Desktop Publishers

Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.

Artistic - Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

1. Check preliminary and final proofs for errors and make necessary corrections.

2. Operate desktop publishing software and equipment to design, lay out, and produce camera-ready copy.

3. View monitors for visual representation of work in progress and for instructions and feedback throughout process, making modifications as necessary.

4. Enter text into computer keyboard and select the size and style of type, column width and appropriate spacing for printed materials.

5. Store copies of publications on paper, magnetic tape, film or diskette.

6. 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.

7. Enter digitized data into electronic prepress system computer memory, using scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse.

8. Edit graphics and photos using pixel or bitmap editing, airbrushing, masking, or image retouching.

9. Import text and art elements such as electronic clip-art or electronic files from photographs that have been scanned or produced with a digital camera, using computer software.

10. Prepare sample layouts for approval, using computer software.

11. Study layout or other design instructions to determine work to be done and sequence of operations.

Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.

Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Clerical - Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Communications and Media - Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.

The college search results are undergraduate programs associated with Desktop Publishers. Further education may also be required to pursue this career.

The training search results include both short and long-term programs associated with Desktop Publishers, and may be more appropriate for adult and non-traditional students. Further training may also be required to pursue this career.

In NY the average wage for this occupation was:

$28,790 for entry level workers, and $53,420 for experienced workers.

Based on the total number of annual openings and its growth rate, the employment prospects for this occupation are described as Least Favorable.

During 2006, there were approximately 1,920 Desktop Publishers employed in NY.

We estimate that in 2016 there will be 1,850  employed in NY. This represents a decrease of 0 job(s) each year, and a total of 40 job openings each year.

Bank Street School Upper Camp II Digital Technology - Digital Technology (ages 10-13) offers instruction in video taping, digital camera work, sound engineering, digital editing, and theatrical light design. Campers will work on a variety of creative individual and group digital projects, making their own short films and working together to create a documentary film all about Summer 2007!

Desktop publishers - Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.

Summer at RPI: Computer Game Development Academy - Intended to teach high school students who will enter their senior year in the Fall the fundamentals of the video game creation and design process, artists and programmers will take separate classes that speak to their particular skill sets, and then interdisciplinary teams will be formed and then construct their game from start to finish.

Film and Video Editors - Edit motion picture soundtracks, film, and video.

Computer Operators - Monitor and control electronic computer and peripheral electronic data processing equipment to process business, scientific, engineering, and other data according to operating instructions. May enter commands at a computer terminal and set controls on computer and peripheral devices. Monitor and respond to operating and error messages.

Prepress Technicians and Workers - Set up and prepare material for printing presses.

Printing Machine Operators - Set up or operate various types of printing machines, such as offset, letterset, intaglio, or gravure presses or screen printers to produce print on paper or other materials.