Career Potential
Art Director
Common Titles:
Multimedia Art Director
Digital Art Director
Interactive Art Director
General Summary:
The Art Director oversees the artistic development of multimedia design materials and develops media used in a variety of creative projects, including presentations, brochures, advertisements, catalogs, direct mail, corporate identity and packaging. Designs may integrate typographic, photographic, illustrative and graphic elements. Within the studio, the art director works with Creative Directors, Project Directors and Designers to develop concepts for clients and often specializes in a particular medium.
Job Profile:
• Responsible for the design, layout and formatting of projects.
• Supervises freelancers and production artists on projects.
• Maintains graphic identities for clients across all jobs and keeps consistency.
• Works closely and collaboratively with design teams to strategically implement strong graphic concepts.
• Responsible for assisting preparations for presentation.
• Develop design concepts, strategy, and direction with team members, and manage all assigned creative projects with an appropriate time frame and budget.
• Monitor all phases of projects and production.
• Remain current on technology, emerging media, and industry trends.
• Manage day-to-day assignments with instruction from Creative Director and Sr. Account Managers.
• Present creative concepts to clients.
• Provides feedback when necessary.
• Creates storyboards and scripts if needed.
• Directs photographers, illustrators, etc.
• Produces graphics, HTML, and ActionScript if needed.
• Reviews work of multimedia designers and empowers them to do great work.
• Follows the creative process.
• Mentors and develops interactive designers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Common Skills/Requirements:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Communications, Arts Technology, or closely related field.
• Skilled with Mac platforms of Adobe Creative Suite applications.
• In-depth knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Freehand, Flash, animation, HTML, typography, illustration, photography, Acrobat, and multimedia authoring tools.
• 3 to 5 years of creative responsibility in an interactive agency environment.
• Ability to collaborate closely with others in a team environment under tight deadlines.
• Ability to manage small design teams throughout a project life cycle.
• Ability to clearly articulate and present designs to clients and communicate consistent style guidelines that can be efficiently executed.
• Portfolio of highly creative work.
Industry Keywords:
Advertising-Creative
Advertising-Interactive/Digital
Digital-Design
Multimedia Design
Common Titles:
Multimedia Content Manager/Producer
Interactive Digital Designer
Interactive Designer
Interactive Media Specialist
Emerging Media
General Summary:
The Multimedia Designer develops interactive and reusable media elements, including web pages, dynamic templates, graphics, flash objects, audio pod casts, and video elements. Projects range from emerging media and video editing to flash websites and banners with dynamic content. The Multimedia Designer works closely with team members to develop and deliver-media rich client solutions.
Job Profile:
• Apply visual design skills to create dynamic and complex interactive designs.
• Recommend, design, develop and manage interactive and flash interfaces.
• Understanding the usage of video codec’s and advanced video encoding.
• Optimizing creative elements for varying bandwidth and platform requirements.
• Ability to execute assets by using ActionScript.
• Develop prototypes, storyboards, screen-flow diagrams, wireframes, page mock-ups and written text content to effectively communicate interaction and design ideas.
• Create multimedia technology, interactive media, and implement plans for new interactive media.
• Prepare and optimize graphics for online use, organize and manage content flow, HTML editing.
Common Skills/Requirements:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Arts Technology, or related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• 3 to 5 years of interactive design experience covering both desktop and web applications as well as an extensive portfolio demonstrating these skills.
• Skills in motion graphics, video editing and/or sound design.
• Knowledge in Flash, HTML, XML, CSS, Dreamweaver, JavaScript, ActionScript, audio and video editing, Final Cut Pro, Sound Forge, Maya, After Effects, Photoshop, and Illustrator desired.
• A thorough and up-to-date knowledge of modern user interface design principles.
• Proven proficiency in web and multimedia design including audio and video elements.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Electronic rendering skills.
• Knowledge of layout, design and typography.
• Project management experience.
Industry Keywords:
Advertising – Interactive/Digital
Website Design
Common Titles:
Web Designer
Flash Developer
Job Profile:
• Conceptualizing the graphical interface of a company’s Web site.
• Integrating video, animation, still images, text and audio into the design of the web page.
• Utilizing various graphical software tools and technologies to transform graphical concepts into specific Web pages and print related materials.
• Critiquing other designs and soliciting feedback on Web pages.
• Recommend, design, script (code) and implement graphic and interactive solutions for clients.
• Transform scripts and visualizations into fluid, highly kinetic motion graphics and animations.
• Translate concepts and information into visually compelling user interfaces under tight deadlines.
• Be creative working within client style guidelines, templates and existing elements.
• Ability to be self-directed as well as work with Creative Director, Art Director and production managers.
