Careers in Desktop Publishing
Have you worked on a news-magazine at school, web-site or year-book? If yes, then you have had an early experience with desktop publishing. For individuals who have strong skill-sets in writing, computer handling and editing, a career as a desktop-publisher-DTP can be appealing.
This is a profession which suits creative people who like using computers for working and enjoy solving problems associated with text or image designing. Career opportunities in this field are expected to grow at a faster rate than most other professions.
DTPs are associated with industries pertaining to printing and publishing wherein they produce readable, clear and attractive publications by organizing graphics, text and data in a creative manner. This material is then published in magazines, newspapers, periodicals or web-sites or converted into electronic formats.
The main emphasis in DTP is print-media. Desktop publishers also prepare presentations, charts, post-cards, newsletters, proposals, direct mail-campaigns, books, posters, web-sites and graphics.
Desktop publishers work systematically to process words, edit matter by proof-reading, understand design layout, select and use correct fonts, scan photographs and edit them if required and use print production software for evolving a good readable material. These professionals should have an eye for detail. They need to be attentive to ensure that the printed material is easily readable and flows easily across the page. The images selected should amply reinforce the printed matter.
In this age of competition and usage of computerization for advertising products, companies require the best presentation techniques to capture target audience effectively. To achieve this, DTPs are hired for their skill and creativity. Their job is to evolve a perfect combination of publishable elements available and design a document which can be easily printed. A high demand from print and electronic media sector has transformed this profession into a money-making opportunity.
Many institutes in India offer diploma or certification level courses in DTP for a duration of four to six months. There is no minimum qualification earmarked for admission into these courses. But, many reputed organizations have fixed graduation in any discipline as the minimum qualification required to pursue a course.
This field of vocational study is yet to bloom to its full potential. In order to promote it further, many government agencies have started offering specialized diploma and certification courses in DTP. These courses have a curriculum which will enable students master the art of using latest technologies in publishing software like PageMaker, Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, Adobe Photoshop, Macromedia fireworks and so on apart from printing apparatuses used in publishing.
Although many institutes have included desktop publication in their curriculum, an individual’s skills, creativity and knowledge are the essentials for success rather than mere academic certifications.
Job opportunities are not limited only to private sector, publishing firms, press or electronic media-houses. There are opportunities for desktop publishers in government sector organizations like Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Directorate of Advertising and visual Publicity or in public-sector organizations having their own publishing department.
The salary one gets in this field solely depends on the individual’s creativity, skills and experience. A beginner can expect to get paid almost 8,000 to 10,000 rupees per month. An experienced and skilled desktop publisher can expect a higher salary of almost 15,000 to 20,000 rupees per month.
Students studying media design can give a thought to taking up desktop publication as a possible career track since it can enhance one’s creativity and also be rewarding.
