Multimedia Artist

Multimedia Developers
A multimedia developer draws on the skills of the computer programmer and the visual artist to integrate graphics, text, and digital audio and video with interactivity. Multimedia is all about team working - and the ability to understand the differing needs and backgrounds of colleagues. Computer literacy - and a serious interest in the constant developments in technology give a necessary 'core' of ability for potential multimedia artists. Different jobs will all have specific requirements -- and the requirements may change as a project develops.

The nature of the job is also about variety. Final delivery of a project or artwork can be on an interactive CD-ROM or on the World Wide Web, part of a commercial or story for television or the big screen, a presentation for a few people or for millions, for commercial or educational use or for entertainment. Because the use of multimedia in all its forms is such a new and changing field, nothing is set in stone. The same job may have a very different job description in a different company... always find out what skills and experience are required by asking lots of questions! The following list should be a reasonable introduction to the prevalent job titles, and the most commonly requested skills and backgrounds:

Author/ Editor / Content Provider
Produces the text and makes it fit the appropriate space. Requires some expertise in relevant software, e.g. Director and the ability to design useable information. Many will also have programming skills and specialist knowledge of a subject area.

Animator:
Produces animation to illustrate appropriate text. Working closely with author and designer. Requires proven computer graphics skills, and animation training and experience. Many aimators work as freelance contributors to individual projects.

Designer
Creates the overall look of the product. Requires proven CAD skills and a broad knowledge ofrelevant software. Often multi-skilled, able to perform complex image manipulation, etc.

Graphic Artist / Illustrator
A creative graphic artist/illustrator who builds individual pages, using layout and design skills. Needs to be motivated to learn any new software applications with particular expertise in software such as Photoshop.

Operator
Working on behalf of many members of a team, an operator needs to be very computer literate and familiar with many software packages. Many operators come from graphics backgrounds, and provide the basic, page by page, information that makes up a multimedia product. Operators rarely see the big picture as they work on small elements of a project, which will later be combined with the work of others to produce the final piece.

Multimedia Developer
Involved in the development of an entire project, putting together text, images and sound, needs to be multi-skilled, familiar with the manipulation of text and images. Developers often work in smaller companies and need excellent team skills.

Multimedia Systems Analyst
Very logical and analytical, ability to identify and communicate needs of different team members (and the client...) recommending appropriate hardware and software solutions.

Producer / Publisher
Manages the business of the project - negotiating finance, organising staffing to meet the needs of the client. A manager with good creative skills...

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