Paul Helsel
Production Art | Packaging Design | Artwork Management
Apparel Design | Licensing
I am an experienced production artist & manager with over 20 years of experience, a global and domestic print production leader who communicates directly with vendors to ensure flawless design, execution and delivery. Let’s work together!
About Me
“Start by doing what is necessary, then do what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
– St. Francis of Assisi
Let's Create Better Production Artwork.
Building on and improving the quality and making the end product the very best it can be is the name of my game. Working with and maintaining great relationships with your vendors, leading in the development of new embellishment techniques, with an aim of simplifying and creating artwork that is easily understood, and easily produced with first in class results.
From initial mechanical files, approval of strike-off and proto samples, to final review and approval of TOP samples, my aim is always year over year improvement wether in the Apparel space or Packaging design.
Of course, even the best produced artwork won’t impact the bottom line if it doesn’t reach your vendors in enough time to get your product to market on time. I have a proven track record of delivering all assets and working diligently to meet delivery dates.
Based in Columbus, Ohio, I am ready to get to work improving your final product!
My Portfolio
Some recent projects and an overview of my day to day.
Work Experience
Just a quick overview. Please see my resume for more comprehensive employment details.
Collaborated closely with domestic and international vendors to develop high-quality, brand-consistent packaging files for retail products. Reviewed and corrected layouts for color accuracy, brand identity, and content compliance, as well as tracking all submits through Filemaker and Workfront. Managed receipt and approvals for all print and final sample comments and approvals. Developed user-centric Brand Guides, crafting intuitive and easy to use resources encompassing all visual, legal, and production requirements to ensure consistent, brand correct files from our vendors.
2013-2020 | Top of the World Apparel
Was a vital part of the NCAA licensed apparel team, bridging communication between the graphics team and the factory base to ensure top-tier apparel decoration. Oversaw the entire production art cycle – from initial concept to final product – managing artwork handoffs, coordinating licensing approvals, and leading the production art team. Developed and implemented streamlined workflows across U.S. and international offices, ensuring efficient operations between domestic and overseas facilities.
2001-2008 | Absolute Screenprinting
Specialized in creating original artwork and precise color separations for screen printing, covering CMYK, Spot Color, and Simulated Spot Color Process techniques. Managed multiple projects simultaneously, working closely with the production leads to maintain a steady workflow. Conducted quality checks on-press, optimized the color separation process to reduce turnaround times, and prepared all files meticulously for pre-press to meet all print specifications.
Brands I've Partnered With
Reccomendations
Hear what some of my past colleagues and clients are saying
Paul was exceptionally technically minded, and consistently went above and beyond to ensure the accuracy and timely delivery of all artwork. His proactive approach kept us ahead of schedule, and he took great pride in ensuring every piece was executed flawlessly. Paul’s dedication and attention to detail were invaluable to our success.
Vice President of Product Design & Development
Top of the World
Paul has a great eye for detail, and his time management and work ethic were far beyond my expectations. He was always someone I could count on to help out wherever the need, and goes well above and beyond what was required of him. I really can’t say enough positive things about him, if you have a chance to work with him, you won’t be disappointed!
Manager of Private Brands
Big Lots Stores