Desktop Publisher
Comprehensive Sites
AllGraphicDesign.comThis site is a comprehensive community of networking, blogs, forums, tutorials, templates, and resources for the graphic artist or desktop publisher. The collection of links offers discussion forums for those interested in graphic design, online portfolios, plug-ins, business cards, and a host of other tools for talented artists.
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Desktop PublisherThe U.S. Department of Labor has collected an assortment of information here on desktop publishing—from training, qualifications, and advancement, to earning and job outlook projections. You will find details on potential employment, as well as a list of sources of additional information for a career in desktop publishing.
Graphic Arts Information NetworkInformation on training, research, consulting, and programs especially for students are available at this site.
Princeton Review: Digital ArtistA day in the life of a digital artist is described at this page, with links at the left connecting you to information on quality of life, facts and figures, majors that would be useful in pursuing your career, and graduate programs and internships.
Occupational Titles
Desktop Publisher
Commercial Artist
Digital Artist
Graphic Artist
Graphic Designer
Visual Journalist
Webpage Designer and Webmaster
Accredited Academic Programs
AllArtSchools: Graphic Design SchoolsAn online guide to art education, this page takes you to links to a variety of online/distance learning programs, as well as a state-by-state listing of art institutes. Connect directly to the listed schools or request information on individual programs from this site.
Graphic.com Central: Colleges and UniversitiesThis database is provided by the Graphic Arts Education and Research Foundation and offers direct connection to design and publishing programs from various schools across the country that have these specialties.
Make Your Mark: Educational ProgramsProvided as a service of the Graphic Arts Education and Research Foundation, this page of “Make Your Mark” lets you search more than 200 programs across the U.S. in graphic communications fields. Search by state, your own criteria, or scholarship information.
Salary Levels
PayScale: Graphic Artist/DesignerThe median salary by years of experience is viewable at this page, as well as further connections to salary by skills, degree, and more. You can also see charts that depict median salary by employer type, city, or the school attended in the U.S.
Professional Organizations
American Institute of Graphic ArtsThe American Institute of Graphic Arts advances professional design as a career and also as a cultural vehicle for change in our society. Many professional resources are offered, such as illustration articles, professional practice recommendations, business articles, and those on typography. The education link may be interesting to you since it connects to information on educators and scholarships of the organization.
Graphic Arts Education and Research FoundationThe Graphic Arts Education and Research Foundation offers exciting programs for high school and college students interested in careers in graphic communications. Click on the news link to learn about recent stories in the industry, or access PrintEd for information on accredited schools and education of solid training programs in the field. You will also find a web portal specifically for graphic communication training, with everything from career information to virtual tutorials for most software you might need to learn about.
Graphic Arts Information NetworkUpcoming events, industry news, an online job bank, and training opportunities are available from this organizational website, which is dedicated to providing an all-inclusive resource for printing and graphic professionals. The student’s link offers a special video just for those thinking about a career in graphic communication.
Graphic Communication CouncilIntended to help students plan their careers in graphic communications, this site takes you on a tour of the workplace and connects you to resources to help you hone in on your talent. Plan your future here, where you can view college programs, scholarships, and jobs.
Job Opportunity Sources
AllGraphicDesign: Jobs & Job SourcesFreelance and contract jobs can be searched from this page, which also connects to related articles and career websites.
Communication Arts: Creative HotlistFrom a leading communications magazine, this site allows you to search jobs in graphic arts and publishing by location, industry, company type, and experience.
Graphic Arts Information NetworkThis site is a direct national resource for employment opportunities in the printing and graphic arts industries. Create a profile, post your resume, and search an extensive job database.
Indeed.com: Desktop PublisherDesktop publishing jobs are the focus of this page, connecting you to opportunities across the country from a variety of job bank sources.
Publications
Communication ArtsThe Communication Arts Network is the online publication of Communication Arts, a publication which has student subscriptions available to you for a low cost. News items, sites of the week, personal profiles of other artists, forums, and news in the field can be viewed.
Digital OutputDigital Output magazine has a subscription copy, as well as an online newsletter. At this page, you will find resources for designing, digital printing, and articles on finishing, capturing, and creating professional visuals. Industry news and an event calendar are also found.
Graphic ExchangeProviding “graphic resources for creative minds,” this publication offers you educational, printing, and publishing news, as well as a variety of multimedia tutorials and presentations.
PrintYou will want to check out this publication of the design culture, featuring online forums, photography, some articles from the current issue, as well as limited archive access.
Online Forums & Blogs
Desktop Publishing ForumCreated for those interested in graphics arts and desktop publishing, this site offers a multitude of online forums, including those on digital arts, choosing fonts and typography, interacting with clients, and other general publishing topics. Additional groups of forums include web publishing, print publishing, programming, and working with digital cameras and images. These forums are very active and offer a comprehensive source for technical and business topics.
Graphic.com Central: Forums and FAQsProvided by an educational leader in the design and publishing industry, this site will connect you to forums and blogs across specialized categories, including many different software applications, such as Adobe, Flash, Quark, and Indesign.
Web Design & Graphics BlogNot only does this site offer discussion of career choice, but it also offers you over 1,000 descriptions and links to web design tools you are likely to need. Blog articles, a related links directory, additional online forums, free templates, and a host of other resources are available to you so you can learn everything you can about developing a desktop publishing career.
Career Videos
Careers in Graphic Communications: A Student’s GuideThis guide to printing and graphic communications describes the many facets of the job, the industry, and potential employers. You will learn about related specialties, choosing your special career path, and possible earnings, as a service of the Graphic Arts Information Network.
YouTube: Desktop PublishingAn artistic look at the world of desktop publishing introduces you to the processes and procedures used in the creation of documents through a musical and visual presentation.
