Art editor, Layout designer

A desktop Publisher is in charge of the final format and graphic elements using appropriate computer software for layout and graphic processing, either for digital or printed content.
He or she collaborates very closely with the art and design team and his responsibility is to ensure that the final product conveys a consistent and homogeneous appearance throughout all the contents, through a correct images and text arrangement for its audience, aiming at harmonious look publications, coherent and easy to read.
This professional works by organizing texts and graphics that can be presented in several products: books, cards, promotional brochures and banners, calendars, exhibitors and packaging, magazines, newspapers, tickets, and the like

• Work on the text and format using word processing programs (font style, column width, spacing, line spacing, etc.).
• Create graphics to suport text.
• Introduces scanned images using digital cameras. Processes images, manipulates them and retouches them using the right programs.
• Finishes images (background color, shapes) and create special effects.
• Executes layout document , displays it and makes the necessary adjustments.
• Carries out the graphic design and prepares the document final format.
  If it is aimed at printing, prepare photoliths or digital printing (offset).
  If it is targeted to the internet, it converts the content to HTML format
  If you are targeting a publication or editorial project, you can perform graphic design functions: analyze editorial content and positioning, create style proposals, design the cover and pages, and establish a global style for the publication by ensuring editorial continuity for the collection.
• Coordinates with graphic design, illustration and photography professionals to agree on the best way to visually transfer project content.
• Keeps up to date with trends or audience requirements and performs redesigns of the layout when necessary.

Regulated training and graduates

• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Arts Gràfiques: Tractament i maquetació d'elements gràfics en preimpressió (Nivell 2)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Arts Gràfiques: Producció editorial (Nivell 3)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Arts Gràfiques: Desenvolupament de productes editorials multimèdia (NIvell 3)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Arts Gràfiques: Assistència a l'edició (Nivell 3)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Arts Gràfiques: Disseny de productes gràfics (Nivell 3)
• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of Graphic Arts - Intermediate Level: Digital pre-printing
• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of Graphic Arts - Advanced Level: Design and publication of printed and multimedia
• Grau: Comunicació cultural
• Grau: Audiovisual i multimèdia
• Grau: Comunicació
• Grau: Comunicació audiovisual
• Grau: Comunicació i industries culturals
• Grau: Comunicació i periodisme audiovisuals
• Grau: Periodisme
• Grau: Humanitats
• Grau: Humanitats i estudis culturals
• Grau: Arts i disseny
• Grau: Disseny
• Grau: Disseny i creació digitals
• Grau: Mitjans audiovisuals
• Grau: Multimèdia
• Grau: Enginyeria multimèdia

Complementary training

To do the job, a layout designer needs a technical mastery coming from formation period or, when necessary, job development will have to be complemented with a later deepening in the following working areas:

• Advanced knowledge of specialized software for image processing and layout (Photoshop, InDesing, etc.).
• Specialization courses in graphic design within the specific field to be worked on (publishing, web, multimedia, etc.)

Other specific skills

English language.
HTML language and web design.
Operating systems around PC and Mac.
Specific computer programs such as QuarkXpress, InDesign, Ilustrator and Photoshop.
Continous training in graphic computer advances and communication trends monitoring on different social environments and on the publishing world.

In this professional working area, having a previous experience in the field of layout, graphic design and publishing, both working as a professional or for non profit organizations, is positively valued. To be in charge of large and relevant professional projects requires some experience, between one and two years.
In addition, it is necessary to have a portfolio, which brings together previous carried out job, to show it to future employers.

Learning and use of knowledge: Level 1

Creativity: Level 2

Flexibility and change management: Level 2

Concern for order and quality: Level 2

Team work and cooperation: Level 2

Communication

Those who show a preference for the field of communication are interested in the generation and dissemination of information. This information, however, can have various purposes: provide information on events and occurrences, generate public opinion on a certain topic or promote and publicise a service or product. Carrying out these activities requires knowledge of various techniques aimed at communication, persuasion and marketing.

Humanities

The key interests of people who are interested in the field of humanities are studying the activity of human beings over time as well as their cultural and artistic expressions. Activities that represent this field are the creation of cultural products and the organisation of exhibitions and events, in addition to the promotion of actions for the preservation and dissemination of an artistic group. Significant knowledge of cultural, historical and linguistic heritage is required to carry out these activities.

New technologies

People who show an interest in this field are motivated by the development and advanced use of new technologies in any of their applications (software, hardware, telecommunications) from an innovative perspective and in accordance with the continuous updates of technologies, programmes and equipment that appear on the market. The design, installation, management and maintenance of computer systems and new technologies are activities specific to this field.

Content manager

Art director

Online advertising expert

Infographics designer

Graphic designer

• Work hours

  Eight-hour workday. Sometimes, working overtime will be required depending on project deadlines and delivery dates.

• Salary

  The income for desktop publishers is between 16.286 euros y 24.900 euros a year, depending on specialization and experience. Median: 20.137 euros annum gross.
  
  Source: Report "Observatory of Jobs and Salaries of the Labour Market. Barcelona Activa", elaborated by ICSA Grupo. April 2015.

• Professional category

  Technician

A desktop publisher can also offer his/her services as a freelance and create his/ er own layout services company, or work on his/her own by telework mode.

• Human resources and equipment

  One of the principal assets of professionals in this field is to be up-to-date with new computer programs and specialized software packages, as well as having innovative work tools. Desktop publisher shoud keep up to date its professional skils by knowing new computer programs and specialized software packages.

• Initial investments

  Around 5,000 euros, including a Mac computer (usually), the software and the printer.