Job Outlook
The market for Digital Media Professionals is fueled by consumer demand for more realistic video games, movie & television special effects, and 3D animated feature films. The Internet, the World Wide Web, and e-commerce continue to generate a variety of occupations related to the design, development, and maintenance of web sites. An increasing number of Graphic Designers are expected to develop material for Internet Web pages, interactive media, and multimedia projects. Graphic Designers with web site design and animation experience will especially be needed as demand increases for interactive media projects - web sites, video games, cellular phones, PDAs, and other technology. Over the next decade, employment of Multi-media Artists and Animators is expected to increase by 26%, Web Specialists by 15%, and Graphic Designers by 10%.* A good portfolio of work combined with digital media training, skills, and experience are often the deciding factors for employers when hiring Digital Media Professionals.

Earning Potential
Salaries for Digital Media Professionals vary widely, depending upon the experience of the employee, type of employer/industry, and geographic location. In 2007, Multi-media Artists and Animators earned an average of $61,010 nationally and $53,170 in Illinois; Graphic Designers earned an average of $45,340 nationally and $47,510 in Illinois; and Computer (web) Specialists earned an average of $72,310 nationally and $72,890 in Illinois.*

Academic/Career Advancement
Experienced Digital Media Professionals with successful portfolios may advance to management, director, producer, analyst, or engineering positions in their respective industries. Parkland also offers transfer agreements with DePaul University and Eastern Illinois University (EIU) . Digital Media students can transfer their A.A.S. toward a B.S. in Computer Graphics and Motion Technology (DePaul), a B.A. in Animation (DePaul), or a B.S. in Career and Organizational Studies (EIU).