Multimedia Design Job Description
Multimedia designers integrate audio, animation, graphics and video into presentation for CDs, DVDs, television programs and websites. They work for advertising agencies, television stations, Web development companies and other media companies that develop multimedia presentations. Multimedia presentations are often created to educate or entertain, and a multimedia designer must be able to produce a cohesive look and theme to achieve these goals.
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Responsibilities
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As part of the multimedia design process, designers meet with clients, develops project strategy, works on the project with the development team, tests the presentation and presents it to the clients. They then implement the presentation, including setting up any specialty equipment needed for the project (such as cameras and video displays). Depending on the industry they work in, multimedia designers may create advertising, educational software, interactive websites, television programming or video games. They may also be involved in developing the marketing materials for their projects.
Skills
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Multimedia designers must be familiar with current computer programming languages (including C++, HTML and Java), hardware (both Macintosh and Microsoft products) and software (including Adobe Director, Adobe Dreamweaver, Adobe Flash, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Apple Final Cut Pro, PowerPoint and Avid). They should be able to multitask, with the ability to meet multiple deadlines for a number of projects simultaneously. Multimedia designers must have a team-oriented attitude, with excellent interpersonal communication skills. They should be creative, analytical thinkers who can tell a story using all the tools currently available in the industry.
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Education and Experience
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Most entry-level multimedia design jobs require a bachelor's degree in graphic design. An associate's degree or design certificate often qualifies candidates for assistant or technical positions, which could eventually lead to more creative positions. Coursework should cover art history, computer design, computer languages, design principles, graphic production and Web design. Additional courses in business, marketing and psychology enhance job prospects. Multimedia designers need a portfolio that proves their creative and technical skills. Many employers require one to three years of experience, which can be gained through college internships.
Salary
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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), graphic designers (including multimedia designers) earned an average annual salary of $42,400 as of May 2008. Freelance designers garnered more money, on average, than traditional corporate workers. Total salary will depend on education level, experience, expertise, employee size, location and responsibilities.
Job Outlook
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The BLS predicts available positions for graphic designers will grow by 13 percent from 2008 to 2018, which is about as fast as average for all occupations. Multimedia designers with experience in Web design, mobile technology design and other interactive media will experience the most demand. Competition will be intense for the available jobs because design careers attract a large number of talented designers who must compete for a limited number of positions.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit atmospheric reflections in a discarded computer monitor image by Steve Johnson from Fotolia.com
