Making art at the Digital Media Center

What is art really? You know you're kidding yourself if you think of Hopkins as an artsy place, but you'd definitely be wrong to say that there aren't artsy Hopkins students. You may find some of these individuals in the Digital Media Center, a campus resource with a somewhat deceiving title and not much of a reputation. Digital Media isn't a cold computer experience. It's using technology in a totally fun way.

The DMC's purpose as touted on the center's Web site, http://digitalmedia.jhu.edu, is to maintain the identity of "a studio where students can express themselves creatively and expand the sphere of possibilities that are created when art and technology merge." It also aims to create both "an environment where students can bring artistic inspiration to life using digital tools" and "a realm in which the artist's creative process is nurtured." All of this is achieved through use of top-notch technology and an interaction with supportive and knowledgeable staff.

The DMC, located in the Mattin Art Center Suite 226, was created 18 months ago and opened for business when the building did. According to Director Joan Freedman, its development was a response to student need and it is a resource unlike any other at Hopkins. "It differs from other computing centers," she said. "It's not a place to do e-mail or chatting. The software is very unique."

The DMC lab contains 12 high-end Dell and Apple computers equipped with scanners and tablets. Students use these computers to work with various software programs including those that enable digital video editing, video transitions and effects, vector graphics, web site creation, animation, photo and image manipulation, 3-D modeling and virtual drawing and painting.

The music suite features composition, recording and editing systems complete with synthesizers, keyboards, and effects processing and digital recording equipment. The video suite contains a high-end professional editing system able to digitize, edit and create transitions effects and titles. The numerous software programs utilized in the DMC allow for various levels of production experience. Video cameras, light and sound kits, cables and assorted peripherals can be checked out for work done outside the center to those who have taken the appropriate instructional workshops.

In addition to Freedman, five other full-time staff members and 15 student staffers, keep the center running. This includes those with digital audio, digital video, graphics and technical specialties. Student workers are also specialized to aid other students during the hours when the full-time staff is not present. The center is open from noon to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and noon to midnight the rest of the week.

These staff members, as well as visitors from surrounding schools, lead the aforementioned workshops. Freedman commented that the goal of these programs is two-fold. "The point is not only to demonstrate how to, but also to inspire," she said. Upcoming sessions include basic instructional programs like Introduction to Digital Audio, which begins on Oct. 21, and like the more concentrated Interactive Story, which will first meet on Nov. 2. Homewood students may participate in these sessions free of charge and should visit the DMC's Web site for course schedules and descriptions. Those interested should also keep an eye out for the center's Intersession schedule, which will include a non-credit claymation course as well as one entitled "Build your own Instrument."

In addition to providing these workshops and courses, Freedman and her staff also work closely with academic departments to arrange required course projects or facilitate independent study projects. Sarah Goonan is one student who has participated in such a collaboration.

As a requirement for a course she took last semester on Spanish film, she and fellow students spent class time in the DMC and then worked in groups to create their own media projects. Upon completion of instruction workshops explaining equipment and giving suggestions, students in her group utilized the DMC's video cameras, lighting equipment, microphones and Premiere workstations to complete the film project.

The product, "Las Cosas Pequenas," was filmed around campus and in a student's apartment and is now displayed on the DMC's Web site in the gallery section. "The experience overall was a lot of work, but a lot of fun," she commented. "The people there are super helpful and if you have more of a movie side, the center is definitely a great resource."

Nat Duca, a student staff member sees the center as a great resource, but just as much for non-academic projects as class assignments. "It's a library for the digital age, in a sense," he said, conveying the notion that the center provides students with the opportunity to use expensive equipment to which they might not otherwise have access. He also commented that more students could take advantage of such an opportunity. "It's important to know you don't have to be doing a project or be a Film and Media Studies major to use it," he said. Duca has used equipment from the center to do things you "just can't do at home" including producing a live CD of a concert he added accompanied by recording equipment borrowed from the center.

So, if you are feeling a little creative or just want to see where some of your tuition dollars are spent, mosey on down to the Mattin Center for a DMC workshop or to discuss your own project. Freedman stresses that the studio can really be of use for all types of students. "Come and find out," she said. "Don't think, OI'm not creative enough' or 'I'm not techie enough.'"

The DMC's Director also suggested that any interested students consider applying for grants that are made available by the DMC and the Homewood Student Affairs Office designed to facilitate the creation of art that incorporates technology in a meaningful way. Applications can be downloaded from the DMC's Web site and are due on Oct. 28.