Interactive Media Career?

Question

I currently work for a HUGE retailer and get to do j2ee web aplications. I also get to dab in ajax applications using dojo. I would really like to work for a Interactive Media company one day( There is actually a really good one in the town im in ). I want to spend my extra time maybe focusing on learning new technologies that would help me with this. I'm going to get some good dojo/ajax experience but I'm wondering if I should maybe pick up flex/flash or blender? What other things should I focus on?

Answer 1

Instead of concentrating on a technology, concentrate on learning the theory or knowledge that underlies the technology. Do flex or something like that, but learn about the protocols etc.

Second hint: Look for users groups or the like; get in touch with people already doing the kind of thing you want to do. Networking may be more important than technology per se.

Answer 2

Having worked as both a 3d animator, and a software developer, my only suggestion for you would be to avoid spreading yourself too thinly.

It might be a good idea to consider what aspect of interactive media you find the most interesting. If you're primarily interested in developing rich internet applications, perhaps focus your efforts on learning Air or Silverlight.

3D animation is a huge field in it's own right, and people in the industry tend to limit specialisation to one or two of the following areas: modeling, texturing, shading, rigging, animation, lighting, scripting/programming, rendering. In all honesty you can spend a lifetime dedicated to learning just one of these arts. Blender, although open source and a very capable program, might be a bit overwhelming initially. Personally I think Maya has a much more intuitive interface, and there is a fully featured learning version available.

It is possible to be a jack of all trades, and to some extent working in interactive media is an environment that suits those sorts of individuals. You may find however, trying to learn everything a bit overwhelming, and might benefit from refining your area of interest.