I’VE GONE through analytical geometry and introductory robotics courses, qualitative political research and governance classes, and environmental science lectures and laboratory sessions. Neither have anything directly in common—save for their heavy workload—but an odd recurring feature that amuses me to this day is the fond memory of having done at least one creative output for each class.
The last thing you would expect from a research class is a creative poster and from an environmental subject a 20-minute video, yet that was what I was required to do. For the unawares and unskilled, making creative outputs is a nightmare. It is oftentimes daunting, draining, and discouraging to scramble for free and friendly editing software as well as instructional YouTube videos. The usual end result will be a decently passable work or a haphazardly Frankenstein one.
I’m not here to bash on those less skilled; I myself have much more to learn in terms of photo manipulation and video editing. My point is that these creative skills—be it editing or manipulation—have sort of become essential in today’s time. As our world is becoming increasingly digitized, many aspects of everyday life and business finds itself revolving and gravitating towards our laptop or phone screens, very much like the one you’re reading from now. It has become a quintessential factor of the world today, which also translates into the crucial importance of multimedia.
Like basic communication or being adept with Microsoft Word, multimedia is gearing up to be necessary and a sought after skillset. Indeed, as the world progressively becomes digital so follows everything else—and at the forefront of the digital landscape, image is everything. A striking poster will undoubtedly attract attention and an aesthetic video will garner widespread praise. Moreover, these will be outputs you will eventually be expected to competently produce.
Coming from an ex-multimedia arts student, I urge you to start experimenting with whatever art programs or skills you can get your hands on. The learning curve may be difficult, but the end result is rewarding. Four years later and I’m still using my knowledge in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro. Not only are these skills just for academic or field use but for enriching the soul as well; painting, making poetry, composing music, and taking photos, among others, help temper the rigors of reality and bring color to the everyday.
Not learning multimedia skills doesn’t necessarily mean a death sentence, but not keeping up with the times has more boon than bane. In an attempt to rebuff the saying, I find myself asserting to you: Do art not for art’s sake, but art for your sake.
Zachary C. Gonzales is a AB Diplomacy and International Relations senior, and a Beyond Loyola staffer of The GUIDON. For more, he can be reached at zachary.gonzales@obf.ateneo.edu.
