Digital Media CMS

Author: Alexis Raya

  • Plumes and Pixels: Bridging Digital Innovation and Artistic Heritage

    The intersection of digital media, science, and artistic expression comes to life in Plumes and Pixels, an innovative project developed by graduate students in Drexel’s Digital Media Masters Program. This unique exhibition, inspired by a vintage headwear adorned with a bird of paradise, bridges history, technology, and artistic interpretation.

    Project Overview: Plumes and Pixels

    The Plumes and Pixels project began with the digitization of a rare artifact from the Academy of Natural Sciences—a Victorian-era hat decorated with real bird plumage. Using advanced computational photography and 3D Gaussian Splatting, students created a digital twin of the specimen, preserving intricate details while exploring the ethical and environmental implications of historical fashion practices.

    Bridging Digital and Traditional Art

    Rather than using traditional art as a starting point for digital works, students reversed the process—using digital reconstructions as inspiration for physical artwork. This experimental approach fostered creative exploration, allowing artists to blend historical research with modern digital techniques.

    Artistic Interpretations: Blending History and Innovation

    Each piece in the exhibition represents a personal response to the artifact, addressing themes of beauty, extinction, and humanity’s impact on nature. Students worked across various media, including digital prints, textile art, and sculptural works, to express their interpretations.

    Featured Artists and Works

    • Arefeh Ahmadi – “Arsenic-King of Poisons” explores the paradox of preservation, incorporating chemical structures into her art.
    • Rghad Balkhyoor – “Threads of Nature” uses nuno felting to weave narratives of loss and conservation.
    • Darren Woodland, Jr. – “Feathered Futurism” fuses historical aesthetics with digital techniques to reimagine avian symbolism in fashion.

    Educational Impact and Public Engagement

    Beyond the artistic achievements, Plumes and Pixels serves as a model for interdisciplinary learning. The project demonstrates how digital media techniques can be used to preserve cultural artifacts, engage with environmental history, and inspire new artistic methodologies.

    By integrating cutting-edge technology with artistic storytelling, the project highlights the potential of SciArt education—where scientific observation meets creative expression. Through public exhibitions and discussions, students were able to communicate their research and creative process to a wider audience, fostering dialogue about conservation, history, and the evolving role of digital preservation.

    Plumes and Pixels is a testament to the power of digital media to transform how we understand and engage with the past. This exhibition not only showcases student creativity but also emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in shaping the future of art, technology, and scientific inquiry.

  • WOMB: Exploring Black Wealth Through Digital Storytelling

    The intersection of digital media, storytelling, and cultural heritage is at the heart of WOMB: The Black Wealth Project. Developed as part of Drexel’s Digital Media Masters Program, this project delves into themes of generational wealth, legacy, and identity through immersive media and visual storytelling.

    Project Overview: WOMB – The Black Wealth Project

    WOMB is an exploration of the Black experience and wealth through the lens of history, culture, and personal narratives. Using digital media as a tool for advocacy and education, the project presents a multi-layered perspective on economic empowerment, systemic challenges, and the resilience of Black communities.

    Key Themes

    • Historical and cultural perspectives on Black wealth
    • Personal narratives exploring generational financial experiences
    • The impact of systemic barriers and economic disparities
    • Innovative approaches to visual storytelling using digital media

    The Creative Process

    The project was developed through an iterative process that combined archival research, personal interviews, and digital visualization techniques. By integrating photography, motion graphics, and narrative media, WOMB provides a deeply immersive experience that engages audiences on multiple levels.

    Challenges and Storytelling Strategies

    One of the biggest challenges in creating WOMB was finding a balance between historical context and personal stories. The project team employed a documentary-style approach, combining data visualization with deeply human narratives to create an emotionally resonant experience.

    Impact and Future Development

    The project was showcased as part of Drexel’s Digital Media Masters exhibition, drawing attention to the importance of storytelling in economic justice movements. Future iterations of WOMB may include interactive elements, expanded research, and broader community engagement to further the conversation around Black wealth and financial empowerment.

    Through its innovative use of digital media, WOMB invites audiences to reflect on the past, examine the present, and envision a future where economic equity is achievable. This project stands as a powerful example of how immersive media can be leveraged for social impact and storytelling.

