Media Arts

Media Arts is the study of human communication through film, photography, video, audio, computer/digital arts, and interactive media that is created through use of new media and technology. Television commercials, billboard advertisements and company brochures are all forms of media art. Media art careers integrate graphics and text to effectively convey an idea. Often these ideas come in various mediums such as television, newspapers or internet articles. 

What is Media Arts?

Media art involves creating representations of the world and telling stories through communications technologies. In technology, media arts is most commonly found in the form of television, film, video, newspaper, radio, video games, and mobile media. In media art, students create visual representations that communicate, challenge and express their own and others’ ideas, as both artist and audience. Media art has the capacity to engage, inspire and enrich the lives of students, encouraging them to develop their creative and intellectual potential.

 

Connect with an AIM Tech Navigator for career exploration resources

Connect Now

Example Careers

Animator

Education Requirements
Associate's or bachelor's degree

Average Salary
$62K


Animators use computers and other techniques to create moving images that tell stories or provide information. They work with clients and production team members to establish project goals, create storyboards, and design and refine animations. Animators use software and other techniques to produce animations, as well as collaborate with clients and production teams to understand needs, review scripts, design storyboards, and create and edit animations. An animator's education typically involves a bachelor's degree in computer animation, fine art, or graphic arts.

Sound Designer

Education Requirements
Associate's and Bachelor's degree

Average Salary
$58K


A sound designer is responsible for an audience's audio journey through a production. The sound designer works with the director and the rest of the creative team to make decisions about what an audience hears when they watch a piece of theatre. They are also responsible for setting up the sound playback equipment and must make sure the board operator is properly trained. Most sound designers earn a bachelor's degree in audio engineering, sonic arts, or a related field. Although this is an entry-level position, it's not an easy one to get, and requires an impressive portfolio.

Video Editor

Education Requirements
Associate's and bachelor's degree

Average Salary
$47K


As a video editor, you'll manage material such as camera footage, dialogue, sound effects, graphics and special effects to produce a final film or video product. A video editor is tasked with taking the raw footage shot by a film crew and director and turning it into the final product. This means following an outline, script or shot list and assembling the footage into one cohesive video or film. This is a key role in the post-production process and your skills can determine the quality and delivery of the finished result. most film and video editors have a bachelor's degree in a field related to film or broadcasting, such as communications. Many colleges offer courses in cinematography or video-editing software.

Film Producer

Education Requirements
Bachelor's degree and 1-5 years experience

Average Salary
$70K


A film producer is a person who oversees film production. Either employed by a production company or working independently, producers plan and coordinate various aspects of film production, such as selecting the script; coordinating writing, directing, editing; and arranging financing. Film producers should have a bachelor's degree in film, acting, journalism, communication or another related field. 1-5 years or industry experience is common and internships are available.

Illustrator

Education Requirements
Associate's and bachelor's degree in illustration

Average Salary
$57K


Illustrators are artists that use their creative skills to create original images for a range of printed and digital products. They work closely with clients and the marketing team to turn ideas and printed media into inspiring illustrations. Careers in illustration are competitive, and many employers expect experience, talent, and education. Earning a bachelor's degree in illustration prepares future professionals in these areas.

Experience (UX) Designer

Education Requirements
Associate's or bachelor's degree and experience

Average Salary
$85K


The UX designer cerates satisfying or compelling experience for users of a product, often drawing on results from user research and workflow analysis. UX designers collaborate with designers and developers to create intuitive, user-friendly software. Generally UX designers need to possess strong creative, technical and problem solving skills. They are typically required to have a bachelor's degree in visual design, communications, computer science or psychology. Previous design experience is often required.

Set Designer

Education Requirements
Bachelor's degree

Average Salary
$59K


Set designers are involved in all aspects of "creating the scene," from stage construction to costume creation to the use of props. They research, design, and supervise construction of the visual aids required in stage, film, and television productions. Set designers have above average artistic ability. A bachelor's degree in set design, scenic design, or theater is sufficient to enter this field.

Career salary data provided by: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook handbook and O*NET OnLine.

If media art is not your thing, there are more areas of tech!

Learn More