Impact of Technology and the Internet on Arts Careers

Voice recognition software, large high-definition monitors, touch screens, and modified touch pads have increased accessibility to the Internet, which offers artists and other people with disabilities new opportunities. There are new ways to create, market, and showcase work. And there are new careers available: people can make a living designing web pages, software, and movie special effects and doing other jobs in new media.

Today's job seekers cannot ignore the Internet and other new technology. As the Internet becomes less about technology and more about life online, it will change the arts and entertainment industries even more significantly. Three major technological shifts may significantly affect artists' work and careers. First, the Internet is changing content creation. Second, new media is affecting content distribution. Third, there is a conceptual shift from the material world to the digital world, or from atoms to bits.

Content Creation

Digital tools are giving artists new ways to express themselves, to enhance traditional art forms, and create entirely new ones. A wide range of software applications and input and display technologies enable artists to create sculpture, animation, photography, and music and to do Web design and writing. Some music, feature films, and major works of art are now created using only digital technology.

Content Distribution

A common buzzword in the new Internet economy is "disintermediation," the removal of mediators and the direct exchange of goods between producers and consumers. For instance, much music is now sold online. Artists may publicize and distribute their music online, generating interest and potential sales without the support of a big label, distributors, and stores.

Shift from Atoms to Bits

Moving from atoms to bits, a concept first introduced by Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor Nicholas Negroponte in his book Being Digital, means dealing less with physical objects and more with digital data, that take the form of sound, pictures, transactions, movies, and the like. Because people are increasingly using digital tools and digital distribution, the importance of time and place has decreased. This opens up new opportunities for where, when, and how we work. It also enables limitless collaboration between individuals online.

These shifts are opening the door for new and unique career paths every day. Job seekers will need to embrace these cultural changes and learn how to benefit from them.