  • Senior Year as an UXID Student

    Senior year in Drexel’s UXID program is the culmination of everything learned over the past three years. It’s a time to refine expertise, prepare for the job market, and, most importantly, complete and present the Senior Project at the Drexel Digital Media Showcase. This final year challenges students to apply their skills in a high-stakes, real-world setting, ensuring they graduate ready for careers in UX design.

    Core Classes

    Senior-year coursework focuses on specialization and professional preparation, with classes that guide students through their senior projects and advanced UX concepts:

    • Digital Media Senior Project (DIGM490): The three-term senior project where students research, design, and develop a UX solution to present at the Drexel Digital Media Showcase. Create professional media assets for a team-based senior project in a simulated real-world production environment. This course integrates academic and practical knowledge, emphasizing digital media production, best practices, and effective presentation skills through collaboration and teamwork.
    • Professional Practices in IDM (IDM401): This course provides a broad overview of the practices of all areas included in the fields related to interactive digital media, including organizational structure and roles, client communication and creative process, needs assessment, brief writing, brainstorming, concept development, pitches, pricing, proposals and presentations.
    • Electives: Many students explore course electives to focus on building their skills in the area of UXID that they want to pursue after graduation. Some of these courses include Validating Product Ideas, SwiftUI, and Javascript Frameworks (Svelte, ReactJS). Students also take this time to explore electives that interest them. Pave your own path!

    Skills You’ll Master

    By senior year, UXID students fine-tune their skills, focusing on industry-level expertise:

    Project Management & UX Strategy
    Work through a full design cycle, from research to high-fidelity prototypes.
    Collaboration & Stakeholder Communication
    Present work to clients, faculty, and potential employers.
    Usability Testing & Iteration
    Conduct multiple rounds of user testing to refine the final senior project.
    Showcasing & Pitching Work
    Prepare for the Drexel Digital Media Showcase, a key event where senior projects are presented to industry professionals.

    Preparing for the Drexel Digital Media Showcase

    The Digital Media Showcase is the highlight of senior year, giving students the opportunity to present their senior projects to faculty, industry professionals, and peers. Preparation includes:

    • Refining the Final Product: Ensuring designs are polished, user-tested, and ready for real-world application.
    • Crafting a Strong Presentation: Communicating the problem, research process, and final design solution clearly and effectively.
    • Building a Portfolio-Ready Case Study: Documenting the senior project for job applications and interviews.
    • Networking & Job Hunting: The showcase often attracts recruiters, making it an excellent opportunity to make professional connections.

    Tips for Success in Senior Year

    • Stay organized. Senior projects require months of research, iteration, and refinement—plan accordingly.
    • Seek feedback early and often. Use professors, peers, and industry mentors to improve your work.
    • Practice presenting. Strong presentation skills make a huge impact during the showcase and job interviews.
    • Apply for jobs early. Start networking and applying to UX roles before graduation to stay ahead.

    Looking Ahead

    With the senior project completed and graduation approaching, seniors enter the UX job market with a solid portfolio, professional experience, and industry connections. Whether heading into UX design, research, or strategy, the skills developed in the UXID program prepare students for the next step in their careers.

  • Junior Year as an UXID Student

    Junior year in Drexel’s User Experience & Interaction Design (UXID) program is a game-changer. This is the year where classroom learning meets real-world application, with many students entering their first co-op experience. It’s a time to refine skills, work on professional projects, and start thinking about the future of a career in UX.

    Core Classes

    While some students spend part of the year in their co-op placement, coursework continues to build on previous knowledge with a focus on advanced UX methodologies and industry applications. Key classes include:

    • IDM Workshop (IDM371, IDM372): Work in teams to analyze project requirements, strategize solutions, and develop high-fidelity prototypes with a usability focus.
    • Future Digital Media (DIGM475): Explore emerging trends in digital media through case studies, product analysis, and industry forecasting.
    • IDM Electives: Dive deeper into specialized topics like Validating Product Ideas, SwiftUI, or frameworks such as Svelte and ReactJS.

