What Do Desktop Publishers Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

Desktop Publishers format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material. They also check preliminary and final proofs for errors and make necessary corrections.

Other tasks include:

• 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.
• Convert various types of files for printing or for the Internet, using computer software.
• Transmit, deliver or mail publication master to printer for production into film and plates.
• Study layout or other design instructions to determine work to be done and sequence of operations.
• Enter digitized data into electronic prepress system computer memory, using scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse.

We asked Desktop Publishers how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

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57% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 39% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Desktop Publishers create special effects such as vignettes, mosaics, and image combining, and add elements such as sound and animation to electronic publications. They operate desktop publishing software and equipment to design, lay out, and produce camera-ready copy.

A typical day for a Desktop Publisher will also include:

• 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.
• 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.
• Load floppy disks or tapes containing information into system.
• Convert various types of files for printing or for the Internet, using computer software.

We asked some Desktop Publishers a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

	Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job?	72% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	72% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	81% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	57% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	5% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	67% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Desktop Publishers also store copies of publications on paper, magnetic tape, film or diskette. They may also edit graphics and photos, using pixel or bitmap editing, airbrushing, masking, or image retouching.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Desktop Publishers Transmit, deliver or mail publication master to printer for production into film and plates. They might also Enter digitized data into electronic prepress system computer memory, using scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse.

In addition, they Select number of colors and determine color separations.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Study layout or other design instructions to determine work to be done and sequence of operations.

To some Desktop Publishers, it is also their responsibility to Create special effects such as vignettes, mosaics, and image combining, and add elements such as sound and animation to electronic publications.

Working life

More than 40 hours per week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Desktop Publisher, you can expect to work more than 40 hours per week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules..

They also like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

Explore other careers

http://www.bls.gov/OOH/office-and-administrative-support/desktop-publishers.htm

http://www.printing.org/