Desktop Publisher Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a desktop publisher. You can use our job description template in this article to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a desktop publisher.
Who is a Desktop Publisher?
A desktop publisher uses computer software to create page layouts for newspapers, books, brochures, and other printed or online publications. They can correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar in text. Desktop publishers frequently collaborate with other design, media, or marketing professionals, such as writers, editors, and graphic designers. They also ensure that the design is appealing, which means that this specialist must pay close attention to every detail.
Every organization’s desktop publishing process is unique. While a small organization may assign this specialist a large amount of work, a large organization allows them to focus solely on one aspect. They can work in the advertising industry or for newspaper companies, but the majority of the time they work in an office.
Desktop publishers are frequently required to collaborate with writers, editors, and graphic designers. Despite this, they are the only ones who can make decisions about every single design that the company requires. An associate’s degree, usually in graphic design or graphic communications, is usually required for desktop publishers.
Desktop Publisher Job Description
Below are the desktop publisher job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
Desktop publishers are typically responsible for a wide range of tasks, which can include:
- Examine the text, graphics, and other materials produced by writers and designers.
- Edit graphics, such as photographs or illustrations.
- Import text and graphics into publishing software.
- Combine images and text to create cohesive pages
- Change text properties such as size, column width, and spacing.
- Submit or upload final files for printing or online publication.
- Create page layouts for print or electronic publication using publishing software.
- Produce marketing materials such as brochures, flyers, catalogs, and other printed items.
- Prepare artwork for printing by creating new artwork or converting existing artwork into digital formats compatible with digital printing techniques such as inkjet or laser printing.
- Work closely with designers to ensure that designs adhere to corporate format and style guidelines.
- Use word processing, desktop publishing, graphic design, or other software programs to create text-based documents such as brochures, pamphlets, business cards, and invitations.
- Check contents for grammatical and spelling errors before publishing.
- Create the design concept for each project, including fonts and colors, layout and format, and a mockup for client approval.
- Create promotional materials such as posters, billboards, and banners.
Qualifications
A desktop publisher usually requires the following:
- Education: Most employers require at least a high school diploma or an associate’s degree, usually in graphic design or graphic communications. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, fine arts, or another related field are preferred by some employers. Graphic design, computer-aided design, computer graphics, illustration, art history, typography, and computer programming are all examples of relevant coursework. Desktop-publishing courses are available at community colleges and technical schools, and they teach students how to use desktop publishing software to create electronic page layouts and format text and graphics.
- Experience and training: On-the-job training is frequently provided by supervisors or other experienced employees to desktop publishers. This training assists the desktop publisher in learning the specific software and computer systems used by the company. It also assists the desktop publisher in learning the specific style and formatting requirements of the company.
- Licenses and certifications: While certifications are not usually required for this position, they can help a candidate gain relevant experience and qualifications.
Essential Skills
To be successful, desktop publishers must possess the following abilities:
- Adobe Creative Suite software knowledge: Adobe Creative Suite, a collection of programs that includes Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator, is the most popular software used by publishers. This application is used to generate digital files for print and web projects. Desktop publishers must be familiar with the tools they use and understand how to troubleshoot when something goes wrong.
- Graphic design knowledge: As a desktop publisher, you may be in charge of creating the visual elements of a presentation, such as the slides and any handouts or other materials that go with them. This necessitates a fundamental understanding of graphic design principles such as color theory, typography, and image composition. You might also be in charge of creating marketing materials like brochures, flyers, and advertisements, which require graphic design skills.
- Excellent marketing abilities: Marketing skills are also important for desktop publishers because they can use them to sell their products. They can, for example, use marketing skills to create advertisements for the products they develop. They can also use their marketing knowledge to determine which marketing strategies are most effective for their company. Editing is another important skill for a desktop publisher to have. You may need to edit content for spelling, grammatical, or consistency issues. Images may also need to be edited to ensure they are the proper size or format for the publication.
- Typography knowledge: The art of arranging text on a page is known as typography. Because desktop publishers frequently work with large amounts of text, such as in books or magazines, strong typographic skills are essential. You can use your knowledge of typography to arrange and format text to make it easy to read and visually appealing. For example, you could select fonts based on readability, size, and style.
- Knowledge of QuarkXPress: QuarkXPress is a desktop publishing software program that allows users to create and format documents. It is critical that they understand how to use this program because it allows them to design, edit, and print a variety of documents, including brochures, newsletters, books, and magazines. Desktop publishers can learn QuarkXPress by watching online tutorials or attending classes at local colleges and universities.
- Knowledge of InDesign: InDesign is a desktop publishing software program used to create and format documents. These professionals must understand how to use InDesign because it allows them to design, edit, and layout printed materials such as brochures, magazines, books, and advertisements. This ability also assists them in preparing files for printing companies, allowing the printers to produce high-quality work.
- Excellent time management abilities: Time management is the ability to plan and execute tasks in such a way that deadlines are met. This skill can help you be more productive at work and complete your projects on time. For example, if you know you have several meetings scheduled throughout the day, prioritize them so you can complete all of your duties by the end of the day.
- Proofreading ability: The process of checking written work for errors is known as proofreading. Desktop publishers frequently proofread their work before submitting it to a client, and they may also review the work of other employees for errors. Proofreading can assist you in ensuring that your documents are clear and understandable. Take the time to carefully read through your work to identify any grammar or punctuation errors.
