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Desktop Publishers

Also called: Computer Typesetter, Art Director, Electronic Console Display Operator, Graphic Artist

Where in the military? In the military: see titles from the Air Force or Marine Corps.

What they do:
Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.
On the job, you would:
  • Check preliminary and final proofs for errors and make necessary corrections.
  • Operate desktop publishing software and equipment to design, lay out, and produce camera-ready copy.
  • 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.

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
  • computers and electronics
  • design
Arts and Humanities
  • English language
Manufactured or Agricultural Goods
  • manufacture and distribution of products
Communications
  • multimedia

Skills

Basic Skills
  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
  • reading work related information
Problem Solving
  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Abilities

Ideas and Logic
  • order or arrange things
  • come up with lots of ideas
Verbal
  • read and understand what is written
  • listen and understand what people say
Visual Understanding
  • quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things
  • see hidden patterns

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include
creating, designing, and making your own rules.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Attention to Detail
  • Cooperation
  • Dependability
  • Innovation
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Initiative

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Graphics or photo imaging software
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop software
  • iView MultiMedia software
Desktop publishing software
  • Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
  • Microsoft Publisher
Data conversion software
  • AlgoLab Raster to Vector Conversion Toolkit
  • GTX RastorCAD

Education

Education: (rated 3 of 5)
some college or
associate's degree
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Training Find Certifications Registered Apprenticeship

Job Outlook

Below Average Outlook
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
Salary
$36,800
per year, on average
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about desktop publishers.