How to Get a Typesetting Job

The art of typesetting goes back to the first use of movable type by Johannes Gutenberg in 1455. Typesetting compositors have helped print newspapers, books and advertisements for billions of people around the world. You need to understand the technologies involved in typesetting to get a job for the long term.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Pursue an Associate's degree in print production at a local technical college to get a typesetting job. You will likely spend 2 years completing courses and practical applications that span the entire production process, from pre-press to distribution.

2. Supplement your technical degree with art and graphic-design courses at a local university. You should audit courses in three-dimensional design, screen-printing and art history when possible to become familiar with different perspectives on typesetting.

3. Add another layer to your qualifications for a typesetting job with certifications in desktop publishing. Art schools and technical colleges offer certificate programs in publishing software, such as Microsoft Publisher, that can help you apply for higher positions.

4. Play around with digital-imaging equipment and technology to get ready for typesetting work. You should test out scanners at local office-supply stores and libraries to develop an eye for blurring and other imaging issues.

5. Explore the various fonts used in current publications to get familiar with common problems in typesetting. Knowledge of standard fonts allows you to look for inconsistencies in size and print quality in every document you review.

6. Apply for work with your community newspaper to get work as a typesetter. Most local newspapers are owned by a regional or national publishing company, which means you may need to wait to get a response from a human-resources representative.

7. Locate positions with publishing houses in your state to open up possibilities for typesetting work. You should focus on niche publishers looking for typesetters who have a mixture of digital and traditional typesetting skills.

8. Collect copies of error-filled documents that you encounter as a typesetter to keep your skills sharp. You can use rejected documents to study unique printing problems and avoid ruining a large order of documents with a similar issue in the future. Ask your supervisor for copies of the documents before you take them.

Tips & Warnings

• Study the construction of metal sorts and other items used in traditional letterpresses. This knowledge may help you find work with specialty publishers who stick to traditional methods.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Earn your degree from industry experts at University of Phoenix. Take the next step in your career.

[Patsydcomo]

on 11/21/2008 I was a typesetter back in the 80's and loved my job; I worked for 10 years as a typesetter; would like to get into the industry agin, but I have no clue where to even begin to get retrain for this industry. I do have a certification for Typography/Typsetter. Where and who can I talk to about getting back in this field?