Employers may not be looking for desktop publishers but they are looking for employees with desktop publishing skills for all their other job openings.A decade ago desktop publishers were listed as one of the top ten fastest growing occupations by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH). Several years later things were slowing down as desktop publishing was "becoming less of a specific job description and occupation and more of a job skill acquired and used by individuals in a variety of fields and positions."
In the 2010-2011 edition of the OOH, for Desktop Publishers it says:
"Employment is expected to decline rapidly because more people are learning basic desktop publishing skills as a part of their regular job functions in other occupations and because more organizations are formatting materials for display on the Internet rather than designing pages for print publication."The news is only slightly better for Graphic Designers:
"Employment is expected grow about as fast as average. Keen competition for jobs is expected; individuals with Web site design and animation experience will have the best opportunities."How to Overcome the Decline
For those looking specifically for desktop publishing and graphic design jobs, competition will be keen. However, your desktop publishing knowledge and experience can be a big plus when seeking employment in other fields as it is increasingly becoming a job requirement for a wide range of occupations.As I've stated previously on this site, expanding your skill set to include Web design and animation, writing, photography, drawing, and other skills are also ways to increase your options both as an employee and as a freelance designer.
Beyond creative skills such as animation and drawing, business skills can also enhance your employment options even if you aren't planning to be a freelance designer. For graphic designers, the OOH states:
"Graphic designers with a broad liberal arts education and experience in marketing and business management will be best suited for positions developing communication strategies."For desktop publishers, experience counts. Employers will need to hire people to replace lost workers and if you already have desktop publishing experience your chances are better. Without that experience, your best bet according to the OOH is education.
"Among individuals with little or no experience, opportunities should be best for those with computer backgrounds, those with certification in desktop publishing, or those who have completed a postsecondary program in desktop publishing, graphic design, or Web design."The Bottom Line
If you are determined to continue working or want to get into working in the graphic design or desktop publishing fields you need (as an employee or a freelancer):Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition, Desktop Publishers and Graphic Designers.
| Pick Your Path to Desktop Publishing | |
| Get Started: | Basic Guidelines and Requirements for Desktop Publishing |
| Choose Software: | Desktop Publishing and Design Software |
| Tips & Tutorials: | How to Do Desktop Publishing |
| Training, Education, Jobs: | Careers in Desktop Publishing |
| In the Classroom: | Back to School With Desktop Publishing |
| Make a Gift: | Things to Make for the Holidays |
| Use Templates: | Templates for Print and Web Publishing |
