A career in magazines or publishing?

Does a entry level page layout position have potential to eventually get me a better design job in publishing?

• i'm working at a job i HATE for 16/hr, which isn't bad in my area (La Crosse, Wis). i have an associate and bachelor of fine arts degrees in graphic design and 4 years experience (most of it at this current employer) after college. i really, REALLY want to get out of my job here and was offered a page layout position at the local newspaper. but it only pays $10/hr (they won't budge) with a pay freeze at the company so nothing more anywhere on the horizon. plus the work is second shift instead of my regular hours now. my career goal is to work in publishing, newpapers, magazines, textbooks doing layout design and i think this is a good way to get my foot in the door. while my husband makes pretty good money and this wouldn't be a severe financial hardship for us, i also don't want to waste my time and leave my decent pay for something that won't help me get where i want to be. if i can be reasonably assured it would be a wise step towards my long term goals, i am willing to make the sacrifice. unfortunately, i don't know anyone in the industry to ask, and i am truly torn. any advice or thoughts is appreciated! thank you.

• Answer:

  Is your current job in the Graphic Design field? If so, and if you are designing pieces dealing with type and imagery then you already have experience in page layout. Maybe not in the same format as a newspaper or magazine, but most employers can look at your portfolio and see whether or not you design sense is there. BUT if you hate your job and if taking a pay cut is something you are able to do right now, then go for the page layout position. It could potentially help you get a better job in the future if you've worked in publication design. Changing your job may be a good thing; you may like it a lot better than your current job even though the pay won't be as much. I will say that it may be difficult to find a job specializing in publication design simply because a lot of the publication companies who may offer a better position are going to be in bigger cities. I thought I wanted to do the same thing as you, but after working for 2 different publication companies in Minneapolis as a Design Intern, I realized that it wasn't going to happen. The companies I worked for are on a hiring freeze and the people who work there are doing multiple jobs. For example, the Art Director at one company was basically designing the whole magazine herself (with the help of 2 Interns). I'm sure that's how they keep costs down, but it sucks for those who need a job. You might be better off looking for a job at a design firm or a small company that needs brochures and other print pieces designed. That way you are still doing layout design and getting paid decently for it. Good luck!