Knowing Graphics is Key

When most think of communication, the usual thoughts go to the skills of audio, video, and writing, never graphic design. This past week I learned that knowing graphics are a prime key to being a multimedia journalist. This indication became clearer than ever this week when I was given the opportunity to visit a professional production house in Baltimore, MD. I personally talked to each individual in every different production room asking the question what they thought the biggest change is in video production. The answer... it has become extremely based on knowing computer skills, graphics, and creating a 3D reality. My follow up question was having a graphic design background important. Surprisingly, the answer was in today's industry, knowing graphic design actually gives you a heads up in the industry. It is felt that if you are familiar with graphic design programs you have a good eye. The experts say that it is easier to teach video equipment and harder to implement how to do graphics. I for one learned from this experience to take advantage of all of the opportunities while still at college. Do not shelter the mind thinking communication is simply in one field. In order to become multimedia, one must be willing to learn and become an expert in anything that comes their way.

The Realization of Multimedia

Over this weekend, I was given the opportunity to travel down to Wilson, North Carolina for the Biannual Society of Collegiate Journalists Convention. During the trip I was lucky enough to be able to meet the multimedia and new media director of The Wilson Daily Times. In meeting him, I realized this is the exact career path I would like to travel, new media journalism. Today, new media journalism is just starting to get off the grounds. It is becoming more vital than ever to become a triple threat in journalism. Having the background and skills not only in writing, but also in video and audio has become more important than ever. I being the over-achiever that I am, am willing to do whatever it takes to become the best new media journalist already holding the skills in video, audio, and writing. My visit to the Wilson Daily Times made me realize just how bad I want it. The realization of multimedia is all around. It has become strong and I am now on the search to land the perfect multimedia internship throughout this upcoming year.