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How To Get A Job As A Desktop Publisher

By using computer software, Desktop Publishers combine written text, with imagery, to produce a variety of materials including books, magazines, brochures, newspapers, calendars, advertisements, and newsletters.

There is an ongoing need for educated, and experienced Desktop Publishers.

Desktop Publishers work for newspapers, magazines, publishing companies, as well as other companies and organizations.  Some Desktop Publishers work independently.

Those who wish to become Desktop Publishers must be courteous, detail oriented, well-organized, and have excellent computer skills.  They must be able to work independently, and also as part of a team.  Desktop Publishers must have excellent communication skills, a high degree of artistic talent, visual acuity, and manual dexterity.  In order to meet deadlines, Desktop Publishers must function well under pressure, and have good management stills.   Desktop Publishers must enjoy learning, as they will need to keep up with the rapid changes in computer technology.

Desktop Publishers generally work a forty hour week, but must also be prepared to work all the overtime that is needed in order to meet deadlines.

Desktop Publishers spend their work day in front of a computer, either in an office or at home.  They must take regular breaks from work in order to avoid back and wrist problems as well as eye strain.

Desktop Publishers may write needed text, or they may receive completed text.  For small jobs, the Desktop Publisher may be responsible for writing and editing of the complete text, but for larger jobs, they may only deal with imagery.

The duties of Desktop Publishes will vary depending on the size or the project, and the size and type of organization in which they are employed.  The larger the firm, the more specialized these duties may be.  Generally, when a Desktop Publisher receives completed written text, he/she will search for appropriate photographs, special effects, or other graphics to emphasize the written text, making it more appealing to the reader.  Some of these materials he may need to create himself.  He will use computer software to manipulate the text and images, and lay out pages,  considering the most appropriate sizes, fonts, spacing, colors, titles, and references.  He will maneuver, insert, enlarge, or eliminate all the components of the material until he has, on his computer, a complete copy of how the final project will appear.  The final project can thus be reviewed by editors or clients, and changes can easily be made.  Printing may be done on site or by printing companies.

Education

In the past many Desktop Publishers, who had only a high school degree, were hired and trained on-the-job.  Competition for these jobs is now such that a high school degree is no longer enough.

If you wish to become a  Desktop Publisher, and are still in high school, take courses in English, computers, mathematics, office practices,  and any available in art, drafting, or design.

Do some practice lay-outs and begin to put together a portfolio of some of your work.  Consider taking some on-line training in the field of electronic publishing.

Take this time to learn as many computer software programs as possible.  Try to get a part-time job in an office, or other area where computers are used.

After obtaining a high school diploma, you will need to get at least an associate degree, or preferably a bachelor’s degree.  Make sure the program you choose is geared towards graphic design, communications, or graphic arts.  Training programs are available in trade and technical schools,vocational schools and colleges.  Once you have learned how to use the various software programs, try, even before you graduate, to get some experience, paid or volunteer.  This will stand you in good stead as you look for employment.

With education, and experience, Desktop Publishers, can advance to become supervisors, and managers.