Is Digital Media Your Future?

We Are All Connected

Throughout time people have become more and more connected in various ways. The biggest one that exists now is through the internet. We can see, talk, and interact with people from around the world that we would have never been able to in the past, and better yet we don’t even have to leave the house to do so. It is now easier than ever to connect or reconnect with people in your life and because of that, the world we live in is constantly changing. Businesses are marketing their products online and creating a presence for their brand on the internet. With the use of Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter there is nowhere people can hide from companies promoting their agenda. As well as large businesses using media platforms to promote their product, there has never been a better time for small businesses to hop on the train and get the momentum that they need.

Social media is accessible to anyone with a smartphone or computer and there is no better time to start something new than in the present. If you want to make a career out of marketing digital images, videos, and other kinds of mixed media then you will need to know a wide assortment of things. The University of Houston teaches everything from coding, graphic design, learning the proper way to use stock photos, creating campaigns, and how to create a strong brand identity. 

What is digital media? 

Digital media is a broad term that includes all different types of media and the processes that go into it. It is not only the cool graphics that you see online and the nice videos that people and companies post to their feeds. Digital Media is not one thing but a combination of many things including design, communication, technology, and education just to name a few. Not only does it bring together all of these elements but it conveys a specific message that a brand, company, or person is trying to tell. Under the digital media degree, there are five different concentrations to choose from. Production Graphics, eCommerce, eMedia, Motion Media, and Simulation and Gaming. Each of these different plans has a lot to offer a student who is considering digital media and its various forms. 

Production Graphics

What is Production Graphics you might ask? Well, I’m glad you asked! It is the work that goes into the images you see that promote a product, and what is on the packaging. With a concentration in Production Graphics, you will be able to work closely on the design and product packaging of an item and create all the printed materials that will go with an item.

eCommerce

eCommerce is an important part of the marketing system of a product. It is a job that has increased tremendously over the years and our program plans to prepare students for all the future has to offer them. eCommerce is essentially retail through an online market (eTail if you will). 

eMedia

Another side of Digital Media that is often overlooked is eMedia. It is the distribution of products throughout the internet. Students learn how to develop and maintain websites; plan and create electronic publishing pieces for e-readers, tablets, emails, and the Internet. This also includes creating communication materials that belong to promotions. 

Motion Media

Motion Media helps prepare students to produce camera-captured and animated video content for public relations, marketing, narrative, and education. This track gives you the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed as an employee or entrepreneur in this fast-evolving world. 

Simulation and Gaming

If you love to play video games and have always wondered what goes into making a game, then Simulation and Gaming (also known as Gaming and Mobile app Design) may be the perfect concentration for you! This field of work has taken off tremendously in recent years, and some studies suggest that the gaming industry is starting to make even more money than the film industry. This track helps to guide and teach students the principals of game design, programming languages and how to develop content for simulation, games and mobile apps for business, consumer markets, and education. With the creation of new technology, they will also be learning about Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality.  

Sum it up

In conclusion, there are many different forms that digital media takes on and it is up to you to decide which one will be the right fit. Learning all the different aspects that go into Digital Media as well as choosing a part that speaks to you is something that will help you for the rest of your life. At The University of Houston, there is a lot that you can expect to gain from a degree here. Professors that are committed to excellence, state of the art technology, and of course Cougar Pride!