Foundational Digital Multimedia

This textbook serves as an introduction to contemporary digital multimedia production tools, techniques, and workflows. It is designed to prepare students to further their studies in graphic design, video production, web design, 3D animation, motion graphics, and general multimedia content creation. Unlike a software manual, it explores how digital creative tools evolved and what advantages they offer over their analog precursors.

Instead of covering every single tool, submenu, and function of the relevant software programs in detail, readers work through creative projects by learning the most accessible and useful features. The subjects covered in this book are best learned by direct engagement; there is no substitute for working with multimedia content creation tools first hand.

Learning contemporary multimedia production requires the development of critical thinking skills. Readers must question their assumptions and decision-making while working. It is not enough to thoughtlessly assemble components as a project requires; one must ask what purpose it might serve.