How Definitions and Perceptions Affect Desktop Publishing Professionals Do You Do Desktop Publishing?
Some folks harbor strong feelings about software, their platform of choice, and what desktop publishing really means. Even what you call yourself or how you describe what you do affects how people — especially clients and employers — perceive your abilities and value. We can define desktop publishing and graphic design in fairly precise language. However, how we define it is only part of what we need to know in order to pursue a career in desktop publishing. Why is the definition of desktop publishing important? What does it matter? As a freelancer: How others perceive you and what you do is often dependent on the title you give yourself. It can affect the types of clients you are able to attract and the rates you are able to command. Right or wrong, someone who does desktop publishing or callas themselves a desktop publisher is often considered less talented or capable or non-professional. As a job seeker: Knowing the types of skills involved in desktop publishing can help you match
