Design a New Career in Desktop Publishing
Desktop publishing (also known as DTP) combines personal computer and page layout software to create publication documents on a computer for either large-scale publishing or small-scale local economical multifunction peripheral output and distribution.
What Do They Do?
Desktop publishers use computer software produce and format material to be ready for publication. They use text, numbers and data, and charts to come up with a comprehensive publication. These publications can be anything from newspapers and newsletters, to books and magazines.
DTP Facts
About 4 out of 10 work for newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers.
1 out of 4 work in printing and related support activities.
Job opportunities should be best for those with certificates or degrees in desktop publishing or graphic design.
Training
To become a desktop publishing professional, you will need training from an accredited vocational school or college. You can earn your certificate in desktop publishing in about a year, and you can even earn your certificate online. You will learn advanced Macintosh and PC, press skills, and be proficient in advanced design. Print technologies will also be taught in certificate programs. Every employer will have different software requirements, but having basic skills will lay a solid foundation for work in desktop publishing.
Desktop publishers generally work in the printing and publishing industries. Those in major metropolitan areas may find that job opportunities are better there than other places. More than 35,000 people are employed in desktop publishing, and that number grows every year. More companies today are publishing brochures and literature in-house, which makes the job outlook for desktop publishers strong. The average earnings for desktop publishers is $33,000 annually.