Common Skills/Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Multimedia, Fine Arts, Computer Science, Arts Technology, or related fields.
• 3 years experience designing, building and maintaining interfaces for large scale sites.
• Ability to hand-code.
• Knowledge of cross-browser compatibility issues.
• Proven proficiency in web and multimedia design including audio and video elements.
• Solid skill set with Dreamweaver, Flash, Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Working knowledge of HTML, ActionScript 3, PHP, JavaScript, CSS.
• Thorough knowledge of graphic compression.
• Knowledge in After Effects, Final Cut Pro, and 3D design/animation applications a plus.
• Able to work in a high pressure environment.
Industry Keywords:
Advertising – Interactive/Digital
Digital – Design
Music Technology/Sound Design/Performance
Common Titles:
Electronic Music Producer
Studio Sound Engineer
Performance Sound Designer
Audio Engineer
…
Electronic Music Producer:
Electronic music producers are commercially minded musicians and DJs who love experimenting with technology to make original music.
Job Profile:
• Proficient with sequencers, synthesizers, samplers, MIDI, drum machines, hard disc recording, loop software, and computers.
• Ability to combine components of music technology hardware and software.
• Familiarity with electronic sound equipment and software.
• Keeping up to date with the market and fashions while being cutting edge and commercial.
• Fields of study include radio, television, advertising, sound design, sound engineering, record production, and freelance.
• Dedicated Music Producers should seek a recording contract.
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Studio Sound Engineer:
The Sound Engineer works in a recording studio and creates high quality recordings of music, speech, dialogue, and sound effects. Complex electronic equipment is used to record sound for many different uses, such as commercial music recordings, radio, TV, film, commercials, corporate videos, websites, video games and other types of interactive media.
Job Profile:
• Planning recording sessions with producers and artists.
• Setting up microphones and equipment in the studio.
• Setting the correct sound levels and dynamics.
• Operating equipment for recording, mixing, mastering, sequencing and sampling.
• Mixing, editing, and remastering tracks.
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Performance Sound Design:
The Sound Designer selects or creates music and sound effects for production. The material is then recorded and formatted for playback during performance using a sound system of permanent equipment or components chosen specifically for the production. Reinforcement, monitoring and hardware setup are also handled by the Sound Designer. The Sound Designer’s duties can be broken down into stages:
Planning:
• Categorizing live sound, recorded sound, live music, recorded music, reinforcement and enhancement of audio.
• Producing sound/music effects worksheets and deciding how the sound effects and music effects are to be obtained.
• Planning construction and/or location of equipment.
• Preparing a time schedule of work and deadlines, including practice rehearsal, recording sessions, crew instruction sessions, level setting sessions, technical rehearsals and performances.
Preparation:
• Organize and supervise the work of the sound crew.
• Determine what equipment is available and what equipment needs to be ordered, purchased, rented, borrowed, recorded, or printed.
• Preview all effects, recordings, music, and sound effects with the Director prior to level setting sessions.
• Arrange times for rehearsals if necessary.
• Create sound cue sheets for crew members including mixer and speaker settings for stage and support systems, as well as the show’s patch network.
• Determine both the ON and OFF stage placement of audio and effects equipment.
Rehearsal and Performance:
• Direct level setting sessions and technical rehearsals and monitor the performance to maintain maximum quality.
• Supervise the activities of the Sound Board Operator, responsible for all sound, music, intercom and cue lighting systems.
…
Common Skills/Requirements:
• Solid experience with Pro Tools.
• Preference will be given to those who are Pro Tools Certified.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Sound Design, Theatre, Arts Technology, or closely related field.
• In-depth knowledge of sound systems and audio equipment.
• Capacity to use different kinds of sound editing software.
• Experience maintaining a large library of digital files.
Audio Visual Design/Lighting Design
Common Titles:
Lighting Technician
Theatre Lighting Designer
Stage Lighting
Theater and Audio Visual systems Manager
General Summary:
The Lighting Designer works behind the scenes of different kinds of productions to create lighting and special effects to enhance the visual impact of a show. They set up, focus and operate lighting fixtures, projectors, scrims, filters to control lighting, control boards, visual hardware and software, and other equipment. The Lighting Designer is in charge of making sure lighting fixtures and other equipment is in safe working condition, decide on the best lighting effects necessary for the show, and how to provide those effects at the proper time.
Common Skills/Requirements:
• Master’s Degree in Theatre, Fine Arts, Arts Technology, or closely related field.
• 3 – 5 years experience with Audio Visual Theater technologies.
• In-depth knowledge of large venue video & audio systems.
• Training and experience in sound design, lighting design, video, visualizations, digital media, audio visual technology, and computer based design.
