Desktop Publisher

Your Fit

Income

$54K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

-13.5%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Desktop Publisher?

Desktop Publishers use specialized software to design and create print and digital media, such as brochures, newsletters, and advertisements. They combine text and graphics to produce documents that are visually appealing and formatted according to client specifications.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Desktop Publisher.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Desktop Publisher earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$35K per year	$43K per year	$54K per year	$72K per year	$93K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $4.12K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Desktop Publisher do?

Work environment

Desktop Publishers typically work in a variety of settings, including publishing companies, advertising agencies, printing firms, and corporate communications departments. The work is primarily computer-based, requiring significant time spent on desktop publishing software in an office environment.

Quick task list

Designs page layouts for print or electronic publication.
Edits graphics and photos using photo editing software.
Collaborates with clients or other team members to determine project specifications.
Proofreads text and graphics to ensure high-quality final products.
Manages digital assets like photos and artwork.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Graphic Design Publishing: Creating visually focused content, emphasizing layout and graphic design.
Technical Publishing: Specializing in technical documents, such as manuals and scientific reports, requiring precision and attention to detail.
Web Publishing: Focusing on creating and managing digital content for websites.
Advertising and Marketing Publishing: Designing promotional material for advertising and marketing campaigns.
Corporate Publishing: Developing internal and external publications for businesses, such as newsletters and annual reports.

Description

Desktop publishing is a dynamic field that blends creativity with technology. Professionals in this field use their design skills and technical knowledge to produce a wide range of materials, from simple flyers to complex reports. They must stay up-to-date with the latest software and design trends, making continuous learning a key aspect of the job.

Attention to detail is critical, as desktop publishers not only design layouts but also ensure that the final product is error-free and meets the required specifications. The ability to work under tight deadlines and collaborate effectively with clients or other team members, such as writers and graphic designers, is also essential.

This occupation offers a mix of creativity and structure, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy using technology to create visually appealing designs. Career advancement opportunities may include moving into graphic design, digital media, or art direction roles, depending on the individual's interests and additional training or education.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Utilizing creativity and artistic skills in a professional setting.
Seeing the tangible results of one's work in various forms of media.
The diversity of projects, keeping the work engaging and dynamic.
Opportunities to collaborate with a range of professionals and clients.

You might make a good Desktop Publisher if you are...

Creative with a strong visual sense and an eye for design.
Detail-oriented, ensuring accuracy and quality in your work.
Proficient in using desktop publishing and graphic design software.
Able to work efficiently both independently and as part of a team.
Interested in technology and staying updated with the latest software and design trends.

Pros:

Opportunity to be creative and work on a variety of projects.
Increasing demand for digital publication skills in the digital age.
Potential for flexible working arrangements, including freelance opportunities.
Opportunities for career advancement into graphic design or art direction.

Cons:

Can involve long hours, especially to meet project deadlines.
Need to continuously update skills with new software and design trends.
The job market can be competitive, especially in graphic design and related fields.
Work can sometimes be repetitive, depending on the type of projects.

How to become a Desktop Publisher

Typical education

Most desktop publishing positions require a high school diploma along with proficiency in desktop publishing software, which can be gained through vocational training or associate degree programs. Some positions might prefer or require a bachelor's degree, especially in graphic design or a related field.

High school preparation

Courses:

Art and Graphic Design for foundational design skills.
Computer Science or Information Technology to gain basic software proficiency.
English and Communications for effective written communication and proofreading.
Business Studies to understand the commercial aspects of design work.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining art or computer clubs to develop design and technical skills.
Volunteering to design school publications, like newsletters or yearbooks.
Participating in workshops or local community courses on graphic design or desktop publishing.

Preparation after high school

Pursue an associate degree or certification in graphic design, desktop publishing, or a related field.
Gain practical experience through internships or part-time jobs in publishing, advertising, or design firms.
Build a portfolio of work to showcase design skills to potential employers.
Stay current with the latest design software and trends through continuous learning and professional development.

More resources

Adobe Creative Cloud Tutorials - Offers tutorials on popular desktop publishing software like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
Graphic Artists Guild - Provides resources and networking opportunities for those in graphic arts.
Lynda.com (now LinkedIn Learning) - Offers courses in desktop publishing and graphic design.
Print and Digital Media Publication - A professional association offering resources and networking for those in the publishing industry.

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