Vector Artist Needed for Laser Cutting and Engraving Designs

## Graphic Designer / Vector Artist for Laser-Cut and Engraved Products I am looking for a reliable graphic designer or vector artist to help prepare artwork for laser engraving and cutting. The primary work will involve taking designs, reference images, sketches, mockups, or AI-generated artwork and converting them into clean, production-ready vector files. These files will be used in LightBurn with a CO₂ laser to create layered acrylic signs, wood artwork, leatherette hat patches, engraved products, and other laser-cut items. This is not simply an image-tracing position. I need someone who can understand how a physical, layered laser-cut product is assembled and make thoughtful decisions about how the artwork should be separated, simplified, and constructed. ### Typical Responsibilities * Convert raster artwork into clean vector files * Separate designs into individual cutting, engraving, and color layers * Prepare SVG files for import into LightBurn * Simplify detailed artwork while preserving the recognizable design * Create bold, clean outlines and solid shapes * Remove gradients, shadows, textures, and unnecessary details * Reduce excessive vector nodes for smoother laser cutting * Ensure small pieces are properly connected and will not fall out * Add bridges, weld overlapping shapes, and close open paths when needed * Create contour borders or backing layers around designs * Organize and clearly label each layer * Make revisions based on test cuts and production feedback Some projects may also involve creating original designs based on my ideas, descriptions, reference photos, or rough concepts. I will usually provide clear direction, dimensions, material information, and examples of the desired style. ### Types of Projects Projects may include: * Layered acrylic signs * Dimensional wood wall art * Leatherette hat patches * Location and landmark artwork * Lake maps and outdoor designs * Family and vacation signs * Business logos and promotional products * Engraving-ready illustrations * Multi-layer designs using approximately three to six colors or materials ### Required Skills The ideal designer should have strong experience with: * Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, Affinity Designer, or similar vector software * Creating and editing SVG files * Vector tracing and manual path cleanup * Preparing files for laser cutting, CNC routing, vinyl cutting, or similar production methods * Pathfinder, weld, subtract, offset, contour, and compound-path operations * Designing with minimum feature sizes and physical material limitations in mind * Creating smooth paths with minimal and well-positioned nodes Experience with LightBurn or direct experience preparing files for laser cutting is strongly preferred. ### File Requirements Most completed projects should include: * A clean, layered SVG file * Clearly named or color-coded layers * Separate cut and engraving elements * Closed paths where required * Welded shapes with no unintended overlaps or duplicate lines * Minimal unnecessary nodes * A preview image showing the assembled design * The editable source file when applicable Files must be original or created from artwork that I provide. Any fonts, stock elements, or third-party assets used must be identified and properly licensed for commercial product use. ### What I Will Provide Depending on the project, I may provide: * A finished design that needs to be converted into production-ready vectors * A reference photograph * An AI-generated concept image * A rough sketch or layout * Finished product dimensions * Material thickness and color information * The maximum number of physical layers * Examples of previously approved designs * Feedback from test cuts ### Ideal Working Relationship I am looking for someone interested in ongoing freelance work rather than only a single project. The workload may vary, but there is potential for regular assignments as new products and design ideas are developed. Good communication is important. I appreciate designers who ask practical production questions, point out potential cutting or assembly problems, and suggest better ways to build a design. ### To Apply Please include: 1. Examples of vector artwork you have prepared for laser cutting, CNC, vinyl cutting, layered signs, or similar production 2. The software you use 3. Whether you have experience with LightBurn 4. A brief explanation of how you would convert a detailed image into a layered laser-cut design 5. Your preferred pricing structure for ongoing work 6. Your typical turnaround time for a moderately detailed design Please begin your proposal with the phrase **“Layer Ready”** so I know you have read the full description. For the initial paid test project, I will provide an existing design that needs to be converted into clean, organized, LightBurn-ready vector layers. Successful completion may lead to ongoing design and file-preparation work.