COMPOSITORS AND TYPESETTERS California Occupational Guide Number 86 Interest Area 5-C 1995
THE JOB
Before anything is printed, it must be arranged or composed. TYPESETTERS convert the written material (manuscript copy) into pages of type. Typesetters work on all kinds of copy, ranging from newspaper stories and ads to business forms, price lists, and package labels. Almost all typesetting is now done by machine, with copy typed on a computer keyboard. In comparison with regular typing, typesetting allows for greater variation in physical appearance and arrangement, and there is greater emphasis on visual appeal. COMPOSITORS (also called typographers) are broadly skilled typesetters who understand the aesthetics as well as the technology underlying their work and can plan and execute an entire job on their own.
A Compositor studies the manuscript and the designer's layout, then recommends an appropriate combination of type style, size, and spacing. A basic format, including type specifications, is stored in computer memory. Typesetting instructions are marked on the manuscript in standard "mark- up" symbols.
Photocomposing machines (also called phototypesetters) generate character images on photographic material such as paper, film, or sometimes paper printing plates. Like photographic negatives, the images must then be developed. There are many different models, including complex, multi-unit computerized systems with separate input, editing, and output devices. Photocomposing systems are now found in every newspaper composing room, virtually all commercial shops, and large corporations. Despite differences among the various methods of machine composition, there are basic similarities.
In phototypesetting systems, the copy being entered or edited can be directly viewed. When inputting copy, Typesetters (or Keyboard Operators) use the special control keys to set up or to revise the format, as specified in the mark-up instructions. Operators must be able to translate the standard mark-up symbols into appropriate, machine-specific format codes. Some composing machines allow operators to enlarge, reduce or reposition type, with all elements in actual size and relationship to one another. The system can then automatically create the correct typesetting commands to convert the on-screen layout to a fully composed page.
In addition to inputting the copy, most Typesetters set up, operate, and monitor photo-output units and develop the paper or film. Usually these are relatively routine operations and, in very large or busy shops, may be performed by lower-skilled machine operators (Phototypesetter Operators).
Typesetters are also responsible for checking preliminary and final proofs and making any necessary corrections. It is not uncommon for copy to proceed through the input-proofing-correction cycle several times until the output is perfect.
The last step in the process is page composition. When all of the copy (including text, headlines, and ads) has been set and corrected, the separate elements are assembled as shown in the layout, ready to be made into printing plates.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Most typesetters and compositors work in clean, quiet, and air-conditioned surroundings. Because of frequent deadline pressures, typesetters are subject to tension and stress. Many typesetters and compositors, particularly those employed by large newspapers, print shops, or typography houses in metropolitan areas, are members of the Communications Workers of America. Those working in offset printing (lithography) shops sometimes belong to the Graphic Communications International Union.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The California Projections of Employment, published by the Labor Market Information Division, shows that the number of hand compositors and typesetters will not grow through 2005, but the number of typesetters and composing machine operators will grow at a rate faster than average.
Hand Compositors and Typesetters:
Estimated number of workers in 1990 770 Estimated number of workers in 2005 780 Projected Growth 1990-2005 1% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 280
Typesetting, Composing Machine Operators:
Estimated number of workers in 1990 1,820 Estimated number of workers in 2005 2,540 Projected Growth 1990-2005 40% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 800
(Neither table includes self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
The Typesetters and Compositors (machine) occupation is expected to grow much faster than the average 24 percent projected for all California occupations through the year 2005.
Hand compositing is a fading occupation. Nowadays, the printing and publishing industry almost exclusively uses fully automated newspaper composition machines. Stories and ads submitted by writers and reporters for large newspaper copy can be entered, edited, and formatted directly on the video screen and corrected copy can be transmitted to computerized phototypesetting machines, bypassing the traditional composing process entirely.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Nonunion trainees start at $5.50 to $10.00 or more per hour with two years of technical school training. Nonunion wages for journey-level workers vary from $12.00 to $16.00 or more per hour. For union jobs, the journey-level wages range from $15.00 to $24.00. Pay for night shifts is higher.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Most employers ask for previous typesetting experience and many specify experience on a particular brand or model of equipment or in a particular type of shop. Some employers will accept any typesetting experience as a basis for on-the-job training. A background in electronics or computer operation is desirable. Because typesetters and compositors often do paste-up, many employers also insist on training or experience in the graphic arts. The emphasis is on neatness and speed, rather than on creativity.
Recommended high school courses include typing, mechanical drawing, photography, print shop, and journalism. Knowledge of the printing process, gained through working on the school newspaper or doing odd jobs in neighborhood print shops, is helpful.
Workers need the ability to concentrate on details, an eye for proportion and design and the ability to visualize how things will look on paper.
Community colleges offer a variety of two-year degree programs and one-year certificate programs in graphic arts composition or printing technology. In addition to typesetting, the instruction covers design, layout and paste-up, with students tackling sample jobs from start to finish.
ADVANCEMENT
In the larger shops, experienced workers may advance to supervisory or managerial positions. In smaller shops, however, opportunities for advancement are limited. A few compositors are successful in establishing their own typography businesses or full-service print shops. In addition to technical expertise, this requires accounting and managerial skills, start- up financing, and the stamina to keep long, irregular hours.
FINDING THE JOB
Job seekers can find work by registering with their union, the California Employment Development Department Job Service, their college placement office, or by responding to newspaper ads. Job search strategies may include applying directly to printing and publishing firms listed in yellow pages under the headings of Lithographers; Newspapers; Printers; or Periodicals.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Printing Industries of America 100 Daingerfield Rd. Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 519-8100
Printing, Publishing and Media Workers Sector Communications Workers of America 501 E. 3rd St. NW Washington, DC 20001-2797 (202) 434-1238
Graphic Communications International Union 1900 L St. NW Washington, DC 20036 (202) 462-1400
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Commercial Artists No. 4 Commercial Printing Press Operators No. 71
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) Phototypesetter Operator (print & pub.) 650.582-022 Compositor (print. & pub.) 973.381-010
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Precision Compositors, Typesetters and Arrangers 897020 Typesetting and Composing Machine Operators and Tenders 925410
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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