Creative Technology majors combine visual arts and technical disciplines to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of how art and science meet together to create new and exciting visual presentations. The Bachelor of Science in Creative Technology and Design combines art and science in the production and design of information, graphic communication, product design and technical applications. Art majors use visual art traditions and practices, while technology uses scientific principles and scientific methodologies to improve systems. Both creative and technical methods are applied together to determine the ultimate purpose and effect of artistic expressions. An interdisciplinary curriculum allows students to specialize in either one or both fields. Students can also choose to pursue a Doctoral Degree in Creative Technologies, which will require them to take specialized classes that further examine the intersections of science and technology.
Visual art focuses on the human visual system and is often applied to computer-generated images. The Bachelor of Science in Creative Technology and Design focuses on visual arts technology as it applies to product design and art history, while Master of Science programs explore areas of electronic art and graphic design. Students may pursue either the Bachelor of Science in Visual Arts (BS AV) or Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) concurrently with their Bachelor of Arts degree. In the BS AV, students apply scientific principles and computer-aided design (CAD) software to create original artwork or visual illustrations. In the BSCS, students learn about the artistic and technical aspects of digital media.
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies are becoming major players in today’s world. The Bachelor of Science in Creative Technologies and Design focuses on the application of digital technologies to contemporary issues in art and design theory, research, practice and creative technology. The Bachelor of Science in Visual Arts (BSAV) requires a course of study that covers the disciplines of art history, cognitive psychology, graphic design, media theory, and visual psychology. Students pursue graduate degrees in this discipline in order to specialize as consultants and professors.
AR is an emerging field for those pursuing Bachelor of Science in Creative Technologies and Design who wish to develop an interest and understanding of how computer-based technologies influence contemporary art. The Bachelor of Science in Creative Technologies and Design includes a concentration on AR. AR is an interaction technology based on holographic and 3D technology. This technology allows users to interact with digital images or virtual reality environments. This interactive medium enables people to imagine and create an actual world around themselves from which unique digital art can be created.
There are pros and cons associated with both methods. Although AR seems to be more appealing to younger generations, some disadvantages such as limited work space, long commute times, financial constraints, and difficulty finding funding may cause some younger artists to pursue other avenues of creative technology. AR software programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Fireworks are readily available to students interested in AR. While there are obvious disadvantages of AR, many experts believe that the advantages will outweigh the disadvantages as the process includes art education, social networking, and marketing.
Computer-based drawing and painting processes are typically referred to as CAD or CAM, which are typically used by architectural and construction firms. CAD/CAM systems have become increasingly popular with artists who wish to create and view their work without having to go through the traditional red-hot artist drawing process. There are several advantages of using software for CAD design and manufacturing. These include the ability to produce intricate designs and shapes and the ability to fine tune the functionality of the equipment used.
In the case of a machine learning approach to art production and design, there are pros and cons. On one hand, there is no limit to the possible forms of interaction that can take place between the artist and the design software. Many artists enjoy being able to design the entire product, including colors, textures, shapes, and materials, from virtually any source. For example, students may use CAD/CAM software to create 3D modeling techniques or physical properties of objects. This allows them to view their work in full color and see it in real life before it is finalized.
Another advantage of CAD/CAM software is the ability to make it accessible to everyone. Computers help students learn how to draw what they see and make it feasible for them to learn as they go. Many people are becoming very familiar with the advantages of computer based design/production. There are several disadvantages to it as well, but they pale in comparison to the benefits. For most students, the benefits of using modern technology are worth the disadvantages.