Become a Desktop Publishing Artist

Answer 1

Are you creative? Interested in page layout and graphic design? Desktop publishing artists use computer software programs, such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, PageMaker and InDesign, to format and combine various graphic elements to create print-ready materials such as newsletters, magazines, flyers, postcards, presentations and reports. Desktop publishing artists create graphics, find photos to edit and manipulate text and graphics to create visually appealing documents.

A college degree is not required to become a desktop publisher, although more and better opportunities are available if you obtain at least a certificate. Many people learn on the job, others take classes at vocational schools or community colleges. To be a desktop publisher, it is important to have creativity and artistic skills, good communciation skills, basic computer knowledge, ability to learn new software quickly, excellent eyesight, including color vision and depth perception, and attention to detail. In this age of Web, many desktop publishers are now expected to know HTML and electronic publishing.

Most desktop publishers start out as assistants or interns for more experienced desktop publishers, then work their way up into supervisory or management positions by increasing their skills and keeping current with new software. Some work from home or start their own business as independent consultants. Some with advanced education and artistic ability may work in the the art field. About 38% of desktop publsihers work for newspapers, magazines and other publishers, with 21% working in the printing field. Others work in technical, scientific and professional fields.

Salaries for desktop publishing artists vary, depending on company size, location and level of experience. They can range from $28,000 to about $48,000, with the average about $37,000. Those in the printing field earn slightly more, and those in the newspaper and book publishing fields earning salaries in the low $30,000s.

Little or no change in the number of desktop publishing jobs is expected in the next five years. It is predicted that there will be some jobs available, especially in the larger markets, as people advance to higher positions or leave the field.