• Proficient with ETC lighting consoles and digital and analog mixing consoles.
• Proficient in video projection systems.
• Experience with technical lighting and sound programs.
• Experience in sound and light system maintenance.
• Extensive background in lighting, sound, and theatrical design.
• Proficient in Max/MSP, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
Video
Common Titles:
Digital Video Engineer
Video Editor
Video Software Engineer
Video Production Manager
Video Production Analyst
General Summary:
The Video Editor is responsible for editing various audio and video formats into a final product, adhering to client’s budget, time line and specifications.
Job Profile:
• Apply knowledge of production and post-production processes to assigned work.
• Interpret client’s vision and objectives, applying sound judgment to the selection of image frames, graphics, music, lighting, sound effects, and the manipulation of files to achieve desired results.
• Demonstrate the ability to effectively utilize and maximize the capabilities of industry-standard video rendering hardware and software.
• Demonstrate the ability to take direction from multiple sources.
• Update and maintain filing system of all video projects and elements.
• Complete dub requests on time.
Common Skills/Requirements:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Video Film Production, Graphic Design, Arts Technology, or related field.
• 3 years of video editing experience at post-production facility, ad agency, etc.
• Digital video portfolio including a video demo reel.
• Working knowledge of industry-standard video editing hardware and software platforms.
• Ability to apply andmaximize the benefits of current and future software such as Adobe After Effects, Photo shop, Illustrator, 2D, mixing boards, etc. to assigned projects.
• Ability to think conceptually, applying images, sound, and music to deliver a quality product that meets client goals and objectives.
• Ability to leverage knowledge of production and post-production processes.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients, co-workers, producers, directors, and managers.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and budgets.
• Ability to update and maintain project files and catalog elements.
• Ability to troubleshoot Macintosh and editing system platforms.
• Understanding of digital video editing systems (Final Cut Pro, DVD Studio Pro, Sony Vegas, Avid, After Effects, etc) and how video capturing software works with these systems.
• Knowledge in video production, VTR tape formats such as HDCAM, XDCAM, DVCPRO HD, DVCAM, P2, etc.
• Knowledge of “video for the web” technologies and streaming technologies such as: Real Media, and Adobe Flash, and HTML.
Graphic Design
Common Titles:
Graphic Artist
Visual Designer
Interactive Designer
Web Graphic Designer
Job Profile:
• Effectively communicate concepts in graphic design and visual means.
• Create compelling & appealing visual designs for client and marketing projects.
• Perform and multi-task under deadline pressures with shifting priorities.
• Design collateral material and products while maintaining the “look and feel” of the brand.
• Emphasize on creative, design, layout, and multimedia preparation.
• Present organized ideas and designs in a clear and concise manner.
• Effectively translate key messages and business information into high-impact visual representations.
• Routinely proofs projects to minimize errors.
• Consults with supervisor to evaluate individual project needs.
• Prepares final layout, reviews/corrects proofs and releases final artwork on schedule.
• Maintains image resource files and ensures department artwork files are complete, accurate and up to date.
Common Skills/Requirements:
• Experience with Adobe CS4 Suite, InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop required.
• Experience with Dreamweaver, Flash, Premier desired.
• 5 years experience with a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Marketing, Advertising, Fine Arts, Arts Technology, or related field.
• A highly creative and stand-out portfolio.
Educational Links
Illinois State University
College of Fine Arts
• School of Art
• School of Music
• School of Theatre
• Program in Arts Technology
…
Electric Lounge Pro School, Schaumburg
Digidesign and Waves Certified Training
Includes Certification in:
• ProTools
• Fast Track Pro
• Mixing
• Reason
…
University of Surrey, England
Arts Tech Related Programs:
• Creative Music Technology
• Film Studies
• Media Engineering
• Music
• Sound Recording
• Theatre Studies
…
University of California, San Diego
Digital Arts Center
Arts Tech Related Programs:
• Casual Game Development
• Digital Graphics & Web Design
• Video, Sound & Motion Graphics
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Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah
Arts Tech Related Programs:
• Advertising Design
• Animation
• Broadcast Design and Motion Graphics
• Cinema Studies
• Commercial Photography
• Design Management
• Digital Photography
• Documentary Photography
• Film and Television
• Graphic Design
• Illustration
• Illustration Design
• Interactive Design and Game Development
• Painting
• Performing Arts
• Photography
• Production Design
• Sequential Art
• Sound Design
• Visual Effects
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Job Resources:
Freelancer
Guru
GoToMeeting
Talent Zoo – Ad, Marketing & Media
Sologig – Freelance
Careerbuilder – Design
Monster
Inside Higher Ed
Gamasutra – Video Games
Scenta
Elance