Multimedia designers create programs and applications such as websites,
DVDs, CD-ROMs and games for the Internet. They can also work in print design
and publishing.
As their job title suggests, they work in a variety of different areas
of media. A good multimedia designer needs to be artistic, be able to design,
and have some technical know-how, because there can be a lot of computer work
involved.
Multimedia products can combine graphics, sound, text, animation, still
images and digital video into one package. A multimedia designer is someone
who works in the multimedia industry, usually specializing in one or two of
these areas.
The duties of a multimedia designer can vary widely. A designer may do
everything from brainstorming ideas to developing graphics to writing computer
code.
"When I hire someone, I look for a broad, well-rounded educational background,
because you never know what area you're going to be dealing in," says David
Schulman. He's a multimedia designer.
Neil Cooke-Dallin is a designer who works in multimedia. He agrees that
this is a broad field.
"With the trends in computing and the Internet, it covers more and more
every day," says Cooke-Dallin when asked what exactly a multimedia designer
does. "It is increasingly important to have a base level of skills in areas
such as print design (posters, letterhead, business cards), publishing (page
layout, brochures), web design (HTML, possibly PHP and other scripting languages),
interactive or rich media applications (Flash), typography, photography, and
illustration."
A multimedia project can involve a lot of people. Sometimes you'll be working
alone, from home. Sometimes you'll be in an office, working with other people.
"At its best, multimedia draws on a lot of different areas, so teamwork
is important," says Schulman. "Your interpersonal skills have to be good."
While some multimedia specialists work for major companies on a permanent
basis, most work on a contract basis. They take on contracts, or projects.
Many designers have their own companies and work with a team of other multimedia
designers.
"Designers can work for companies like Disney, but most work as a stand-[alone]
person from their homes," says Ron Rogers. He's the managing director of a
multimedia recruiting firm. "Most everyone does contract work."
Web page design is a big part of multimedia designers' work these days.
You'll need to be Internet-savvy if you plan on entering this career!
Most of the work is done at a desk. There aren't very many physical demands,
other than the physical stress that can come with spending most of the day
sitting.
Most multimedia designers work a 40-hour week. This may vary, however,
if they're working on a big project. Many designers who own their own companies
work longer hours because they have to take on more responsibility in marketing,
sales and administration.