Desktop Publishers
What is a Desktop Publisher?
Desktop publishers are professionals who use specialized computer software to create visual layouts for printed and digital materials. They work on a diverse range of products including brochures, magazines, books, newsletters, and advertisements. The role primarily involves taking text and images and combining them in an aesthetically pleasing way that adheres to the principles of design and typography. Desktop publishers must have a keen eye for detail, as they are responsible for ensuring that the layouts they produce are visually engaging and effectively communicate the intended message. In addition, they may also be tasked with preparing files for printing and ensuring that all specifications are met, which involves understanding color theory and print processes. With the increasing demand for digital content, many desktop publishers are also involved in creating web layouts and multimedia presentations. This career requires a blend of technical skills, creativity, and proficiency in design software such as Adobe InDesign, QuarkXPress, or PageMaker, along with strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
Tasks
- Operate desktop publishing software and equipment to design, lay out, and produce camera-ready copy.
- Position text and art elements from a variety of databases in a visually appealing way to design print or web pages, using knowledge of type styles and size and layout patterns.
- Check preliminary and final proofs for errors and make necessary corrections.
- View monitors for visual representation of work in progress and for instructions and feedback throughout process, making modifications as necessary.
- Enter text into computer keyboard and select the size and style of type, column width, and appropriate spacing for printed materials.
Technology Skills
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Graphics or photo imaging software
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
- Graphics software
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Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
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Desktop publishing software
- Adobe InDesign
- Microsoft Publisher
- QuarkXPress
- Serif PagePlus
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Data conversion software
- AlgoLab Raster to Vector Conversion Toolkit
- GTX RastorCAD
- Potrace
- Trix TracTrix
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Operating system software
- Apple macOS
- Microsoft operating system
- Microsoft Windows
- UNIX
Tools Used
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Scanners
- Graphics tablets
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Notebook computers
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Laser printers
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Desktop computers
Knowledge
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Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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Communications and Media
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Skills
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Abilities
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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Originality
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
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Visualization
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
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Fluency of Ideas
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Bachelor's degree
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Associate's degree
Work Activities
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Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Thinking Creatively
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Detailed Work Activities
- Format digital documents, data, or images.
- Enter information into databases or software programs.
- Monitor operational quality or safety.
- Proofread documents, records, or other files to ensure accuracy.
- Operate computers or computerized equipment.
Work Interests
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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Artistic
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$31880.0 - $97870.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.