    Skills You’ll Learn

    Junior year pushes students to take their UX skills to the next level, including:

    • Professional UX Workflow: Collaborate with developers, PMs, and stakeholders on real projects
    • Design Systems & UI Libraries: Build scalable, reusable components for large teams
    • Advanced UX Research & Testing: Execute studies and apply user data to design decisions
    • Time & Project Management: Juggle co-op, coursework, and ongoing portfolio development

    Projects & Real-World Challenges

    The biggest shift in junior year is the transition from theoretical projects to real-world problem-solving. Co-op students get hands-on experience working with clients, building products, and learning how UX functions in a business setting. For those still in coursework, projects become more advanced, often requiring collaboration with companies or interdisciplinary teams.

    Tips for Success

    • Make the most of your co-op: Take initiative, ask questions, and try to own part of a real product.
    • Refine your portfolio: Include co-op work (with permission) and highlight real-world problem-solving.
    • Build industry connections: Attend networking events, keep in touch with mentors, and follow up after co-op ends.
    • Stay adaptable: Learn to adjust to varying UX workflows and team structures.

    Looking Ahead

    With junior year coming to a close, senior year is all about specializing in UX fields of interest, completing capstone projects, and preparing for post-grad career opportunities. The experiences gained in co-op and advanced coursework will shape the path toward becoming a full-fledged UX professional.

  • Pre-Junior Year as an UXID Student

    Pre-junior year in Drexel’s UXID program is a pivotal time as students transition from coursework to real-world applications. With foundational skills in design, research, and front-end development already established, this year focuses on refining expertise, building a professional portfolio, and preparing for co-op experiences.

    Core Classes

    As UXID students move into more specialized areas, coursework becomes more project-driven, collaborative, and industry-focused. Key classes include:

    • User Experience Design (IDM215, IDM216): In this two-term course, students will design exceptional digital experiences through user-centered practices. Covering brand personality, research, content strategy, information architecture, and usability, they will develop predictive, enjoyable designs and build fully functioning web apps while executing a full production pipeline.
    • Storytelling for User Experience Design (IDM418): Learn how to use stories to understand the user, their goals and objectives, explain research, and describe design concepts.
    • Microinteractions (IDM241): Create exceptional digital experiences using user-experience design principles. This course covers brand personality, content strategy, information architecture, and usability to develop predictive, enjoyable interactions.
    • Content Management Systems (IDM250): Set up a content management system and develop a custom theme, focusing on project planning, organization, and maintaining a high-quality code base.

    Skills You’ll Learn

    This year is all about honing skills that make a UX designer stand out in the job market:

    • High-Fidelity UI Design: Build pixel-perfect designs that align with branding and user needs.
    • Data-Driven Design Decisions: Use research insights to validate design choices.
    • Advanced Prototyping & Microinteractions: Bring interfaces to life with motion design and animations.
    • Presentation & Client Communication: Learn to present ideas effectively to stakeholders and potential employers.

    Projects & Challenges

    Pre-junior year involves tackling more complex, multi-step design challenges. Many classes incorporate real-world projects where students work on UX solutions for businesses, startups, or nonprofits. Expect to create comprehensive case studies—documenting research, design iterations, and usability testing—which will become essential for building a strong UX portfolio.

    Tips for Success

    • Build a professional portfolio: Showcase your best projects with detailed case studies.
    • Master storytelling in design: Clearly communicate your design decisions and process.
    • Engage with the industry: Attend UX networking events, join online communities, and start connecting with professionals.
    • Prepare for co-op: Research companies, tailor your resume, and refine interview skills for UX positions.

    Looking Ahead

    The pre-junior year serves as a bridge between academic learning and hands-on industry experience. With co-op opportunities on the horizon, students will soon apply their skills in professional settings, gaining real-world insights that will shape their careers.

  • Sophomore Year as an UXID Student

    Sophomore year in the User Experience and Interaction Design (UXID) program at Drexel University takes design skills to the next level. After covering the fundamentals in freshman year, students now dive deeper into interaction design, usability testing, and more advanced prototyping techniques. This year is all about refining skills, tackling real-world projects, and preparing for future co-op opportunities.

