How to become A Multimedia Specialist

Storytelling has always been challenging, but with technological advancement, avenues such as multimedia design have catapulted this art form into a new genre. Multimedia Specialists lend their expertise to integrating pictures, audio, video or text into a synergistic product, which weaves a story and invokes an emotional response in viewers, transporting them into an alternate universe!

• Multimedia Animator
• Multimedia Artist

What do Multimedia Specialists do?

A Multimedia Specialist would typically need to:

• Combine pictures, video, audio or text using computer software programs to create a storyline or visual
• Set goals and expectations and discuss briefs, project requirements and progress at meetings with clients; offer technical advice; draft and present a proposal outlining the scope of work, timelines and costs
• Develop expertise in computer-based design packages such as Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, After Effects, Dreamweaver and Animate CC, Apple Final Cut Pro X and Avid
• Use drawings, sketches, models or written instructions as a base to design the product; help clients upgrade their existing products such as a website
• Collaborate with other specialists such as writers, artists, animators, film-makers, programmers and sound engineers to create multimedia designs and incorporate their work into the final product
• Use HTML to author files into a single program or a software programmer that uses “object-oriented” programming languages, such as C++ or Java
• Test final programs for errors and amend them; produce and present finished design work to clients; obtain their final sign-off
• Observe company policy for product documentation and ensure clearance and copyright
• Guide and supervise less experienced designers in the team
• Keep up to date with multimedia technology and software development

Multimedia Specialists typically work in offices or studios with a desk, computer, drawing boards and other equipment they may require to create diverse audiovisual content.

They may sometimes travel to market their designs and meet clients.

Multimedia Specialists generally work from 9 a.m to 5 p.m and, on average, 40 hours a week. Sometimes, you may need to work extra hours on evenings, weekends or holidays to meet deadlines. Flexible working arrangements may be possible at some companies.

Adequate experience and a solid network of contacts would allow you to take up freelance work which would allow you a more flexible workday and week.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Multimedia Specialists can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, and leveraging social media. 

Multimedia Specialists are generally employed by:

• Advertising & Marketing
• Charities
• Computer Games & Entertainment Companies
• Engineering & Manufacturing Companies
• Local & Central Government Departments
• Publishing Firms
• Retailers
• Software & Multimedia Houses
• Telecommunications Firms
• IT Consultancies
• Insurance Brokers
• Educational Organisations

Professional associations and organisations are crucial for Multimedia Specialists interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Long hours sitting at a drawing board or computer; susceptibility to eye diseases due to extensive screen time
• Perseverance and patience required to do multiple revisions to make sketches suit the client’s demands perfectly
• High-pressure environment since the client’s demands and deadlines are always respected

Academic programs that a potential Multimedia Specialist takes up may require a period of supervised experience, such as an internship. Aspiring Multimedia Specialists need to build up a portfolio of work or a showreel to demonstrate commitment, expertise and experience in creating multimedia content. Relevant project work and paid or voluntary placements will foster your skills and help you build a network.

You may share some of your self-generated, coursework-related, or placement-related pieces on social media to gain more exposure and aim to get internship experience. You may also leverage social media to demonstrate your ability to produce a diversity of multimedia content, from illustrations to audiovisual content.

While not mandatory for work, aspiring Multimedia Specialists typically acquire a bachelor’s or associate degree or diploma in computer graphics, fine art, animation, interactive technology, design, business information systems, and other related fields. Such programs help students assemble a strong portfolio of work while also strengthening their technical skills, which may give them a competitive edge in the job market. 

Taking college courses in both design and technology-focused subjects, such as animation, film, photography, and computer programming will help you develop the set of skills needed to integrate text, sound and visual elements within a digital environment.

Specialised degrees in topics such as interactive media or game design are also an option to consider. Other relevant fields include music technology, illustration, digital, graphic & 3D design, digital media, web development, and software development.

Employers may accept a portfolio of experience that demonstrates your technical skills in place of a degree or diploma. Hence, it is advisable to prepare for your career by taking high school classes in computer science, art and digital designing to kickstart necessary multimedia skills.

Although not compulsory to become a Multimedia Specialist, a master’s qualification in design, computing or technology may be helpful if you hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-relevant subject. Ensure that the program offers you a balance of design and technology skill development.

Certification demonstrates a Multimedia Specialist’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination.

Certification from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market, provide feedback on multimedia work generated, increase salary potential and teach you how to respect and profit from intellectual property law and trends in the field of Multimedia designing.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Employees with solid teamwork and time-management skills may advance to supervisory positions. Multimedia Specialists with consistently high levels of performance may be eligible for leadership or directorial positions, such as an Art Director or Producer or Director.

Multimedia Specialists who focus on fine-tuning their artistic capabilities and technical know-how and acquiring the necessary experience and education have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help active Multimedia Specialists build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge.

Some employers offer the chance to their Multimedia Specialists to gain IT skills through graduate training programmes in areas such as programming or web development. As skills and knowledge requirements change quickly in multimedia, keeping up with new technological developments is essential.

Multimedia vs Web Graphics

While multimedia incorporates multiple mediums to present information, web graphics make use of a single medium of visual representations only. Furthermore, an individual who works as a multimedia artist is responsible for creating visual and animation for television, video games, movies, and other media formats. On the other hand, a web graphic designer works by creating visual concepts that will be displayed on a website.

Adobe Premiere Pro and Sensei

Premiere Pro, the foremost among several multimedia designing platforms, is a timeline-based video editing software application developed by Adobe Inc. In recent years, there has been a rise in Multimedia Specialists who prefer Adobe Premiere Pro due to the platform’s collaborative nature and intuitive tools such as the AI Adobe Sensei that smoothens workflow. 

Sensei reduces the time-consuming nature of several tasks such as editing, detecting faces and features, or even manipulating digital content, making them engaging and efficient. It allows data analysts and marketing personnel to have a comprehensive view of their customers, which can be used to develop plans that predict customer behaviour. Thus, machine learning and AI is helping Adobe Inc. speed up productivity while enhancing engagement with their customers.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Multimedia Specialists have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

A full-time Multimedia Specialist, on the other hand, has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Storm Thorgerson, a Multimedia Specialist, became a celebrity because of the artwork he created for bands like Pink Floyd and Black Sabbath.

Multimedia Specialists and their designs have made their way into every industry due to the unique blend of their technical and artistic capabilities and increasingly diverse applications of their skills. The term ‘multimedia’ connotes the ability to view the world from another’s eyes and incorporate multiple perspectives and beliefs into the created designs. In this way, Multimedia Specialists refashion a piece of the audience’s reality to connect with them and allow them to develop a greater appreciation for their lives.

Get away from the computer now and then to experience life the way it is, for it is those little hints of reality in your designs that can bring a wide range of art mediums to converge to the point of perfection.