Desktop Publishers Job Description
The Desktop Publisher formats typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.
Duties:
The Desktop Publisher checks preliminary and final proofs for errors and make necessary corrections. The Desktop Publisher operates desktop publishing software and equipment to design, lie out, and produce camera-ready copy. The Desktop Publisher positions 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. The Desktop Publisher converts various types of files for printing or for the Internet, using computer software. The Desktop Publisher transmits, delivers or mails publication master to printer for production into film and plates. The Desktop Publisher studies layouts or other design instructions to determine work to be done and sequences of operations. The Desktop Publisher enters digitized data into electronic prepress system computer memory, using scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse. The Desktop Publisher views monitors for visual representation of work in progress and for instructions and feedback throughout process, making modifications as necessary. The Desktop Publisher imports text and art elements such as electronic clip-art or electronic files from photographs that have been scanned or produced with a digital camera, using computer software. The Desktop Publisher collaborates with graphic artists, editors and writers to produce master copies to design specifications.
Knowledge:
The Desktop Publisher needs knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. The Desktop Publisher needs knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models. The Desktop Publisher needs knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. The Desktop Publisher needs knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods. The Desktop Publisher needs knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media. The Desktop Publisher needs knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology. The Desktop Publisher needs knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. The Desktop Publisher needs knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Skills:
The Desktop Publisher gives full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. The Desktop Publisher needs the skill to understand written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. The Desktop Publisher uses logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. The Desktop Publisher needs the skill to actively look for ways to help people. The Desktop Publisher needs the skill to communicate effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. The Desktop Publisher understands the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision making. The Desktop Publisher talks to others to convey information effectively. The Desktop Publisher needs the skill to determine the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Abilities:
The Desktop Publisher needs the ability to see details at close range within a few feet of the observer. The Desktop Publisher needs the ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to specific rule or set of rules such as patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations. The Desktop Publisher needs the ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged. The Desktop Publisher needs the ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways. The Desktop Publisher needs the ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.