Visual media is not only an exciting profession but also one of the most powerful industries shaping the world today, experts said at a webinar titled ‘Visual Media Careers: Where to Start and How to Succeed’.

Presented by Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Chennai and The Hindu Education Plus as part of a career counselling series, the webinar provided students and aspiring professionals with insights into the industry, how it functions, emerging trends, and opportunities available.

The panellists were of the view that visual media was a whole ecosystem and not merely a career path. Dispelling fears about AI taking over jobs, they asserted that AI could never replace creativity. However, creative people who were skilled at AI tools could replace those who lacked the knowledge, they said.

Padmanabhan T., Associate Professor, Department of Visual Communication, School of Media Arts and Technology, VIT Chennai, described the world of visual media as one filled with impactful storytelling, creativity, influence, technology, and endless opportunity. Outlining the four-year B.Sc programme in Visual Communication, Multimedia, and Animation offered by his institute, he said the media school functioned as a working creative industry and prepared students for careers that were still emerging, given the rapid expansion and evolution of different media platforms.

C. Pichandy, Eminent Professor – Media and Communications, and former Head, Department of Communications, PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore, said every sector in the future would be visually driven. The growth potential of the media and entertainment market was projected at $1 trillion by 2030.

He said students would have to be creative, competent, and updated with the latest technological skills as print, visual, audio, and digital media would all combine to offer plenty of opportunities.

Suresh Chandra Menon, filmmaker, actor, and producer, said micro-dramas on the vertical format was already a $1.4-billion industry in the U.S. Describing visual media as a fascinating canvas, he urged students to shore up networking skills and create their own content. He said students should explore platforms that offer a scope to showcase creativity, especially since mobile phones have tremendously democratised content.

The webinar can be viewed at newsth.live/THVITVY