Desktop Publisher Job Description

The appealing visuals and graphics that we see on the newspapers, newsletters, calendars, brochures, magazines and books are the efforts of the desktop publishers. Desktop publishers use various designing techniques and advanced software tools to develop designs in a printable format which are then used for various purposes. They format the designs, text and clip art such that they can be printed and used. Desktop supports should be creative as well as skilled at using various computer technologies and develop unique visuals. Here is a detailed desktop publisher job description for your help.

Desktop publishers are either self-employed or work with some firms. Some desktop publishers also work as freelancers. Most of the times, desktop publishers work with publication houses. Some other organizations such as advertising firms and marketing agencies may also hire desktop publishers. There are some companies except publication houses and advertising firms who develop their own publication materials, such companies may also hire desktop publishers.

Responsibilities and Duties of Desktop Publishers

If a desktop publisher is working independently then he directly interacts with the company professionals and hands his designs to the company, but if he is working in an organization, in a team then he works as per the guidance of the team lead and hands over his work to them.

He collects specifications from the clients and documents these specifications to be used in the designs that they make
They research to know the background and age of the users who will be using these printed materials
A desktop publisher then plans and designs publications for professional use and personal use as well
He prepares layouts and process pictures using Auto CAD software, Photoshop tools and various other graphic designing tools to fit the context of the publications
He also decides specifications for the text to be printed on the prints such as font type, size, spacing
He prepares and attaches style sheets with the documents sent for publication
They work hard to make the printed materials attractive and informative to the users
They also work with the print vendors and negotiate with them for charges

Skills and Expertise Required in Desktop Publishers

Desktop publishers should have good understanding of designing tools such as Auto CAD, Photoshop, graphic designing tools, etc.
They should have knowledge of basic HTML, XML,XSL and CSS
They need to have an ability to work with various internet media and should have basic software and hardware knowledge
The most important thing required in an desktop publisher is creativity and good imagination skills
Ability to come up with unique ideas every time and implement them
Negotiating skills, ability to meet deadlines, update with new advanced technologies and good communication skills are also necessary
Desktop publishers should also have exceptional written communication skills

Educational Qualifications Required in Desktop Publishers

Desktop publishers are usually trained on job, qualification is not mandatory. However a high diploma or any computer science degree will be helpful in getting an opportunity in this career.

Desktop publishers should pursue certification courses in Photoshop, Auto CAD and flash technologies. They can also pursue certification courses HTML, XML, XSL technologies.

Compensation Offered for Desktop Publishers

Approximate salaries paid to desktop publishers are $26,000 to $46,000. This figure varies depending upon various characteristics. If desktop publisher is self-employed then his earnings may vary every month depending upon the contracts he handles and the companies he is associated with.

Desktop publishes generally wok in office type of settings. In some organizations you may be given different titles such as graphic designers and graphic artists. If you have experience in desktop publisher, you can also look for jobs under these titles. Hope the desktop publisher job description given here helped you understand the detailed job profile.