Alternative titles: Multimedia Programmer, Graphic / Digital / Conceptual Designer, Producer, Creative Director, Animator, Illustrator
Without multimedia designers an interface would not hold your attention for long. A world without colour, sound and movement could prove to be rather bland...
A Multimedia Programmer gives a multimedia product its functionality by creating both the design and code to enable interactivity and produce the overall look, feel, layout and interface of the design.
This can manifest in the creation of websites / email marketing campaigns / videos / Flash banners or movies – basically any interactive digital creation that draws together multimedia features such as typography, sound, graphics, digital photography, 2D/3D modelling, animation and video, desktop publishing and graphic design.
The term multimedia is used interchangeably with other terms such as new media, interactive media, digital media, and online/internet services.
General skills and aptitude
- Programmers may come from a design or computing background, but the role demands a combination of both creative and technical skills.
- A degree or course in multimedia design, new media or graphic design is preferred, but isn't strictly necessary.
- Practical experience and a good portfolio are essential.
- Solid knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite software packages: (i.e. Photoshop; Illustrator; Flash Animation and ActionScript coding; InDesign / Quark Xpress; Dreamweaver or another Web Authoring Package etc.)
- The ability to conceptually interpret a brief.
- Creativity is essential. An eye for design and knowledge of programming can provide the key to success!
Average starting salary: £24,000