Arts, AV Technology &
Communications
The Arts, A/V Technology and Communications cluster is all about using your creativity and technology skills to share ideas, tell stories, and create amazing visual experiences. People in this field make websites, design logos, write articles, create videos, and even design video games!
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This field is undergoing rapid change due to new technology. Social media, virtual reality, podcasts, and streaming services are creating brand new types of jobs that didn't exist just a few years ago.
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Why This Field Is Exciting:
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New technology creates new ways to be creative every day
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You can work from almost anywhere with a computer and the internet
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Many jobs let you be your own boss as a freelancer
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Your work can be seen by millions of people online
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Every project is different and creative
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Cool Technology in Arts & Communications:
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Virtual reality that lets people experience stories in 3D
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AI tools that help designers create art faster
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Drones that take amazing photos and videos from the sky
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3D printers that make art you can touch
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Apps that let anyone create professional-looking designs
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Live streaming technology that connects creators with audiences worldwide
While this field grows more slowly than some others, many creative professionals work for themselves, which means there are more opportunities than the statistics show!
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Valley Dance Studio
Interior Design
Glass Art
Journalism
Multimedia Journalist
Web Designer
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What They Do: Web designers are like architects for the internet! They create websites that are beautiful, easy to use, and work perfectly on computers, phones, and tablets. Every website you visit was designed by someone like this.
Daily Tasks:
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Meet with clients to understand what kind of website they want
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Create layouts and designs using special computer programs
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Choose colors, fonts, and images that look great together
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Make sure websites work on all devices (phones, tablets, computers)
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Test websites to fix any problems before they go live
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Keep up with new design trends and technology
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Work with programmers to make their designs come to life
What's Cool About This Job: The internet is everywhere, so web designers are always needed! Plus, you get to see your creative work used by thousands of people around the world.
Video Content Creator
What They Do: Video content creators make videos for YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms. They might work for companies, sports teams, or be independent creators building their own followers. This is one of the newest and fastest-growing jobs in communications!
Daily Tasks:
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Plan and write scripts for videos
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Film content using cameras, phones, and special equipment
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Edit videos using software to add music, effects, and graphics
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Create eye-catching thumbnails and titles
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Research trending topics and hashtags
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Engage with audiences through comments and social media
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Collaborate with brands and other creators
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What's Cool About This Job: You could become famous for doing what you love! Many content creators have millions of followers and get to travel the world, meet celebrities, and turn their passion into a career.
UX/UI Designer
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What They Do: UX (User Experience) and UI (User Interface) designers make apps and websites easy and fun to use. They figure out where buttons should go, how menus should work, and make sure everything makes sense to users. They're like the psychology experts of design!
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Daily Tasks:
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Study how people use apps and websites
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Create wireframes (like blueprints) for digital products
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Design buttons, menus, and screens that are easy to understand
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Test designs with real users to see what works
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Work with programmers to build their designs
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Use special tools like Figma and Adobe XD
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Present ideas to clients and coworkers
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What's Cool About This Job: Every app on your phone and every website you use was designed by a UX/UI designer. You're literally shaping how millions of people interact with technology!
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Start in Middle School:
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Take art, computer, and media classes
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Learn basic design software like Canva or free versions of Adobe programs
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Start a blog, YouTube channel, or social media account
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Try the Virginia Education Wizard to explore creative careers
Continue in High School:
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Take CTE courses in graphic design, digital media, or web design
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Join the school newspaper, yearbook, or media production team
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Learn Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere)
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Take photography or video production classes
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Participate in art shows, film festivals, or design competitions
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Create a portfolio of your best creative work
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Get internships at local marketing agencies, newspapers, or TV stations
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Consider dual enrollment in digital media or communications classes
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Start freelance projects like designing logos for local businesses
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Technical Training (1-2 years):
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Jobs: Social Media Assistants, Photo Editors, Production Assistants
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Average Salary: $35,000 - $45,000
Community College (2 years):
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Four-Year College:
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Advanced Degrees:
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Jobs: Art Directors ($147,111), Creative Directors ($150,952)
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Average Salary: $147,000 - $151,000
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Try It Out!
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Create your own YouTube channel or TikTok account
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Design a poster or flyer for a school event
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Learn free design software like Canva, GIMP, or Figma
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Take photos and edit them with apps on your phone
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Write for your school newspaper or start a blog
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Use virtual reality career exploration tools to "visit" creative studios
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Volunteer to help design materials for local nonprofits or small businesses
Fun Fact: Virginia is home to many major media companies and tech firms in Northern Virginia, especially around Washington D.C. This area has some of the highest-paying creative jobs in the country!
Did You Know? Many of today's most successful content creators started when they were teenagers, just experimenting with cameras and editing software in their bedrooms. Your creative journey could start right now!
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