Finding Local Treasure

Not everyone interested in digital media has the time, resources or inclination to take advantage some of our venerable purveyors of higher learning. Sure, a degree from the College Of Creative Studies, University Of Michigan, Wayne State or Michigan State will boost your employability and earning power but some folks follow different patterns of growth and transition. If you are a high school senior preparing for college or a print graphics designer wanting to apply your talents to the web, what are your choices?

One developing treasure is the YArts Digital Media Lab at the Boll YMCA in downtown Detroit. The Mac Lab features 12 PowerMacs augmented by 25 Powerbooks loaded with the best multimedia software, including Adobe Creative Suite for digital imaging and Web design and Final Cut Studio Pro for video editing. Director Of Digital Media Development, Tony Hepp is planning an assortment of community resources including a web design class that helps designers work on their own interactive Web projects while learning about HTML, CSS, and Flash. “ This program is exceptional because it allows students to work on real projects not just exercises”, says Mr. Hepp. For more varied skill sets there is an Open Mac Lab with instructional support. The web design class is held one day per week for seven weeks with one 1 ½ to 2 hours lab access each visit. The fees are $75.00 for YMCA members and $125 for non-members. The open lab is $10.00 per visit for members.

Anthony McCallum, Creative Director for Creative Mutt and an instructor for the InsideOut Literary Arts Project uses the YArts Media Lab to bring high school sophomores and seniors up speed using current graphic design software. Many students have limited or no access to this kind of technology or information and Anthony makes sure they begin by understanding the history and role of graphic design in shaping our society. He is a graduate of The College For Creative Studies who has observed the, often negative, effects graphic communication has had on our communities and would like to make more people aware of it. “ The influence of graphic design can be a double edged sword”, says Mr. McCallum. “ Like any tool it can be used for good or evil”. InsideOut develops writing and publishing projects with Detroit area public school students.

For more information about the insideout Literary Arts Project call 313-965-5332. For more information about the YArts Digital Media program call 313-223-2751.