Department of Digital Arts @ Pratt

general info | mission | curriculum | why pratt?

The Profession

One of the most dynamic fields in the visual arts, the digital arts encompasses computer-generated animation, visual effects and motion graphics, interactive art and design, game design, digital imaging, interactive installation, physical computing, sound design and electronic music, digital sculpture, and all forms of experimental media. DDA courses are taught by accomplished professionals with highly diverse backgrounds and technical expertise.

DDA students enrich their study of digital arts by enrolling in supporting studio classes from other programs within the Institute. Popular elective courses include traditional animation and film and video, as well as a variety of courses in the areas of Fine Art, Graphic Design, Industrial Design and Architecture. Through the study of both traditional techniques and contemporary visual thinking, these important electives enable DDA students to develop into well-rounded digital artists.

Internships

DDA offers an internship program tailored to digital artists. Throughout the academic year, students partake in internship opportunities at over 100 companies in the metropolitan New York area. Students gain skills and experience in areas ranging from animation and motion graphics to web-development, game design and publishing. The internship program places students on their career paths, providing experiences that aid students in determining their educational and professional goals. In addition to internship opportunities, DDA at Pratt is visited by recruiters from production studios and companies, including Blue Sky Studios, Disney, Electronic Arts, and Pacific Data Images.

A Brief History of DDA

Enjoying a history of artistic accomplishment since its founding as the Department of Computer Graphics and Interactive Media in 1987, the Department of Digital Arts (formerly CGIM) is one of the first degree-granting programs in the digital arts.

Part of the program's strength is attributed to its interdisciplinary relationship within Pratt's School of Art and Design. Comprised of 14 departments and offering a wide range of both traditional and technical art courses and 25 separate art-related degrees, the School of Art and Design has one of the most comprehensive curricula in the arts anywhere in the world.

Since its founding, DDA has established itself as one of world's leading academic digital arts programs. The faculty is composed of distinguished professionals who have achieved wide recognition for their professional accomplishments. The DDA faculty and also alumni have been historically represented and honored in virtually every major professional conference, both nationally and internationally. Our students have even been honored with Emmy awards for their graduating theses. DDA alumni have been recruited by the world's leading creative studios, as listed below.

Chairperson: Peter Patchen - (718) 636 3411 Assistant Chairperson: Melissa Barrett Lundquist - (718) 399 4273 Assistant to the Chairperson: Jill Song - (718) 636 3411 Senior Lab Manager: Seth Founds - (718) 636 3793 Lab Managers: Dan Mikesell - (718) 636 2409

Chairperson:
Peter Patchen - (718) 636 3411

Assistant Chairperson:
Melissa Barrett Lundquist - (718) 399 4273

Assistant to the Chairperson:
Jill Song - (718) 636 3411

Senior Lab Manager:
Seth Founds - (718) 636 3793

Lab Managers:
Matthew Tait - (718) 636 2409
Alex Jimenez - (718) 636 3729

Employers of DDA Graduates

ABC News / Blue Sky Studios / Cinesite / Curious Pictures / Digital Domain / Disney Feature Animation / Imergy / Improv Technologies / Industrial Light and Magic / Interface Media Group / LucasArts Entertainment / Macmillan Publishing Company / MSNBC / Nickelodeon / Ogilvy Interactive / Philips International / Pixar / PDI (Pacific Data Images)/ Dreamworks / R/Greenberg / Rhythm and Hues / Nicholson/ USA / Samsung Entertainment Group / SoftImage / Microsoft