Almost all game designs start with the basics: drawing on paper. This background design is for the interactive game, Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee. © Oddworld Inhabitants. All Rights Reserved.

Before I help you get a job in multimedia, let's first define what this monster is. Multimedia is the combination of more than one medium, such as text, graphics, sound, animation and video, in a digital format. Digital formats include game platforms, CD-ROMs, online systems (which include the web and Internet), interactive television and kiosks.

Content must be created for a wide variety of applications including reference, children's products (storybooks, learning and productivity products), games, location-based entertainment, virtual reality,* digital periodicals (such as Animation World), special interest including museums, erotica, music, performance, education, business, training, presentations, and marketing and sales. Every industry is affected by the technologies and techniques of multimedia including non-profits and government agencies.

Opportunities are everywhere for the artist wanting to work in the field of multimedia. The development of technology and increased memory in game platforms and CD-ROMs, as well as the explosion of the Internet, has created new opportunities for artists because the capacity for graphics is much larger. The Internet, a relatively new medium for artists, is a vast network of computers developed by military and educational institutions. The development of the graphic interfaces and web browsers has made the Internet much more popular among the general public.

You don't have to move to a major metropolitan area to find work. To find out more about multimedia in your area, contact your local library, universities, computer companies and design studios. Or look for a local chapter of the International Interactive Communications Society (IICS), other professional organizations such as SIGGRAPH or Women in Animation. (Phone numbers follow this article to help you)

How Do I Start?
One of the ways to get into multimedia is to develop your own web site and list it on your resumé. First, however, be sure that you follow the five steps in web design which are: Planning, Designing, Building, Refining, and Evolving (make sure you keep it up to date, with your best work). You could also develop a multimedia title or an interactive portfolio on your own, but these may be more involved.

Another way to get in, is to develop multimedia products as part of your current job. Perhaps your company needs a web site or an interactive marketing piece?

A third way is to get a job at a multimedia company. Research the market, so you know what type of company you want to pursue and which company in particular. Working as an assistant or intern on a project can get your foot in the door and a credit on your resumé. Working as a digital artist at a nominal wage can give you the required experience you need for the next job.

Since there are so many directions to take in multimedia, you need to make a plan. Your plan should include identifying the type of work you are suited for, positioning and marketing yourself, finding opportunities, approaching companies, qualifying companies and accepting the job.