    Core Classes

    The courses in sophomore year build on foundational knowledge, introducing more complex design concepts and industry tools. Key classes include:

    • Web Design (IDM221, IDM222): Learn how to create and maintain quality web sites, and learn about accessibility and web design standards, and why they are important.
    • Human Factors Engineering (IDM214): Discuss ways of applying psychological and physiological principles to the design of interactive systems, products, processes, and systems to address human capabilities and limitations in ways that ensure safety, effectiveness, and ease of use.
    • Scripting for Interactive Digital Media (IDM231): Explore modern client-side scripting languages that interact with the user, control the browser, communicate asynchronously, and alter document content and functionality.

    Skills You’ll Learn

    By the end of sophomore year, UXID students will have developed essential industry skills, including:

    Advanced Prototyping – Create high-fidelity designs with tools like Figma and Adobe After Effects.

    Usability Testing & Research – Conduct A/B testing, analyze user behavior, and refine user experiences.

    Web Development – Use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to bring your designs to life.

    Accessibility & Inclusive Design – Ensure products are usable for diverse audiences.

    Projects & Challenges

    Sophomore year coursework emphasizes real-world applications. Expect projects that involve designing full user interfaces, conducting user research, and building interactive prototypes. A major challenge at this stage is balancing design and functionality—ensuring that an interface is not just visually appealing but also intuitive and accessible.

    Tips for Success

    Refine your portfolio. Start documenting projects and case studies for future co-op applications.

    Hone your research skills. Usability testing and user feedback are crucial for great design.

    Experiment with coding. Even a basic understanding of JavaScript can give designers an edge.

    Network and seek mentorship. Connecting with UX professionals can open doors to internships and career opportunities.

    Looking Ahead

    Sophomore year is a crucial time for skill-building and preparation for Drexel’s co-op program. The next step? Pre-Junior year introduces more specialized courses, industry collaborations, and professional experience through co-op placements.

  • Freshman Year as an UXID Student

    Starting the UXID program at Drexel University is an exciting step toward a career in design and technology. The first quarter introduces key UX concepts, essential tools, and hands-on projects that build a strong foundation for the years ahead. Here’s what to expect in your first term.

    Freshman year begins with a mix of UXID courses and general education classes. The first quarter is just the beginning. Upcoming courses will dive deeper into interaction design, usability testing, and advanced prototyping, helping you refine your skills for real-world UX challenges.

    Core Classes

    Freshman year begins with a mix of UXID courses and general education classes. Some key courses include:

    • User Interface Design (IDM211, IDM212): Learn to design aesthetically pleasing interfaces using design principles and human-centered thinking.
    • Interaction Design (IDM213): Explore interaction principles and patterns that define how users engage with digital systems and services.
    • Design Thinking in Product Design (PROD215): Learn design research methods and tackle topical design challenges through design thinking exercises.

    Skills You’ll Learn

    User Research
    Conduct interviews, surveys, and usability tests
    Prototyping & Wireframing
    Use Figma to create low-fidelity wireframes
    Design Iteration
    Refine work based on feedback and testing

    Projects & Challenges

    Expect hands-on projects from day one. A common first-quarter assignment is redesigning an app’s onboarding experience—identifying pain points, creating new user flows, and testing solutions. The biggest challenge? Learning to embrace feedback and refine designs through multiple iterations.

    Tips for Success: Get comfortable with Figma early—it’s a core tool in UX design. Seek feedback often—iteration is key to improving designs. Manage your time wisely—balancing projects and coursework can be tricky. Engage with the UXID community—networking and student groups can offer valuable insights.

  • Senior Year as an ANFX Student

    Senior Year as an ANFX Student

    Senior year in Drexel’s Animation & Visual Effects (ANFX) program is the ultimate test of everything learned over the past four years. This is when students specialize in their chosen area, complete their capstone projects, and prepare to enter the industry full-time. With the Drexel Digital Media Showcase on the horizon, senior year is all about polishing skills, refining portfolios, and making industry connections.

    Core Classes

    Senior-year courses focus on finalizing personal projects, collaborating on high-quality work, and developing industry-ready materials. Key classes include:

    • Advanced Portfolio (ANIM246): This course focuses on building skills for the career-long practice of producing and maintaining a professional creative portfolio while allowing the students the opportunity to create or refine additional student-driven portfolio work that synthesizes their skills and experience from direct class assignments in their other coursework.
    • Concentration Focus: Students continue to refine their skills in their respective chosen concentration (organic modeling, character animation, or generalist)
    • Digital Media Senior Project (DIGM490): The three-term senior project where students research, design, and develop a UX solution to present at the Drexel Digital Media Showcase. Create professional media assets for a team-based senior project in a simulated real-world production environment. This course integrates academic and practical knowledge, emphasizing digital media production, best practices, and effective presentation skills through collaboration and teamwork.

