What Can You Do With a Digital Arts Degree?

A designer working at his desk with a laptop

If you are looking for a job at the intersection between technology and art, then earning a digital arts degree is a great first step. There are many different fields that fall under the digital arts including animation, game design and web development.

In a digital arts degree program you will be exposed to different methods of digital design, learning how to meld technology and creativity so that your innovation can take flight. You will learn about design, production and interactive media, with most digital arts degree programs including some foundational courses in art. Then you will dive into specialized coursework in the technological programs needed to create digital art, animation, web design and modeling.

Many potential career paths open up to graduates that have complete a digital arts degree program. Depending on what you specialize in and the types of classes you took, you can pursue several challenging and engaging careers. Here is a look into five different options that digital arts graduates may wish to pursue.

1. Character Animator

A character animator translates character traits and characteristics on screen. They use technical drawings and animation to develop how specific characters move and behave, whether for video games, movies, television or another form of media. The job requires proficiency in both arts and technology since the animator must work with computer software such as Flash Professional and LightWave. As the world of visual effects continues to grow, more and more character animators will be sought out, so graduates that possess top-tier communication, time management and computer skills could find fun and challenging work in this field.

2. Motion Graphics Designer

Motion graphics designers create artwork for the web, television and film. They may create movie clips and trailers or commercials and title sequences. They use animation and other techniques to bring still graphics to life. Employers are always on the lookout for fresh new perspectives in creative and technological fields such as this, so a strong resume and portfolio are necessary for interested applicants.

3. Visual Effects Supervisor

A visual effects supervisor is a truly creative and technical role. People in these positions determine whether or not certain effects can be created on-screen. They have to evaluate and bring to fruition the specifics of the graphic design and the live-action sequences that have been planned by directors and producers. A visual effects supervisor goes through a script and breaks it down shot by shot to ensure that each shot can not only be realistically achieved, but done so effectively and efficiently.

4. Lighting Director

Lighting directors design the lighting for theatrical sets. They are in charge of working with the directors and producers to finalize plans, budgets and cues, in addition to determining what types of lights will be needed throughout a production. Employees in this field will need a firm grasp of the machinery involved in lighting stage and film, in addition to strong organizational skills and the ability to collaborate well with others.

5. 3D Modeler

Within this field, there are both character and environmental modelers who work on digital projects. They use the skills gained through their digital design program to create and modify characters or settings for film, video games and simulations. They must understand how their subject will look in 3D and be able to recreate it on a computer screen. While most modelers work in motion picture and video, some find careers in the scientific or advertising industries.

If any of these careers seem like a good fit for you, then consider a digital arts degree from Grand Canyon University’s College of Fine Arts and Production. With this education in the digital arts you will be ready to pursue the career of your dreams. Click on the Request Information button on this page to get started.


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