Veronica WintersEmerging Media Management Student

University of Central Florida

Visual Arts and Emerging Media Management

Objective

The purpose of this presentation is to inform those interested in the Visual Arts and Emerging Media Management Track at UCF. This presentation intends to describe: the major, course content, and potential opportunities in employment.

I am an Emerging Media Management major at UCF. When I first began choosing a major, I found it was difficult to receive a direct explanation for the major. I feel I could’ve gotten more out of my classes initially had I been provided a morein-depth description from the beginning.

Motive

Emerging Media Today

Emerging Media can be defined as communication—of all types. In emerging media today, this communication is based on digital technologies, with an increasing emphasis on interactive components.

A clear definition of “emerging media” is a key component to understanding what this major is all about.

“Emerging Media,” or digital media, can sometimes involve intimidating abstract terminology. However, in this day and age, we are often more familiar with digital media than we realize.

Digital media is all around us, and most of us use it every single day. Obvious examples include social media, such as Facebook or Instagram. Other examples are blogs, YouTube, and even UCF’s WebCourses. The idea is to inform, entertain, connect, and increase interaction.

So, what is this major all about?Try separating the title like this:

Visual Arts Emerging Media Management

With the awareness of a digital media world in mind, those in this major will be able to manage the artistic application of aesthetics to different forms of media. This major marries visual arts, emerging media, and business management. When separating the title like this, it is easier to see their relationship to one another.

Course ContentThose in this major will receive an education in the following topics:

Studio Art

Digital Media

Web Design

Art History

Business Management

Converging Media

Studio Art CoursesStudio art classes will develop drawing skills as well as other design skills. Required classes include Drawing I and Drawing II, as well as 2D and 3D design class. Any 2000-3000 level studio art class of your choice is required in addition.

Digital media classes vary, but often include education in graphic design, such as Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop. Additional web design classes are available, as well as history of animation and video games courses.

Digital Media Courses

Web Design CoursesWhile web design is not a major focus of the emerging media management track, there are courses available to take that may be advantageous. Classes in Adobe Dreamweaver as well as other Digital Media classes can provide a basic understanding of web design.

Art History CoursesArt history classes expose students to the timeline of art development. From the earliest cave paintings to art in the 21st century, art history can give students a greater sense of art appreciation.

This major is unique compared to other art majors in that it does involve an education in business management. Entrepreneurship classes are available as well as Art Administration classes. Business management is an excellent addition for those seeking commercial applications of art, or museum and gallery practices.

Business Management Courses

Converging Media CapstoneThe Converging Media Capstone class is required for this major and is only available during the Spring semester. This course pulls together all the previous courses taken. It is the convergence of studio arts, digital media, graphic design, web design, and business management—all used in a real life situation, with real clients requesting your expertise. It is an opportunity to work in a group of other students from the same major, and it is a more accurate preview of a possible future career in emerging media.

Future Careers?

Those graduating with a degree in Visual Arts an Emerging Media Management can go on to a variety of different careers. The benefit of this major is that it does give students an understanding in an array of topics that are useful in a digital media world.

Those interested in a future career in an art department, those interested in artistic collaboration, and those interested in emerging media project management should all strongly consider this major. Careers available after this major will involve: visual arts, emerging media, and business management.