- Understanding of page layout: The process of arranging text and images on a page is known as page layout. This skill is used by desktop publishers to create documents such as brochures, newsletters, books, and other print materials. Page layout necessitates meticulous attention to detail because it influences how readers interpret your content. If you place an image too close to the page’s edge, it may be cut off when printed.
- Pre-press Production knowledge: To prepare files for printing, desktop publishers use pre-press production skills. This includes ensuring that the file has the correct dimensions, and resolution, and contains all of the required elements. For example, if you’re designing a brochure, you may need to include bleed marks to tell the printer where to trim the paper. You can also use these abilities when collaborating with other types of graphic designers who may use different software than you.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office Packages: Microsoft Office software is used by desktop publishers to create and edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. This includes the use of word processing software Word, spreadsheet software Excel, and presentation software PowerPoint. Understanding these programs will help you advance in your career as a desktop publisher.
- Keen Attention to Detail: The ability to notice minor details and ensure their accuracy is referred to as attention to detail. For example, if you’re creating a newsletter for a business, you might need to include details about its products or services. You can ensure that all of the necessary information is included in your design if you pay attention to detail. This ensures that the finished product is correct and professional.
- Creativity: Creativity is defined as the ability to generate new ideas and solutions. When designing marketing materials or other documents that require unique layouts, you may need to be creative as a desktop publisher. For example, if you’re making a wedding invitation, you could use your imagination to create a one-of-a-kind card with custom fonts, colors, and images. This can help you differentiate yourself from other vendors and make a good impression on your clients.
- Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite: Adobe Creative Suite is a suite of software applications used by desktop publishers to create and edit their work. Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, other image editing, vector drawing, page layout, and other tools are examples. Because many employers expect applicants to be able to produce high-quality work using industry-standard software, knowing these programs can help you advance in your career.
How to Become a Desktop Publisher
Desktop publishers typically have a two-year associate’s degree in graphic arts, graphic communications, or graphic design or a four-year bachelor’s degree in graphic arts, graphic communications, or graphic design.
You must also have extensive experience with all relevant industry software, such as InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Strong technical skills, knowledge of graphic design concepts, and the ability to work well as part of a team are also required. Additional qualifications may be required if you intend to take on additional responsibilities, such as writing content or editing. Some employers prefer applicants who have at least an associate degree in graphic design, but this is not always the case. In entry-level positions, you should receive on-the-job training.
Where to Work as a Desktop Publisher
Desktop publishers design and layout text and illustrations for printed publications such as books, magazines, and newspapers, as well as electronic publications such as e-books and online journals, using computer software. They usually work in offices and are seated at desks for long periods. Although they do the majority of their work on their own, they frequently collaborate with editors, writers, graphic designers, and other professionals to ensure that the final product meets the client’s or publisher’s specifications. Desktop publishers may also be responsible for proofreading the text and ensuring the accuracy of the illustrations in some cases.
Desktop Publisher Salary Scale
The average desktop publisher’s gross salary in USA is $35,983, or $17 per hour. This is 1% less (-$488) than the national average for desktop publishers. They also receive an average bonus of $489. Salary estimates in USA are based on salary survey data collected directly from employers and anonymous employees. The average salary for an entry-level desktop publisher (1-3 years of experience) is $27,528. A senior-level desktop publisher (8+ years of experience) earns an average salary of $42,903 per year.
The average desktop publisher’s gross salary in the United Kingdom is £28,553, or £14 per hour. They also receive an average bonus of £494. Salary estimates are based on salary survey data from employers and anonymous employees in the United Kingdom. The average salary for an entry-level desktop publisher (1-3 years of experience) is £21,117. A senior-level desktop publisher (8+ years of experience), on the other hand, earns an average salary of £34,770.
The average desktop publisher’s gross salary in Canada is $52,654, or $25 per hour. They also receive an average bonus of $911. Salary estimates are based on salary survey data from employers and anonymous employees in Canada. The average salary for an entry-level desktop publisher (1-3 years of experience) is $38,942. A senior-level desktop publisher (8+ years of experience), on the other hand, earns an average salary of $64,119.
In Ireland, a desktop publisher can expect to earn around 34,900 EUR per year. Salaries range from 16,000 EUR (lowest average) to 63,000 EUR (highest average) (highest average, the actual maximum salary is higher).
The average desktop publisher’s gross salary in Australia is $65,079, or $31 per hour. They also receive an average bonus of $1,126. Salary estimates are based on salary survey data collected directly from Australian employers and anonymous employees. The average salary for an entry-level desktop publisher (1-3 years of experience) is $48,210. A senior-level desktop publisher (8+ years of experience), on the other hand, earns an average salary of $79,378.
In Rosenheim, Germany, the average desktop publisher’s intermediate gross salary is 34.796 € or an hourly rate of 17 €. This is 9% less than the average desktop publisher’s intermediate salary in Germany (-3.351 €). They also receive an average bonus of 532 €. Salary estimates are based on salary survey data collected directly from Rosenheim employers and anonymous employees. An entry-level intermediate desktop publisher (1-3 years of experience) earns an average salary of 27.039 €. A senior-level intermediate desktop publisher (8+ years of experience) earns an average salary of 42.019 €.
In Nigeria, a desktop publisher typically earns around 307,000 NGN per month. Salaries range from 141,000 NGN (lowest average) to 554,000 NGN (highest average) (highest average, the actual maximum salary is higher).