Electronic Imaging Overview

The Electronic Imaging major , computer art, provides broad competencies in the various digital technologies involved with computer graphics production. This includes aspects of web design, multimedia design (primarily for DVD), digital illustration and photo manipulation, pre-press production, 3D modeling, animation and special effects, and a general integration with other art and design fields. While the approach is broad, students may select an area of specialization for emphasis in the final year of study in order to facilitate portfolio preparation and pre-professional development.

Technical, conceptual, and analytical skills are developed and the process of ‘learning how to learn’ is emphasized – as artists and designers in a field that changes very rapidly, students must be able to adapt to new technologies as the technology becomes available. Emergence of self-criticism and a personal style is achieved through frequent critique in both individual and group settings. By the end of the coursework, students have the ability and experience to present themselves professionally whether it is for employment, gallery representation, or application to graduate school.

In addition to the university laptop initiative which provides each student with an iBook, students are provided with industry-standard software applications in state-of-the-art facilities, including video and DVD production, web hosting, sound workstations, access to digital cameras, lighting studios, a greenscreen stage, extensive computer peripherals such as drawing tablets and scanners, and an array of printers including laser printers, large format (44 inch wide) printers, archival inkjet printers, and a Fuji Pictography
photo printer.

Electronic Imaging majors are competent computer artist who are prepared to seek employment as art directors, web designers, photo manipulation artists, administrators of small publishing houses, design team leaders, animators, special effects artists, fine artists, and educational professionals. It is our intent that majors be competitive in seeking acceptance into graduate programs or employment in professional fields. Recent graduates have been employed as web designers, computer game producers, broadcast design, animators, and magazine art directors.