Description
The creation of documents using page layout skills on a computer. Desktop publishing software can generate layouts and produce typographic quality text and images.
Alternative labels
DTP
Skill type
knowledge
Skill reusability level
cross-sector
Relationships with occupations
Essential knowledge
Desktop publishing is an essential knowledge of the following occupations:
Graphic designer: Graphic designers create text and images to communicate ideas. They make visual concepts by hand or using computer software, intended for publishing in paper or online media such as advertisements, websites, and magazines.
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.
Editorial assistant: Editorial assistants support the editorial staff at all stages of the publication process of newspapers, websites, online newsletters, books and journals. They collect, verify and process information, acquire permits and deal with rights. Editorial assistants act as point of contact for the editorial staff, schedule appointments and interviews. They proofread and give recommendations on the content.
Creative director: Creative directors manage the team that is responsible for the creation of advertisements and commercials. They oversee the whole creation process. Creative directors pitch the designs of their team to the client.
Optional knowledge
Desktop publishing is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this knowledge may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.
Illustrator: Illustrators provide a visual representation that corresponds to the content of the associated text or idea. Illustrations can help clarify difficult concepts or objects that are hard to describe textually. Illustrators can work for books, magazines, journals, comic books and other publications.
Newspaper editor: Newspaper editors decide which news stories are interesting enough and will be covered in the paper. They assign journalists to each item. Newspaper editors determine the length of each news article and where it will be featured in the newspaper. They also ensure that publications are finished on time for publishing.
Book editor: Book editors find manuscripts that can be published. They review texts from writers to evaluate the commercial potential or they ask writers to take on projects that the publishing company wishes to publish. Book editors maintain good relationships with writers.
Foreign correspondent: Foreign correspondents research and write news stories of international importance for newspapers, journals, magazines, radio, television and other media. They are stationed in a foreign country.
Advertising manager: Advertising managers perform the implementation of the advertising initiatives planned in the strategic marketing plan. They organise and prepare the resources needed to launch advertising campaigns and operations in advertising agencies. They prepare and align the communication channels, negotiate contracts, and ensure that operations adhere to budgets.
Vlogger: Vloggers make online videos to talk about a wide range of subjects such as politics, fashion, economics and sports. They can relate objective facts, but often they also give their opinion on the related topic. Vloggers post these videos online on social media or streaming platforms, often accompanied with written text. They also interact with their viewers via comments.
Public relations manager: Public relations managers strive to convey and maintain a desired image or reputation of a company, individual, governmental institution, or organisation in general to the public and stakeholders at large. They use all sorts of media and events to promote the positive image of products, humanitarian causes or organisations. They attempt to ensure that all public communications portray clients the way they want to be perceived.
Sports journalist: Sports journalists research and write articles about sport events and athletes for newspapers, magazines, television and other media. They conduct interviews and attend events.
Picture editor: Picture editors select and approve photographs and illustrations for newspapers, journals and magazines. Picture editors make sure that the photographs are delivered on time for publication.
Copy editor: Copy editors ascertain that a text is agreeable to read. They ensure that a text adheres to the conventions of grammar and spelling. Copy editors read and revise materials for books, journals, magazines and other media.
Journalist: Journalists research, verify and write news stories for newspapers, magazines, television and other broadcast media. They cover political, economic, cultural, social and sport events. Journalists must conform to ethical codes such as freedom of speech and right of reply, press law and editorial standards in order to bring objective information.
Publications coordinator: Publications coordinators are responsible for the production of print and online materials such as news letters, company procedures, technical documents and other publications for institutions and businesses. They supervise the publishing teams and make sure the publications reach their target audience.
Blogger: Bloggers write online articles on a wide range of subjects such as politics, fashion, economics and sports. They can relate objective facts, but often they also give their opinion on the related topic. Bloggers also interact with their readers via comments.
Cartographer: Cartographers create maps by combining various scientific informations depending of the purpose of the map (e.g. topographic, urban, or political maps). They combine the interpretation of mathematical notes and measurements with the aesthetics and visual depiction of the site for developing the maps. They may also work on developing and improving geographic information systems and may perform scientific research within cartography.
Advertising copywriter: Advertising copywriters are responsible for the written or verbal design of advertisements and commercials. They write slogans, catchphrases, etc. Advertising copywriters work closely together with advertising artists.
Columnist: Columnists research and write opinion pieces about news events for newspapers, journals, magazines and other media. They have an area of interest and can be recognised by their writing style.
Editor-in-chief: Editors-in-chief oversee the production of news stories for newspapers, magazines, journals and other media. They manage the day-to-day operations of a publication and make sure it is ready on time.
Entertainment journalist: Entertainment journalists research and write articles about cultural and social events for newspapers, magazines, television and other media. They conduct interviews with artists and celebrities and attend events.
Crime journalist: Crime journalists research and write articles about criminal events for newspapers, magazines, television and other media. They conduct interviews and attend court hearings.
Business journalist: Business journalists research and write articles about economy and economic events for newspapers, magazines, television and other media. They conduct interviews and attend events.
Book publisher: Book publishers are responsible for the selection of new materials. They decide which manuscripts, that the book editor has provided, are being published. Book publishers oversee the production, marketing and distribution of these texts.
Political journalist: Political journalists research and write articles about politics and politicians for newspapers, magazines, television and other media. They conduct interviews and attend events.
Cartoonist: Cartoonists draw people, objects, events, etc. in a comical or derogatory way. They exaggerate physical features and personality traits. Cartoonists also portray political, economic, cultural ans social events in a humoristic way.
Magazine editor: Magazine editors decide which stories are interesting enough and will be covered in the magazine. They assign journalists to each item. Magazine editors determine the length of each article and where it will be featured in the magazine. They also ensure that publications are finished on time for publishing.
Critic: Critics write reviews of literary, musical and artistic works, restaurants, movies, television programs and other themes for newspapers, journals, magazines, radio, television and other media. They evaluate theme, expression and technique. Critics make judgements based on their personal experience and knowledge.
References
- Desktop publishing – ESCO