Developing Digital Media Skills

Developing Digital Media Skills

Understanding Digital Platforms

  • An assortment of media platforms exist including social media, websites, video sharing sites, and digital broadcasting.
  • Social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn enable sharing of media content and allow for user interaction.
  • Content creation platforms, such as YouTube and Vimeo, allow users to upload their own video content while platforms like WordPress and Blogger are renowned for blog creation and sharing.
  • Digital broadcasting refers to the use of digital signals to broadcast radio and television content with platforms like Netflix and Hulu leading in streaming digital broadcasting.

Digital Media Creation

  • Digital media can be in form of video, audio, and images, with creation differing based on the type of content.
  • In digital video creation, understanding shooting techniques, editing, storyboarding, and scriptwriting is crucial.
  • Digital audio creation involves recording, sound mixing, and mastering.
  • For digital images, having knowledge of photography, image editing software and techniques is important.

Software and Tools

  • Various software and tools come in handy in digital media creation.
  • Adobe Creative Cloud, which includes Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premier Pro, and Audition, are essential software for creating and editing media.
  • Other tools like Final Cut Pro and Avid Media Composer are widely used for video editing while software like Pro Tools and Ableton Live are used for audio production.

Technical Skills

  • Particular technical skills are required for different digital media creation methods.
  • Video creation and editing requires knowledge of cutting, trimming, adding effects, and overlay text among other things.
  • For digital image creation, skills in lighting, composition and technical familiarity with Photoshop or Lightroom might be required.
  • Audio creation and editing requires knowledge in sound recording, editing, mixing and mastering.

Creativity and Originality

  • Originality and creativity play a huge role in the effectiveness of the digital media you create.
  • Developing a unique style and voice can help set your content apart from the rest.
  • Incorporating new and original ideas in your digital media creation can help attract and maintain an audience.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

  • It’s essential to be aware of and adhere to copyright laws.
  • Regularly update yourself with privacy laws and regulations related to public and private spaces especially when shooting videos or taking photographs.
  • Always seek for permissions when required and respect intellectual property by giving credit where it’s due.

Promotional Skills

  • Learn how to effectively promote your content on various platforms.
  • Understand the ins and outs of SEO, means to improve the visibility for relevant searches.
  • Utilise social media marketing and online advertising for wider coverage.

Analytical Skills

  • Utilise tools such as Google Analytics to track and measure the performance of your online media.
  • Being able to interpret this data can help you understand what content resonates with your audience and how to better tailor your future digital media production.
  • Regular analysis can lead to continuous improvement of your digital media practices.