Digital Media

The Digital Media area offers state-of-the-art computer imaging, artistic exploration, communication through storytelling, and knowledge visualization, which are skills often sought by prospective employers. Students learn techniques for image quality, artistic development for concepts, 3D printing, animation, video production, digital illustration, scientific illustration, and technical illustration, along with storyboarding, storyline development, storytelling techniques, character development, visual music, and graphic arts. The program combines hands-on experience in integrating various computer-based technologies and exploring options to merge some traditional work. Students are exposed to various types and structures offered by technologies, after which they focus on areas of their choice, ranging from graphical display, information visualization, and infographics to time based media, web and programming to video production. Students may explore connections between digital and traditional techniques for better communication and personal satisfaction.

Creative work is combined with practical and theoretical criticism as well as artistic and aesthetic issues, which enhances creative, cognitive, and abstract thinking. Students explore options in interdisciplinary learning and also focus on their areas of interests. Creativity and development of a personal state-of-the-art portfolio is emphasized. Team work, collaboration, and individual development is practiced for better job preparation.

Students are encouraged to apply for competitions and opportunities, such as Student Volunteer and Team Leader positions at the International Conference of Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques (ACM SIGGRAPH). A minimum of four classes is required for this area of concentration, including Digital Illustration, Storytelling, and various classes in Advanced Topics in Digital Media.

Digital Media at UNC

Water

A. Bianchi

Character

Moises Gomez

Water

Ben Mooney

Water Cycle

Sam Daily

Water

Corwin Bell

Digital Media Student Work

In Digital Media courses, students explore 3D printing, animation, video production, digital illustration, storyboarding, and more.

Professional Development Opportunities

Students are encouraged to apply for programs organized by the ACM SIGGRAPH, an International Conference on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques. UNC students have placed multiple times in the annual juried computer graphics competition.

Digital Media student Nick Carlson wins second place in international Computer Graphics competition. See Nick's work.