Desktop publisher

Desktop publishers are responsible for the layout of publications. They use computer software to arrange texts, photographs and other materials in a pleasing and readable finished product.

The following job titles also refer to desktop publisher:

desktop-publishing editor
web publications designer
financial desktop publisher
desktop publishing graphic designer
DTP operator
advanced desktop publilsher
layout editor
senior desktop publisher
electronic-publishing specialist
publications specialist
electronic pre-press technician
desktop designer
electronic publisher

Associate’s degree is generally required to work as desktop publisher. However, this requirement may differ in some countries.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Desktop publisher is a Skill level 4 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to desktop publisher.

copy editor
cartoonist
illustrator
magazine editor
picture editor

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of desktop publisher. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of desktop publisher with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of desktop publisher.

Typography: The procedure of arranging written texts for printing processes.
Printing techniques: The techniques and processes to reproduce text and images using a master form or template such as letterpress printing, gravure, and laser printing.
Graphic design: The techniques to create a visual representation of ideas and messages.
Prepress processes: The processes that occur between the creation of a print layout and the final printing, such as copyediting, proofing, proofreading and others.
Ict software specifications: The characteristics, use and operations of various software products such as computer programmes and application software.
Multimedia systems: The methods, procedures and techniques pertaining to the operation of multimedia systems, usually a combination of software and hardware, presenting various types of media such as video and audio.
Desktop publishing: The creation of documents using page layout skills on a computer. Desktop publishing software can generate layouts and produce typographic quality text and images.
Copyright legislation: Legislation describing the protection of the rights of original authors over their work, and how others can use it.

These skills are necessary for the role of desktop publisher.

Follow work schedule: Manage the sequence of activities in order to deliver completed work on agreed deadlines by following a work schedule.
Follow a brief: Interpret and meet requirements and expectations, as discussed and agreed upon with the customers.
Translate requirement concepts into visual design: Develop visual design from given specifications and requirements, based on the analysis of the scope and target audience. Create a visual representation of ideas such as logos, website graphics, digital games and layouts.
Align content with form: Align form and content to make sure they fit together.
Apply desktop publishing techniques: Apply desktop publishing techniques and software to create page layouts and typographic quality text.
Adapt to artists’ creative demands: Work with artists, striving to understand the creative vision and adapting to it. Make full use of your talents and skills to reach the best possible result.
Adapt to type of media: Adapt to different types of media such as television, movies, commercials, and others. Adapt work to type of media, scale of production, budget, genres within type of media, and others.
Finish project within budget: Make sure to stay within budget. Adapt work and materials to budget.
Search databases: Search for information or people using databases.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of desktop publisher. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Reprography: The process of reproducing, reprinting, or copying graphic material especially by mechanical or electronic means such as photography or xerography.
Spelling: The rules concerning the way words are spelled.
Grammar: The set of structural rules governing the composition of clauses, phrases, and words in any given natural language.
Post-processing of photographs: The characteristics of software and techniques used in post-processing photographs.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of desktop publisher. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Edit negatives: Use different software products and techniques to process photographic negatives and adapt the images to the desired specifications.
Digitise documents: Load analog documents by converting them into a digital format, using specialised hardware and software.
Assist customers: Provide support and advice to customers in making purchasing decisions by finding out their needs, selecting suitable service and products for them and politely answering questions about products and services.
Proofread text: Read a text thoroughly, search for, review and correct errors to ensure content is valid for publishing.
Work closely with news teams: Work closely with news teams, photographers and editors.
Identify customer’s needs: Use appropriate questions and active listening in order to identify customer expectations, desires and requirements according to product and services.
Develop creative ideas: Developing new artistic concepts and creative ideas.
Perform image editing: Edit various types of images such as analogue and digital photographs or illustrations.
Consult with editor: Consult with the editor of a book, magazine, journal or other publications about expectations, requirements, and progress.
Apply grammar and spelling rules: Apply the rules of spelling and grammar and ensure consistency throughout texts.
Perform backups: Implement backup procedures to backup data and systems to ensure permanent and reliable system operation. Execute data backups in order to secure information by copying and archiving to ensure integrity during system integration and after data loss occurrence.
Edit photographs: Resize, enhance and retouche photographs, using airbrushing, editing software and other techniques.
Scan photos: Scan images into computers for editing, storage, and electronic transmission.

2166 – Graphic and multimedia designers

 

 

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References

1. Desktop publisher – ESCO