    Skills You’ll Master

    By senior year, students refine both technical and professional skills to prepare for full-time work in the animation and VFX industry:

    Capstone Project Development
    Managing a long-term production from concept to final render.
    Industry-Standard Lighting, Rendering & FX
    Creating high-quality visuals using Arnold, Redshift, Unreal Engine, and Houdini.
    Presentation & Client Communication
    Learning how to pitch projects to studios, recruiters, and industry professionals.
    Time Management & Collaboration
    Balancing independent projects while preparing for the Digital Media Showcase.

    The Drexel Digital Media Showcase: Preparing for the Industry

    One of the biggest moments of senior year is the Drexel Digital Media Showcase where students present their senior capstone projectsto faculty, industry professionals, and potential employers

    How Students Prepare for the Showcase

    Finalizing the Capstone Project
    Completing all aspects of the animation, VFX, or game project for a polished final presentation.
    Building a Standout Portfolio
    Refining demo reels, case studies, and websites to impress recruiters.
    Perfecting the Pitch
    Practicing how to present work professionally, explain design choices, and engage with audiences.
    Networking & Job Hunting
    Connecting with animation studios, VFX houses, and game developers for potential job opportunities.

    Challenges & Growth

    The biggest challenge of senior year is time management—balancing the capstone project, job applications, and final coursework can be overwhelming. However, this year also marks tremendous growth as students shift from being learners to industry-ready professionals.

    Tips for Success

    Start job applications early.
    Many studios hire months in advance—be proactive!
    Keep refining your demo reel.
    Only showcase your best, most polished work.
    Network with industry professionals.
    Attend animation festivals, conferences, and studio events to make connections.
    Stay adaptable.
    The industry evolves quickly—learning new tools like AI animation, real-time rendering, and virtual production can give you an edge.

    Looking Ahead

    With senior year wrapping up, the next step is launching a career in animation, VFX, game design, or motion graphics. Whether joining a studio, freelancing, or continuing personal projects, Drexel’s ANFX program prepares students to step confidently into the creative industry.

  • Senior Year as an ANFX Student

    Junior Year as an ANFX Student

    Junior year in Drexel’s Animation & Visual Effects (ANFX) program is a turning point, as students step into the professional industry through co-op experiences and advanced coursework. With a strong foundation in animation, modeling, and VFX, this year is about refining specialization, gaining real-world experience, and preparing for senior-level projects.

    Core Classes

    With many students balancing co-op placements and coursework, junior-year classes focus on advanced industry techniques and real-world application. Some key classes include:

    • Advanced Portfolio (ANIM246): Develops lifelong portfolio-building skills and allows students to refine work across disciplines.
    • Animation Workshop I (ANIM377): Covers concept through pre-production in collaborative team settings.
    • Animation Workshop II (ANIM378): Takes projects from pre-production to completion through full team development.
    • Concentration Focus: Continues development in chosen tracks like organic modeling, character animation, or generalist roles.

    Skills You’ll Develop

    By junior year, students are expected to operate at an industry level, refining both artistic and technical skills:

    Studio-Level Animation & VFX Workflows
    Working in teams, meeting deadlines, and following industry pipelines.
    Procedural FX & Advanced Rigging
    Using Houdini, Blender, and Maya to build dynamic systems and rig complex characters.
    Rendering & Compositing for Film & Games
    Optimizing visuals using Arnold, Unreal Engine, and Nuke for real-time and cinematic results.
    Professional Communication & Collaboration
    Presenting work to teams, directors, and industry professionals with clarity and purpose.

    Co-op Experience: Learning from the Industry

    Many ANFX students spend part of their junior year in a six-month co-op, gaining hands-on experience in animation studios, game development companies, and VFX houses. These roles expose students to real production environments, giving them insights into studio expectations, teamwork, and industry demands.

