Candidate of the week: Qualified Compositor, Western Australia

Experience:  
1982-current: Home-based small business:  Typesetting, editorial and writing  service       

A qualified compositor who served an apprenticeship in Fremantle, I have been self-employed for  more than 20 years.

I have undertaken contract work for small publishers in the eastern States (CQU  Press, Booralong, Chapter and Verse, etc.) producing press-ready files for book work. 

Global  Publishing has used my services as an on-screen, in-format copy fitter for two of its major  publications with international distribution.   

Since returning to WA I have been involved in producing three regional business directories. These  publications averaged 120 pages, all in four-colour process, and I was responsible for all pre-press  work. This involved design and setting of advertisements from supplied copy, overall publication  design, selection of photographs, writing and setting of editorial matter, page makeup and production  of press-ready PDF files.   

I also produce press-ready files for an Australian pigeon magazine and a small newsletter as well as  producing general jobbing work for private clients.  I don't mind – and actually enjoy – setting run-of-the mill jobbing work such as ruled forms.

For many years from its inception until its sale last year, a major client was Australian Geographic.  AG used my services as a copy editor, consultant, small-pieces writer and columnist.   

During much of this time I have also worked either in-house or from home on a casual contract basis  for various printers, magazines and newspapers. Details will be provided on request.   

For my work from home I use an iMac 7,1 (Intel Core Duo).   

Programs in which I am proficient include: InDesign, Photoshop (I am running CS3) and Illustrator  (though Illustrator is not one of my strengths) and Quark Express (I run v. 7 at home). In the past I  have also used Freehand and PageMaker.

On a daily basis I use the usual word-processing  programs such as Word and Mariner.   

For many years I have been producing press-ready PDF files for both film and straight-to-plate output  for both clients and printers.   

I am reliable, honest and trustworthy and aware of the need for confidentiality.

I own a late-model  reliable car and have maximum flexibility in regard to hours and days of work.   

Education:   Trade certificate as hand compositor   

Referees: Will be provided on request 

Email:  fpovah@bigpond.net.au