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Degrees and Schools
Bachelor's degrees in art are offered at most four-year colleges and universities. Schools of art and design provide studio training in multimedia arts, awarding a two-year certificate, associate's, or bachelor's degree in fine art. Because schools of art and design are private and independent, tuition can be significantly higher than public colleges.
Coursework
Computer training in specific graphic design and 3D rendering software programs is fundamental to an aspiring multimedia artist's education. University art programs provide a foundation in social science, English and natural science, and core subjects in art history and studio art. These programs tend to emphasize theory and principles more than studio training, which schools of art and design emphasize.
The primary objective of any educational program for multimedia artists is to develop a portfolio of the student's best work. In addition to studio work for classes, internship programs offer excellent opportunities to add to the student's portfolio.
Online Classes and Programs
Art degree and multimedia specialty degree programs are readily found online. Programs at schools with accreditation from agencies approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or United States Department of Education (USDE) have met rigorous standards of quality. Campus-based colleges and independent schools that offer online courses as part of their standard curricula are most likely to be accredited.
Employment Requirements
A portfolio of completed projects demonstrating a multimedia artist's creative talent and skill is expected by all employers. A bachelor's degree in art is required by many employers as well.
How to Evaluate Schools
Aspiring multimedia artists should consider asking these questions when comparing degree programs:
- Student goals - Is the student's goal to learn specifically multimedia art skills, or a broader education in fine art? Does a program that emphasizes studio training, or one that emphasizes theory and principles, better support the student's goal? How much importance is placed on helping the student develop a portfolio?
- Accreditation - Is the program accredited by CHEA or USDE?
- Practical experience - Does the school offer a formal internship program with a variety of desirable opportunities? Are computer labs well-equipped with leading graphic design and 3D rendering software?
- Tuition and financial aid - How does the tuition compare to other programs? Does the school provide useful guidance in finding sufficient financial aid through scholarships, grants, loans, and work study?
- Career search - Does the school offer substantial resources for finding a job after graduation? What are graduates from the past couple years doing now?
Multimedia Artist Job Description
In movies and videos, on the Web and in software, multimedia artists and animators make pictures come to life with movement, sound, and special effects. They work primarily in motion picture and video publishing, advertising, and design services, using computers and sketches to create scenes for entertainment, education or sales. To provide an initial draft of what a final product will look like, multimedia artists and animators draw storyboards by laying out pictures in sequence. Some also model objects in 3D and work with programmers to put them in motion.
As much as 60% of multimedia artists are self employed, setting their own hours and often working from home. Therefore, they put a lot of work into marketing their services and creating a portfolio.
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