INTRODUCTION

 

Desktop publishers need to be meticulous with detail and have good manual dexterity. They must also be able to work independently and be adaptable and even-tempered as they often have to meet tight deadlines. Good eyesight, including visual acuity, depth perception, a wide field of view, colour vision, and the ability to focus quickly also are assets. Artistic ability is also important in this job. As the equipment and software used in this field change rapidly, desktop publishers must be versatile and quick in learning how to operate new things.

 

Materials produced by desktop publishers include books, business cards, calendars, magazines, newsletters and newspapers, packaging, slides, and tickets. Marketing and promotional materials such as banners, backdrops, point-of-purchase displays, etc. are also produced by desktop publishers.

 

Depending on the establishment employing these workers, desktop publishers also may be referred to as publications specialists, electronic publishers, DTP operators, desktop publishing editors, electronic prepress technicians, electronic publishing specialists, image designers, typographers, compositors, layout artists, and web publications designers.

 

Desktop publishers use computer software to format and combine text, numerical data, photographs, charts, and other visual graphic elements to produce material ready for publication. Depending on the nature of a particular project, desktop publishers may write, edit and format text; and create a layout and graphics to accompany the text.

 

Using scanners or other digital media, desktop publishers capture photographs, images, or art as digital data that can be either incorporated directly into electronic page layouts or further manipulated with the use of computer software. They can also create special effects or other visual images using film, video, computers, or other electronic media.

 

These are parts of the process in creating proposals and developing presentations and advertising campaigns. Desktop publishers are also involved in the typesetting and colour separation process. In addition, because most materials today often are published on the Internet, desktop publishers may need to know electronic publishing technologies, such as Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) and may be responsible for converting text and graphics to an Internet-ready format.

 

On a typical day a desktop publisher might perform some of the following duties:

 

• write and edit text;

• create graphics to accompany text;

• convert photographs and drawings into digital images and then manipulate those images;

• design page layouts;

• create proposals;

• develop presentations and advertising campaigns;

• typeset and do colour separation;

• translate electronic information onto film or other traditional forms

 

 

JOB DESCRIPTION

 

Employment and places of work

Desktop publishers usually work in clean, air-conditioned office areas with little noise. They generally work an 8-hour day, 5 days a week. Some workers work night shifts, weekends, and holidays.

 

Most desktop publishers work in the publishing industry while the rest work in a wide variety of industries. The publishing field includes newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers, while printing firms print a myriad of products such as labels, business cards, stationery, inserts, catalogs, fliers, posters, newsletters, pamphlets, and advertisements.

 

Establishments in printing and related support activities typically perform custom composition, platemaking, and related prepress services. Other desktop publishers print or publish materials in-house or in-plant for various business services firms, government agencies, hospitals, or universities, typically in a reproduction or publications department that operates within the organisation.

 

Areas Covered By Programmes

Those who want to work as desktop publishers can take classes or complete certificate programmes at vocational schools, universities and colleges, or on the Internet. The average non-degree certification training program takes approximately one year. One may choose to obtain an associate degree in applied science or a bachelor's degree in graphic arts, graphic communications or graphic design. Some desktop publishers train on the job to develop the necessary skills. An internship or part-time desktop-publishing assignment is another way to gain experience as a desktop publisher.

 

Workers with limited training and experience may start as helpers receiving instruction from an experienced desktop publisher. They advance based on their mastery of skills and eventually advance to positions with greater responsibility, which can include supervisory or management positions. Other desktop publishers may start their own company or work as an independent consultant. Those with more artistic talent and further education may find opportunities in graphic design or commercial art.