Employ-ability Check-list

Overview

This list was compiled by a survey of over 40 employers in the media arts industry. It is their recommendation for success in all employment types.

Professional Opportunities for DM Grads

(in the West Michigan Area (in order of quantity):

1. Interactive Visual Design
2. Basic Interactive Coding - 3 or more coding languages
3. Print Graphic Design
4. Concept and Design - advertising & social media
5. Writing - advertising & social media
6. Video Production - Lighting+Shooting+Editing - info-graphics, events, broadcast & advertising
7. Motion Graphics Design 2D+3D - info-graphics & advertising
8. Digital Illustration - editorial, advertising, informational & retail
9. 3D Modeling and Animation - simulation
10. 3D Modeling and Animation for - entertainment
11. Digital Illustration - storyboarding, concept, character, environment design - entertainment
12. Sound Design
13. Comic/Graphic Novel Art
14. Film Making - Narrative or experimental Shorts and Features

Note

• The more of these you can check off (legitimately) the higher your odds of finding entry-level opportunities in places like Grand Rapids.
• The list above does not include on-line opportunities for artists and designers.
• Grand Rapids is a typical mid-size market. For a high quantity of opportunities in markets like Film Making, 3D Modeling & Animation for Entertainment... you need to live in cities like LA or NY or perform contract work remotely. Obtaining an in-house job in those markets from Grand Rapids is rare as they typically do not hire non-residents.