In this post, I will be giving my perspective on how we can use or produce Caribbean content using Digital Media and also describing the possibilities for growth within the region.
Digital art or “new media art” is the broad term which can relate to any art form, visual, performance, music or otherwise, created digitally. Digital art is an artistic work or practice that uses digital technology as an essential part of the creative or presentation process. Since the 1970s, various names have been used to describe the process including computer art and multimedia art, and digital art is itself placed under the larger umbrella term new media art.
After some initial resistance, the impact of digital technology has transformed activities such as painting, drawing, sculpture and music/ sound art, while new forms, such as net art, digital installation art, and virtual reality, have become recognized artistic practices. More generally the term digital artist is used to describe an artist who makes use of digital technologies in the production of art. In an expanded sense, “digital art” is a term applied to contemporary art that uses the methods of mass production or digital media.
These digital media platforms, such as PhotoShop, Adobe Illustrator and other digital tools for photo editing and illustration are used as a means of revolutionizing the art world and creating new waves of art theory. The creation of art using digital platforms and media has redefined art as we know it. Art is no longer traditionally based where an individual simply picks up a pen or brush and applies it to paper; it has surpassed the traditional levels. Digital art can be opined to have a greater impact on the global scene as it is easier shared across digital platforms and can be accessed online via the internet at any space, time or for different purposes. Digital art, unlike traditional art can be used more freely without requiring the immediate or direct permission of the author, and while there can be negative sides to this, it is easier and more transformative to access digital art. The art is protected by copyright laws but any user can access the art piece appropriately and responsibly for effective use. Digital art can be created by any individual with access to a computer and Adobe Illustration or Graphic software.
According to the Caribbean Examinations Council (2011), “In the Caribbean, knowledge and information are increasingly communicated through digital images and electronic media. The creation and manipulation of digital media serves to disseminate this information and build bridges to the evolving national, regional and international society in the digital era. Digital Media competencies are therefore of great relevance and practical value. By increasing the cadre of digital media practitioners, such as content creators, animators, web developers, graphic artists and mobile app developers, the region secures the skillsets and knowledge base that are essential to building and sustaining the digital economy in the Caribbean. Digital Media enables us to acquire a variety of experiences and skills in the areas of digital media conceptualization, design and development. It also fosters interest and enjoyment in the practical application, production and consumption of digital media and seeks to develop informed citizens, competent practitioners and raise the standard of digital media production among students and across industry.”
We live in a world increasingly dominated by digital content. Television broadcasts are giving way to online videos. The publishing industry is being redefined by electronic books and websites. Mobile apps have transformed how people interact with their phones. The media, entertainment and creative arts industries have been totally revolutionised by the Internet, digital music, photography, videos, graphics and animation. The global public’s appetite for digital content seems insatiable.
This technological age will also push the Caribbean to maintain high levels of computer literacy and training for people so that they will not get left behind because of a lack of knowledge of technology and technological problem solving. I believe some parts of the Caribbean, is still lacking improper technology and the use of it. For example, whenever I watch television here in Jamaica on TVJ or CVM, it tends to always look as if their programs are homemade, while on the other hand, television in the United States gives you such a fresh and professional feeling. Through graphic design, we can produce more creative art so that outsiders will be more intrigued to take part in our culture. Teaching and training our youth on how to operate certain programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign can help to create more professional and appealing designs such as flyers and logos, etc., or how to use Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro to create sophisticated and high level video editing so that our live commercials and TV shows can look more professional.
Opportunities for digital artists and the room available for creative opportunity in the Caribbean are Anieph Latchman and Marlo Scott, animator and illustrator of “Cabbie Chronicles”. The animation series has created and generated a buzz that is quite unique in the entertainment world. They digitally created illustration and/or animation series features entertaining, comical characters with great storylines. It has a influential story background to it. It can help other illustrators or animators who wish to create their own brand or market animation ideas.
The digital art field is growing majorly and causing positive repercussions in influencing other artists to join the hype. My ideas for improvement in the digital art and digital media field in Jamaica are to make it more global friendly. For web-based illustration and design, it’s a growing force. Create a web-based area for animators, illustrators, or other digital artists to link up and sync up. If there is opportunity for a digital media job it could be posted to this central web-based location. If Jamaica could have conferences to encourage web-based designers, illustrators, animators, artists and photographers to come together, share and exchange ideas at this event it would create a fresh perspective. This conference would allow the Ministers to track the growth of local digital artists and assess the possibility for growth and improvement on a global scale.
There is major opportunity and this is consistently improving the economic growth of local entrepreneurs who create digital art professionally because the areas of growth in the digital media aspect are massive.
In this photo, you see students learning and using the program Adobe Photoshop and different aspects of creative design techniques.
https://www.cxc.org/?q=DigitalMedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_art
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