    Common co-op roles include:

    3D Animator
    Creating motion sequences for games, films, or commercials.
    VFX Artist
    Working on compositing, CGI effects, and simulations.
    Technical Artist
    Bridging animation and engineering within real-time engines.
    3D Modeler
    Designing, sculpting, and texturing production-ready assets.

    Projects & Challenges

    With industry exposure comes more complex, high-stakes projects:

    Full Character Animations
    Polished acting performances with expressive facial and body animation.
    Technical FX & Simulations
    Fire, smoke, and fluid simulations using tools like Houdini.
    Game Cinematics & Interactive Storytelling
    Real-time storytelling pipelines for use in games and virtual production.
    Portfolio & Demo Reel Finalization
    Compiling and presenting professional-quality work for job applications.

    A major challenge during junior year is time management—balancing co-op, coursework, and personal projects can be overwhelming. Staying organized and efficient is key.

    Tips for Success

    Take your co-op seriously.
    Treat it as a job interview—many students receive offers based on co-op performance.
    Refine your demo reel.
    Tailor it to your intended specialty with your best, most relevant work.
    Learn from professionals.
    Network during your co-op, seek mentorship, and attend local or virtual industry events.
    Push technical skills further.
    Experiment with virtual production, real-time pipelines, or AI in animation to stay competitive.

    Looking Ahead

    Junior year is all about bridging the gap between student and professional. The next step? Senior-year capstone projects, the Drexel Digital Media Showcase, and preparing for full-time roles in animation and VFX.

  • Senior Year as an ANFX Student

    Pre-Junior Year as an ANFX Student

    Pre-junior year in Drexel’s Animation & Visual Effects (ANFX) program is a crucial time for refining skills and preparing for co-op experiences and industry work. By this point, students have developed strong foundations in animation, 3D modeling, rigging, and compositing. Now, the focus shifts to specialization, advanced techniques, and building a professional portfolio.

    Pre-junior year sets the stage for junior-year co-ops and industry experience. The next step? Working in a real studio environment, applying skills in professional projects, and making connections for the future.

    Core Classes

    As students prepare for the professional world, coursework becomes more advanced and industry-focused. Some of the key classes include Digital Compositing (ANIM221) which examines 2D and 3D digital compositing possibilities through the manipulation and recombination of acquired and produced digital imagery, including 2D/3D Integration, 3D Matchmoving, and High Dynamic Range Imagery. Scripting for Animation and Visual Effects (ANIM231) explores modern scripting languages utilized in Animation and Visual Effects operating systems and software tools that are integral to artist productivity and production pipeline scalability. Professional Practices for Animation & VFX (ANIM250) introduces the animation and visual effects industry through projects, discussions, and hands-on activities. Students engage in role-plays and presentations to develop teamwork, management skills, and personal branding, covering all production phases from proposals to final delivery. This is also the year students take courses on their chosen animation concentration. The concentrations include organic modeling, character animation, and generalist.

    Skills You’ll Learn

    At this stage, students begin mastering industry-level skills and refining their artistic identity, including Advanced Animation & Motion Studies – Creating dynamic, expressive, and polished animations, Lighting & Rendering Optimization – Using software like Arnold, Redshift, or Unreal Engine for high-quality visuals, FX Simulations & Compositing – Working with particles, physics, and real-world VFX techniques, and Portfolio & Demo Reel Development – Curating the best projects to showcase to future employers.

    Projects & Challenges

    Pre-junior year projects push students to create portfolio-ready work and prepare for co-op applications. These include High-Quality Character Animations – Producing industry-standard motion studies and acting scenes, Rendered 3D Environments – Developing realistic, visually stunning assets, FX Simulations & VFX Shots – Implementing particle effects, explosions, and CGI compositing, and Demo Reel Creation – Compiling the strongest projects into a polished, professional portfolio. A key challenge this year is finding a focus—whether it’s character animation, modeling, VFX, motion graphics, or technical direction. Many students start tailoring their work toward their area of interest.

    Tips for Success: Start applying for co-ops early. Have a portfolio and resume ready by fall term. Refine your demo reel. Show only your best work—quality over quantity. Optimize rendering workflows. Learning GPU rendering techniques can save valuable time. Network & get feedback. Engage with professors, professionals, and peers to improve your work.