Print Production LeadPublications, Packaging & Prepress
I run print production from approved creative to finished press, handling schedules, file standards, preflight, proofing, color, and printer relationships. As a hands-on designer, I build and fix the files myself, and I help teams standardize their workflows so production scales without losing quality.
Areas of Expertise
Core Capabilities
Production Management & Systems
End-to-end ownership of publications and print programs: schedules and page flow managed in Jira and Trello, file intake, and printer coordination. Templates and InDesign automation—JavaScript/ExtendScript scripting, GREP styles, find/change, and Data Merge.
Editorial & Publication Production
Magazine and publication layouts, complex page composition, typography, parent-page systems, page mapping, image placement, proof corrections, and press-ready editorial files for alumni magazines, books, annual reports, and special editions.
Packaging, Labels & Collateral
Packaging mechanicals, rigid and flexible dielines, product labels, kitting and retail collateral, POS displays, signage and trade-show graphics, color separations, regulated copy placement, and multi-SKU rollouts.
Print Production & Prepress
InDesign and Illustrator production files, PDF/X preflight, file proofing, CMYK and spot-color management, naming and delivery standards, press checks, and quality control across offset, digital, and large-format printing.
Portfolio
Selected Work
Projects spanning production management, editorial and packaging production, prepress, proofing, and final vendor delivery. Some materials are abbreviated or redacted to respect client confidentiality.
About
Background & Experience
I’m a print production lead with more than 20 years in magazine publishing, packaging, books, retail catalogs, and branded collateral. Most recently I served as Designer & Production Manager for California magazine (Cal Alumni Association), running the issue from layout and ad preflight through the printer relationship with Quad and post-press file delivery.
I’ve run press checks, managed printer and packaging-vendor relationships, coordinated designers, editors, and freelancers against hard deadlines using agile workflows, and built the templates and standards that keep multi-person production consistent. I’m especially interested in helping teams standardize production workflows, including InDesign scripting and AI-assisted tools (Adobe Firefly, Generative Fill), without taking creative freedom away from the artists.
I stay hands-on. I’m the person who can own the schedule and the vendor call, and also open the file and fix it. That combination is what I bring to every project.
Testimonials
What People Say
I worked with Matt on a variety of packaging and communication material design and production projects. Matt is very knowledgeable as well as personable, guiding the process to ensure expected creative outcomes.
Diana (DeVincenzi) McClean
Director of Marketing and Communications, Mission Produce
I find it refreshing to work with someone who knows how to tackle big projects while staying calm, focused and creative all while delivering outstanding work.
Jennine Dureau
Marketing Manager, TurboTax
Matt is a very creative individual. His knowledge of design as well as production techniques and crafts is invaluable and enables him to participate from start to finish on every project. From book covers to website and page design, Matt’s creative sense is remarkable and invaluable.
Bruce Butterfield
CEO and Founder, The Wittfield Group
Matt is an incredible designer who works hard to identify/solve for customers’ pain points. His designs for critical and heavily used functionality were well received and had a lasting impact on the product adoption.
Abishek Aurora
Director of Product, Credit Karma
Experience
Brands I’ve Worked With
Get in Touch
Need someone to own your print production?
I’m available for contract, fractional, and project-based production leadership, including issue-based publication production, catalog and packaging programs, and production-system builds. Based in Santa Cruz and working remotely, with Bay Area onsite availability as needed.