InDesign claims employment edge over Quark

Adobe carried out the study across what are described as 'leading' recruitment papers, websites and magazines, and claims that in contrast, the results for Quark-only qualifications were limited to only 33 per cent of the employment positions surveyed.

Michael Stoddart, creative manager at Adobe, says the results of the study highlight the importance of InDesign skills for those seeking job placements in the creative industries. "The message is clear: if you don't know Adobe InDesign, you're missing out on top creative jobs," he says.

Carolyn Hyams, marketing manager for creative recruitment agency Aquent, agrees with Adobe's claims on creative job placements, claiming candidates with Quark-only skills are limited to only one third of the available jobs at design studios, advertising agencies and publishing houses.

"The remaining two-thirds are looking for either exclusive Adobe InDesign or dual Quark and Adobe InDesign skills," says Hyams.

Adobe claims this demand for InDesign skills is also being reflected in educational course content and training, pointing to comments from Mark Brown, IT manager at the Billy Blue School of Graphic Arts.

"InDesign is now integral to any graphic arts training," says Brown, "We have experienced it first-hand in the Billy Blue commercial creative studio."