Multimedia Developer | Youth Central

Job Title: Multimedia Developer
Name: Brendan
Age: Mid 20s
Works for: Rip Curl

"When I first got onto a computer I was completely blown away by the graphics software. Straight away I knew that computers were what I wanted to work with."

Tell us what you do, Brendan.

I manage the multimedia components for Rip Curl's advertising and promotions. A large part of my job is web based, but I also do other things like internal presentations and some print materials, like a magazine for our stockists.

What do you like about your job?

My favourite part is the creative side - posting new stuff on the website and seeing how many hits we get. It’s exciting and keeps me going.

ICT. Where did it all begin for you?

I was always into graphics. When I first got onto a computer I was completely blown away by the graphics software… right down to the basics like 'undo'. When I drew on paper, a mistake meant the end of it. You'd have to start all over again. Straight away I knew that computers were what I wanted to work with.

When I left school I was bumming around a bit...going surfing and stuff. I ended-up enrolling in a crash course on Multimedia, for unemployed people. I was a sponge for those two weeks. I understood everything.

I bought my own computer and started teaching myself. I had a few mates with surf shops and I started doing designs and ads for them. Next I made a CV in the form of a brochure and sent it out. It caught the eye of someone in Rip Curl's art department and I was offered job producing wholesale catalogues. From there I kept putting my hand up for different roles!

What skills do you need for your job?

IThink you really need to be creative - and then there’s the technical side. Initially I began by using HTML and JavaScript. Now I use ASP, CGI scripts with Flash technology, plug-ins, QuickTime and more! It's really important to know how to work in different file formats. If I get a Quark document I have to know how to turn it in to a web-ready image. Knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator, image compression software and batch compressor utilities is very useful.

What’s an average day all about?

Work hours are pretty casual at Rip Curl...it's more about getting the work done. If I go for a surf at lunchtime, that's cool, but if I have to stay back late and finish something then I do that too.

Because I manage the overseas websites, the first thing I do each day is see if any of my international counterparts have concerns or problems. If that's all clear, I might get on to checking out the latest Rip Curl news and post it onto the website. I'll decide what graphics to use, or whether to attach a video or audio clip. I also manage a database of images from events and promotions that I post onto a secure Extranet, so that retailers and international delegates can use them for their own advertising and promotional purposes.

What’s next in your career?

I'd like to get into video maybe. I've been playing around a bit with 3D in movies. That's the next area for me. Every step has a whole new round of technology to come to grips with, but that's half the fun!

What advice would you give to anyone considering a career in ICT?

Stick to your guns and don't let the terminology hinder you. It can be pretty overwhelming at the start, but don't be afraid to ask questions. Even if you don't fully get the answer, keep it in the back of your mind. Eventually the pieces will come together.

Find out more about this career path at myfuture.edu.au (Note: free registration is required to access the myfuture site).