Kendall Digital Media Blog

Author: Bill Fischer,  professor of Digital Media, Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University. Image: Kendall Digital Media student Steve Heneveld: still-frame from a short film.  Jobs In Digital Media  New artists and designers must balance the breadth and depth of their skills. Small studios value the creatives that can wear two, three or more hats well, where large studios can afford to have specialists with a deep tool box in a single area. Most studios that lie geographically between the East and West coasts fall into the small to mid-size category and are not usually focused in entertainment arts. If a young creative wants to work in the entertainment industry, moving to the one of the coasts should be on their to-do lists. Although there are some artists and designers serving that industry on a freelance basis from outside of those centers. Also, advertising, education, training and information media is become more entertainment-based

Author: Bill Fischer professor of Digital Media, Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University. Image: Kendall Digital Media student: Sarah Fifarek (screen capture from a stop-motion animation)  Types of Employment   When choosing a Digital Media profession, it's important to consider the types of employment that are available. For instance, if a person would like a steady job, Illustration may not be the best choice, because it is typically a freelance profession. However, adding graphic/interactive design or animation skills can help one find work in game and advertising studios. They can hire full time artists and designers as they tend to have steady project backlogs. Video, Motion Graphics and Interactive designers have the most opportunities in today's marketplace. However, in all types, it's not unusual for a new professional to work freelance for a year or two, gaining professional experience and building a professional portfolio, prio

Author: Bill Fischer professor of Digital Media, Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University.  Digital Media Arts Colleges in Michigan  In this post I'm going to focus on 4 year, bachelor degree granting, programs.   This is the sweet spot for those wishing to pursue a career in the Digital Media Arts. In the current job market, most employers will list this as a minimum degree requirement. A Masters degree will not necessarily move a candidates resume above any others, unless it is a teaching position. Once a candidate has made it through an initial round of resume checking, the portfolio becomes the focus. And, I'll have more on that in another post.  Take Aways:  When looking for a 4 year Digital Media Arts program, keep in mind the following: • "Cost of education" includes all expenses including fees and housing. This is a better measure than looking at tuition alone. Every college is required to provide you with a "co