Desktop publishers combine, alter and manipulate words and images to create
documents. They use computers and their imagination.
Some of the documents desktop publishers may create include:
- Posters
- Newspaper and magazine pages
- Flyers
- Catalogs
- Business cards
- Envelopes
- Letterhead
- Brochures
Desktop publishing differs from graphic design in that it tends to be more
production-oriented. Graphic designers come up with concepts and ideas to
create original designs. Desktop publishers take those designs and turn them
into digital files for printing.
Desktop publishers work for print shops, newspapers, magazines, book publishers
and web publishers. They may also work in the creative and advertising departments
of large companies. Or, they may work for themselves.
This career requires an eye for design and some artistic flair. Desktop
publishers must be comfortable around computers. Most use Macintosh computers.
A smaller number prefer PCs. Desktop publishers must also have excellent spelling
and proofreading skills.
An eight-hour workday is common for most desktop publishers. However, working
hours may vary. Deadlines may be tight, depending on the needs of clients.
As a desktop publisher, you could be working on a newsletter and think you
have lots of time to complete it. Then, suddenly, someone appears with a rush
bid proposal that needs immediate attention.
Desktop publishers generally work at a desk. They may have to leave their
office to take photos, deliver final products to clients or oversee printing
jobs.
Many desktop publishers work from their own homes. Michael Payne is a home-based
desktop publisher in Florida. Working from home offers him a great deal of
flexibility.
"Sometimes, if I'm doing a book cover, for example, I'll wake up at 3 in
the morning and I'll say, 'Ah, that's it! That's what needs to be done.' And
I can go into the room next door, crank up the machine and do it."
Desktop publishing is not a physically demanding career. People with certain
physical disabilities may be able to do it. However, it wouldn't be a good
job for those who can't sit for long periods of time, or for those with joint
problems in their arms or fingers.
Since desktop publishers sit for long stretches, they should plan their
workspaces accordingly. A good chair, appropriate lighting and wrist supports
are important.
Note that the term "desktop publisher" is an old term that is starting
to go out of style. "It's fairly out of fashion," says Ward Stirrat. He is
the president and principal art director for a design firm. "It has less relevancy
because it no longer segregates the production tasks."
There is a big difference between a person who designs logos and someone
who plugs text into a pre-set page design. Desktop publishers may be known
as digital publishing specialists, or even graphic designers.