The job of a multimedia designer is in demand these days, and has become a viable career option. This article will help you know more about this career.
Multimedia designers are professionals who are responsible for the creation of high quality websites, products like CD’s, DVD’s, special effects in video games and corporate logos. The best part of this job is that it requires high level of creativity and practical knowledge, and the one having these qualities has unlimited scope for growth and career advancement. Openings for multimedia designers and their salaries are growing at a fast rate according to the experts in the industry.
Job Description
Multimedia designers are professionals who can work on multiple projects such as preparation of education-related software, website designing or even video game development. They are required to work with different types of clients and hence it becomes imperative for them to interact with them personally and understand their requirements thoroughly.
The actual process of designing starts after this and for completing it successfully, multimedia designers are required to work with the following professionals:
- Animation experts
- Programming professionals
- Sound engineers
- Writers
Multimedia designers create videos and computer based layouts for their clients and provide good technical support or assistance to the clients. A lot of technical aspects are involved when audio or video projects are prepared for customers. They are known to co-ordinate live video projects which in itself is a big responsibility. They use their expertise in technology to deliver quality outputs. Their expertise in the creation of products like CD- ROMs and DVD’s, which are very useful in mass education and entertainment is unmatchable. Their job typically requires them to work in the product development department.
Some designers specialize in the preparation and delivery of print training manuals and logos for corporates. The chief multimedia designing team leader shoulders the important responsibility of distributing work among his team members and checking it for errors, also with guiding them well. Generally, professionals in this field find jobs in television stations, ad agencies and web development organizations. Having said this, most of them are seen working in the web development sector.
Role of Multimedia Designers in Web Development Companies
Designing and creating web-based layouts and animation are the chief responsibilities of multimedia designers in the web development industry. Though website development is a major duty of these professionals, they have to undertake tasks like website maintenance and website administration on a daily basis.
As we all know, websites can have technical problems and hence providing effective trouble shooting services is a necessary function of the web designers. They are also experts in graphical user interface creation. Also, implementation of display technologies and working with employees in the technical documentation, customer relations, public relations and communication design are a part of their daily job.
Multimedia designers make a website more attractive by doing the animation work using their creativity to the fullest. Also, the special effects created by these designers are instant eye catchers and can greatly contribute to increasing the popularity of a website. In this modern age of Internet technology, they have a very important role to play.
Most multimedia designers have excellent people management and interpersonal skills. A positive attitude coupled with team leading skills is a must to complete targets on time.
Educational Requirements and Skills
For a successful career in this field, you need to have a background in subjects such as computer programming or animation. You should love technology and its applications and be a fast learner to provide great solutions to customers in the set deadlines.
Knowledge of the following software are considered desirable for multimedia designers:
- Sound programming language application (C, C++, JAVA)
- Flash 3D Animator
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Dreamweaver
- Adobe Flash
- PowerPoint
You will certainly be able to add a lot of weight to your resume by learning the above-mentioned skills.
The average salary of multimedia designers can be around $60,000 in top-notch companies. Highly experienced designers get more than $70,000. On the other hand, new entrants in the field can expect anything between $40,000 to $50,000 per year. The job is interesting and this can be a long-term career for tech savvy graduates and postgraduates. So give it a serious try to do well. All the best!