DIGITAL MEDIA AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Digital Media and Career Development



Digital Media and Career Development

Introduction

All forms of media and communications are shifting from analogue to digital formats. The demand for information to be conveyed in more innovative, engaging and interactive ways is continually increasing. The future is digital media. This all-embracing move towards more sophisticated communication techniques represents a huge opportunity. As a digital media graduate, you'll be able to choose a career within a large (and growing) range of industry sectors. This includes: game development, marketing and advertising, media, website and software development, and animation - to name just a few. The vast majority of organisations now do business online. They promote their goods and services, they engage customers online and state their objectives online. More and more businesses are encouraging customers to make their website the first point of contact. Accordingly, the demand for skills in areas such as web development and web design is particularly high. There are also increasing opportunities for digital media graduates in fields such as 2D animation, 3D modelling and Web 2.0.  Digital media studies focus on the practical and the applied aspects of the discipline. They let you explore the integration of graphics, animation, text, sound and video. They help you discover the interactive power of the computer and the communications potential of the internet. 

Work Environment

Many artists work in fine art or commercial art studios located in office buildings, warehouses, or lofts. Others work in private studios in their homes. Some fine artists share studio space, where they also may exhibit their work. Studio surroundings usually are well lighted and ventilated; however, fine artists may be exposed to fumes from glue, paint, ink, and other materials and to dust or other residue from filings, splattered paint, or spilled cleaners and other fluids. Artists who sit at drafting tables or who use computers for extended periods may experience back pain, eyestrain, or fatigue. (Elaine Addison 2009)

Artists employed by publishing companies, advertising agencies, and design firms generally work a standard workweek. During busy periods, they may work overtime to meet deadlines. Self-employed artists can set their own hours. They may spend much time and effort selling their artwork to potential customers or clients and building a reputation.

Artists create art to communicate ideas, thoughts, or feelings. They use a variety of methods—painting, sculpting, or illustration—and an assortment of materials, including oils, watercolors, acrylics, pastels, pencils, pen and ink, plaster, clay, and computers. Artists' works may be realistic, stylized, or abstract and may depict objects, people, nature, or events.

Artists generally fall into one of four categories. Art directors formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual communications. Craft artists create or reproduce handmade objects for sale or exhibition. Fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators, create original artwork, using a variety of media and techniques. Multi-media artists and animators create special effects, animation, or other visual images on film, on video, or with computers or other electronic media. (Bonime Pohlmann 1997)

Art directors develop design concepts and review material that is to appear in periodicals, newspapers, and other printed or digital media. They decide how best to present information visually, so that it is eye ...