Multimedia programs teach you how to combine art and technology to present
text, images and sound in digital form.
"It is a very interesting fusion of art and technology," says Carol
Sill. She is the program manager of the new media department at a film school.
This fusion cannot happen without artistic talent or technical training.
And a number of schools offer such training.
Technical colleges and universities offer multimedia programs. Some
schools may call their programs new media or interactive media. Some programs
may last a year or less. Others may be full four-year degree programs.
Courses cover the many different technical and artistic aspects of multimedia
designs. You will learn how to edit and encode different kinds of media
using different programs and languages.
One course may teach you how to design a website using raw HTML. Another
course may teach you how to get the most out of Photoshop. Or you may learn
how to animate graphics. You may also learn about art and its various periods
and movements.
Many programs also offer internships or require you to gain experience
in a professional environment.
You must like to work with computers. You must also have a creative bent.
And you need to enjoy solving problems. You must also be willing to do whatever
is necessary to finish products on deadline. That may mean working long hours.
"It is a lot of work with a lot of deadlines and a lot of intensity and
a lot of reward," says Sill.
Entrance requirements vary. You will likely have to submit a portfolio.
IThat's a collection of your work in the field. It may include illustrations,
sound and video recordings and websites. Your portfolio could make or break
your application.
As for specific high school courses, Sill says students should take
courses in art and technology.
Take courses in computer science. Study graphic design and drafting.
Learn how to use recording devices like video cameras. "If [students] have
any video work, that is really wonderful," says Sill.
Experience in stage design and production is also valuable, says
Sill. So is any musical experience.
Also, look for experiences and activities that allow you to solve problems
and be part of a team.
"Two of the things employers look for in potential employees are problem-solving
skills and the ability to work on a team," says Cathy Flight. She coordinates
the multimedia studies program at San Francisco State University.
"Doing anything outside of class that stretches your imagination, gets
you to look at things from different perspectives, and which gets you collaborating
with other people can you serve you well down the line."
Costs vary, but tend to be on the high side.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Artists
and Related Workers
MultiMediator
A resource site about multimedia
Berkeley Multimedia Research Center
It studies and develops multimedia