Of the 190,000 graphic designers in 2000, 31% were self-employed. In 2004 26% of the 228,000 graphic designers did freelance work. Less than 2% of the 34,000 desktop publishers in 2004 were self-employed. No doubt these numbers do not reflect the many self-employed individuals doing desktop publishing who don't identify themselves as primarily desktop publishers, including some of the approximately 15,000 self-employed word processors.
Home-Grown Publishing Businesses on the Rise
On the homefront, where over 4.1 million self-employed are working in home-based businesses, Desktop Publishing in one form or another continues to be a popular start-up business.
While salaried and wage workers in other professions see their jobs expanding to include more computer skills, such as Desktop Publishing and graphics skills, home-based desktop publishers may find it easier to compete by narrowing the focus of their businesses. With the proliferation of easy-to-use page layout software flooding the home and small office market, niche Desktop Publishing is becoming more prevalent.
One way that the generalist desktop publisher competes is by focusing on a particular market segment - drawing on familiarity with real estate, education, health care, or other fields to tailor their services to the unique needs of that community. Newsletter publishing, customized gifts, and personalized letters are examples of specialized desktop publishing businesses.
Grab Your Piece of the Desktop Publishing Pie - as Employee or Freelancer
Overall, the outlook is good for Desktop Publishing . You can take advantage of this projected growth by:
- Seeking out jobs that take advantage of your existing Desktop Publishing expertise.
- Enhancing your desirability as an employee by adding Desktop Publishing skills to your resume.
- Focusing on niche markets or specialized Desktop Publishing projects to grow your new or current home business.
How Much Money Do Graphic Designers and Desktop Publishers Make?
Both graphic designers and desktop publishers enjoyed a similar range of earnings from 2000 to 2004, from about $20,000 to $60,000 although most were in the middle of that range with desktop publishers usually earning less. The medians by industry were (shows 2000 / 2004 numbers where available):
Desktop Publishers
• $30,600 / 32,340 - all industries
• $30,940 - commercial printing
• $24,520 - newspapers
Graphic Designers
• $34,570 / 38,030 - all industries
• $37,570 - management/public relations
• $37,080 - advertising
• $29,730 - commercial printing
• $28,170 - newspapers
Related
• $30,310 / 31,830 - prepress technicians
• $24,710 / 28,030 - word processors
Bottomline on Desktop Publishing Job Growth Outlook
There will likely be more people seeking graphic design jobs than there will be openings but faster-than-average employment growth is still expected. Rapid growth is expected for desktop publishing as new jobs are created and jobs open up due to labor force turnover. Overall, the outlook is good for the general areas of desktop publishing and graphic design.
A degree, a good portfolio that demonstrates your creativity, artistic ability, and visual communication skills, and perserverance are the keys to a career in graphic design in the coming years. Increasingly, computer skills and Web design are expected of graphic designers.
For desktop publishers, strong computer skills are essential and the better jobs or advancement are likely to go to those with some formal education or extensive previous experience in desktop publishing and graphic design. Editorial skills and a background or some training in the prepress and printing fields are also a plus.
Word processors, secretaries, and prepress workers are among the occupations with the largest projected loss of jobs. Some workers in these fields may find it beneficial to seek additional training in computer and desktop publishing skills.
Primary Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook
