BOUNDLESS DESIGN:
CUTTING-EDGE CAREERS START WITH DIMA DIMA programs blend technical skill with artistic vision for robust, cutting-edge career opportunities
T
he “struggling artist” label is far less applicable to creatives who are displaying their work in digital formats. From the architects of the Metaverse to designers growing the most widely recognizable consumer brands, the digital arts now claim a greater role in the creative experience.
From using augmented reality to visualize your living room with the couch you are considering purchasing to using your cellphone to experience three-dimensional art in a virtual gallery, layers of technical processes make those animations execute correctly in their digital environment. Artistry is also at work to bring those experiences to life with attention to style. The Metropolitan Community College Digital Interactivity and Media Arts (DIMA) program not only teaches students how to build these skills, but also to develop strong project portfolios that are key to landing jobs after graduating. Design is the College’s largest DIMA concentration, while 3D Animation and Games is rapidly increasing its enrollment. The strength of the job market for both concentrations is driven by global consumers’ expectations to interact with products and services in a range of digital formats, said Ian Snyder, an MCC DIMA instructor and experienced game developer. “Even before the pandemic, but especially since, the game industry has been booming. More companies are seeing that there’s a lot of benefit to having a strong digital presence,”
6 • community • mccneb.edu
said Snyder, a co-founder of two indie game studios. “Even with a relatively simple app, you’re going to reach a lot more people having one, and augmented reality is going to continue to keep growing.” Snyder said a major benefit of the DIMA program is that once students develop the foundational skills, there are a vast variety of ways to apply these skills. For example, Snyder teaches a course on the Unity® game engine, a platform used to develop 2D and 3D computer games and simulations. It could be used to build a video game for children or to create architectural modeling objects. “We help our students figure out what they want to focus their creativity on, and as soon as possible, we work on helping students build their portfolios,” Snyder said. “As instructors, we provide direct mentorship because of how quickly things change in the industry, and I think that’s what is appealing about these careers—they are on the cutting edge.”
Four DIMA alums and current students shared their perspective on career opportunities in the digital arts and how they are thriving in their own right:
