Become a desktop publisher

Desktop publishers use their creativity, computer skills and their eye for detail to create publications, Web sites, books, advertisements and more.

Typical day
Desktop publishers use their creativity, computer skills and their eye for detail to create publications, Web sites, books, advertisements and more. Job titles in desktop publishing include print and Web designer, art or creative director, production artist, digital illustrator and photo retoucher. You could work for a printer doing pre-press work, such as scanning and page layout. On the Web side, you could become a webmaster, a Web animator, digital animator, motion graphics designer or a video editor.

“We have students working in schools, advertising agencies, for any business that has a Web site or a Web design company,” says Professor Susan De Castro, coordinator of Touro College’s Desktop and Web Publishing departments. “In the print area, jobs can range from working for local businesses to working for a large advertising agency. Every company today needs some kind of in-house designer. We focus on the design component and the hands-on software component. They’re learning about typography, how to conceptualize their ideas and then actually create them so they have meaning and impact.”

Education, skills
Desktop publishing professionals and students interested in Web design should know computer programs such as InDesign, QuarkXPress, Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash and Dreamweaver. Courses in painting, design fundamentals, art history and drawing can provide you with a solid creative background before moving your artisitc skills to the computer.

Hands-on experience in desktop publishing is important when you’re looking for a job. Touro’s students can join the Desktop and Web Publishing Society, where students take field trips to ad agencies, design studios and publishing houses.

If you’re interested in a desktop publishing career, nurse your interest in computers and fine art. Those who are successful like to work with visual ideas.

Vital stats
National average salary: $32,340

Education: Associate or bachelor's degree, plus hands-on experience.

Typical day: A desktop publisher might use their creativity, computer skills and their eye for detail to create publications, Web sites, books, advertisements and more.

Pursue if: You can produce fresh designs and ideas daily. You are a hands-on learner. You can respond to client needs.

For more information on becoming a desktop publisher, visit NY SCAS, a division of Touro College at touro.edu/desktoppublishing.

To discover other careers, visit nextSTEPmag.com/careers.

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Become a desktop publisher

Desktop publishers use their creativity, computer skills and their eye for detail to create publications, Web sites, books, advertisements and more.

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