A multimedia artist is a person who creates work that is multi-media in nature, with an emphasis on the use of electronic media. Mixed media and multimedia are frequently confused, but multimedia has a broader scope and is more dynamic in nature. Multimedia artists work in a variety of environments, including art schools, galleries, and their own studios. They may work on projects with other artists or focus solely on developing a project from start to finish.
A multimedia artist typically creates works that unfold over time and are intended to engage multiple senses. People may be able to interact directly with the work, and their interactions may alter it. A multimedia artist, for example, might create a website and scatter clues throughout a community, attracting people to the website and allowing their interactions with the website and each other to become part of the work.
In addition to film, video, and traditional visual art media like paints, pastels, and watercolors, a multimedia artist can work with a wide range of digital media. Some artists work with software that is specifically designed for artists, while others repurpose software or even create their own. Multimedia artists work in fields such as animation and video game development, where a technical understanding is required, as well as an artistic eye and a desire to create pieces that people will want to interact with.
Performances, gallery installations, outdoor installations, and exhibits mounted entirely in digital spaces are all examples of multimedia art. People who work in this field of the arts are usually very technically skilled, and many of them are always learning new things. A multimedia artist might approach each new project as an opportunity to learn a new technique, such as a programming language or a new visual art technique.
Many art schools have programs dedicated to multimedia work and multimedia artist training. These programs provide students with a solid foundation in art history, particularly in the context of multimedia art. Students in such programs may have agreed to take courses at other educational institutions to improve their technology skills and other skill sets that are relevant to their work, or their school may have a large technology component that offers training in topics such as film and television production and programming.