esktop publishing is
the fastest growing art profession.
With developments in computer technology happening at an incredible
rate, publishing can now be done much more cost effectively from a
single desktop computer. Frequently, this business is started by one
person as a freelance part-time profession. As word spreads around and
a client
base is built up, the artist has the option of making this a full time
occupation and hiring others to assist.
Desktop publishers may create
business cards, newsletters, letterhead, envelopes, logos, posters,
name tags, bumper stickers, and web sites. The attraction to this
profession is the fact that you are your own boss and can work around
another job or school. Its also a great way to get experience and make
you more marketable to a large studio or agency. Although it seems that
everyone is now a web designer, there is
still a demand for good web site designers. This can be done on your
personal computer.
Unless you are working for
someone
else, you will need to create your own business and request the
necessary forms from the IRS. You are providing a service, so you
probably won't need to charge sales tax for your jobs.
Desktop Publishers should be familiar with Quark,
Flash, Fireworks, InDesign and/or Pagemaker, and Photoshop.
Job titles in DTP
President/Vice President
-
(Salary range: $1,000 - $70,000)
Before you drool, this is the name you
give yourself if you're self-employed and have created your own
company. You only make as much as the jobs you are hired to do. If
you're not busy, then you might make less than $500 a year. If you're
successful, you could make a president's salary.
Artist
-
(salary range: $1,000 - $50,000)
Usually assists the owner of the
company.
This person is hired to take up the slack when business begins growing.
Due to the seasonal conditions of this job, it is better to do this
part-time.
Jobs Search in DTP
- Job Bank, where you can search for job opportunities
in desktop publishing.
DTP Journals
Desktop Publishers
There are thousands of desktop publishers. Do a search
on
one of the major search engines to find one near you.
DTP Resources
