Back in 2000, desktop publisher (as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor) was one of the fastest growing occupations and faster than average job growth was projected through 2010. Now as the projections are pushed out through 2016, job growth is slowing down. But what really caught my eye in the latest edition of the Occupational Outlook Handbook was the reasons cited for the slower growth. Basically, it's what many have been saying ever since the rapid growth of consumer-level desktop publishing software.
"Desktop publishing has become a frequently used and common tool for designing and laying out printed matter, such as advertisements, brochures, newsletters, and forms. However, increased computer processing capacity and widespread availability of more elaborate desktop publishing software will make it easier and more affordable to use for people who are not printing professionals. As a result, the need for people who specialize in desktop publishing will slow, as more people are able to do this work."It's a little less harsh than the marketing hype of "with this easy-to-use software anyone can look like a professional designer" but it's certainly along those same lines.
The news isn't all bad though. Check out Desktop Publishing Job Growth Outlook Through 2016 and find out what you can do to increase your job opportunities and earning potential in both desktop publishing and graphic design. I'll discuss some of those specific options in the coming weeks. But right now, what are your thoughts on these latest projections? Read the Occupational Outlook Handbook job descriptions for desktop publishers and graphic designers (see the Sources links at the bottom of the article). Do these seem like fair descriptions of each job based on your own experience?
A degree in DTP – snigger !!
The real knowledge that used to be required is now obsolete. It is sad, but true. Technology included in the applications saw an end to that. It is a shame that it is dead knowledge, in the same way that paste up boards are no longer required, but who cares?
And “desktop publisher” as an occupation? Surely, “publisher” would be the occupation? Or artist, or typesetter, or graphic designer? Would I describe myself as a “desktop publisher”? Erm… no. In the same way that a mechanic would not have “spanner operator” on his resume.
And I wonder how much of this “qualification” focuses on how to drive software and how much concentrates on the print process?
Does it go into the differences in Delta E values? Does it “teach” someone how to be a good designer? Does it waste part of my morning appearing in my inbox when I have “desktop publishing” to be getting on with?
Well, one out of three ain’t bad.
Hi Jacci,
I’m an avid follower of your articles.
Anyway, I totally disagree on the statement “widespread availability of more elaborate desktop publishing software will make it easier and more affordable to use for people who are not printing professionals”.
Computers and intelligent software are there to assist you and not to make an instant artwork. Blame the software if your product is not selling due to your instant poster.
It’s not a question of how to use available technology, it’s how to make use. It doesn’t mean that if you can understand how to use photoshop then you can already make a sound design.
As to Ben’s comments on: And “desktop publisher” as an occupation? Surely, “publisher” would be the occupation? Or artist, or typesetter, or graphic designer? Would I describe myself as a “desktop publisher”?
I agree on the terminology. I don’t generally use the term “desktop publisher” except when talking about the entry in the Occupational Outlook Handbook. That’s the way they describe the occupation. However, they do note that the job of a “desktop publisher” is often listed by other names by employers. Graphic designer, artist, and typesetter are all separate occupations in the eyes of the Department of Labor. Publisher by itself generally refers to book or magazine publishers, etc.
Re Albert’s comment: Unfortunately, those non-professionals will buy the marketing hype and see themselves as instant designers. And, unfortunately, not enough of them have the sense to call in a pro when they’ve made a complete mess of a job. Fixing their screwups has been my bread and butter for a while, but these are trying times indeed for graphic arts professionals. And it ain’t gonna get better any time soon!