-09)

• Designing and setting up artworks from concept and visualisation.
• Implementation of concept through to visualisation file for print and mock ups.
• Checking final artwork files and plate separations.
• Responsible for sending files to production.

Visual Communication (2:1) in Visual Communication – Surrey Institute of Art & Design University - Farnham (1997-09 – 2000)

National Diploma in Design in Design – Kent Institute of Art & Design - Rochester (1995-09 – 1997)

A Level - Art & Design (C); A Level - Graphical Communication (C) in Art & Design; Graphical Communication – Mascalls School - Paddock Wood (1988-09 – 1995)