FINAL PROJECT

FINAL PROJECT PROGRESS

Faculty of Creative Multimedia (FCM)

“You cannot depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus” – Mark Twain

Faculty of Creative Multimedia (FCM) located in Multimedia University (Cyberjaya) near the Multipurpose Hall (MPH) just in front of Central Food Court (CFC). It integrates academic studies with extensive, creative digital technology production work. In 1997, when the faculty was created, the pioneers had a specific purpose to bring out digital designers. The programs are designed to prepare the global need for information, entertainment, and telecommunication in the context of creative design and thinking, computing skills and business fundamentals. This faculty is made up of well-balanced academicians and professional in the arts industry, architecture, broadcasting, computing, designing, animation, and advertising. Together, the transfer of knowledge and technology is being made easier with digital media equipment for production work and studies.

The University International reputation as a leader in creative multimedia studies makes sure that its graduates are greatly wanted with prospective employers, and that they take up main roles in the multimedia world. There are many job opportunities that await our graduates in various industries. Students who graduate from degree will have a big opportunity as well as the proper knowledge and skills to go further into this industry. Several career prospects are Multimedia Content Manager, Animation Director, Advertising Consultant, R&D Product Designer, Web Designers and Graphic Designer. 

Faculty of Creative Multimedia (FCM) has eight facilities which are the; design studio, graphic labs, interactive labs, set and background studio, gallery, 3D lab, post production lab, and the virtual reality (VR) theater. The design studio is a conducive workplace for students to upgrade their creative thinking skills and carry out their design projects and assignments. In the graphic labs, the PCs provided here have the capability to build high resolution computer graphic images, and have readily installed with professional graphic and image editing software tools like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe illustrator, Adobe premiere, Macromedia Freehand, and Macromedia Fireworks. The PCs are also linked to the internet and intranet. The interactive labs are where students create big interactive multimedia applications for digital medium on fast and networked PCs equipped with superb industry standard.

The set and background studio is a physical studio with blue screen and motion capture facilities for a virtual studio set up. Electronic gallery is an exhibition where it becomes a portal to the multimedia and digital work. It also shows the best of students' work. The 3D labs have three sub-labs in it, like modeling labs. The modeling labs are where students create complex 3D objects using high-end computers and tools such as 3D studio max, AutoCAD, Maya and Softimage. The animation lab contains specialized facilities comprising of hardware and software intended for high-end 3D animation purposes. The Rapid Prototyping lab consists of Computer Aided Design (CAD) facilities to make prototype design and to simulate the interface design concepts. The video labs and audio labs are in the post production labs. Video labs are also available in the faculty for high end and non linear editing. The audio labs are used for creating and editing digital sound and are equipped with workstations with leading audio software tools. Immersive mini VR theatre is used for stereoscopic image projection with surround sound.

The Faculty of Multimedia offers programs from Foundation (1 year), undergraduate and postgraduate. Foundation in Creative Multimedia provides the opportunity for students to learn the basic skills needed in order to go further in this industry. The entry requirement for enrolling into the Foundation program is a pass in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) or 5 credits (inclusive of English and Mathematics) / a pass in Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM) or A levels / a pass in UEC with a minimum of 5 credits (inclusive of English and Mathematics).

Foundation in Creative Multimedia

Visual Research & Communication (VRC)

Visual Research & Communication or better known as just VRC is a course where students learn about designing. The primary objective of this course is to enable students to properly form a concept and to justify their creative ideas by understanding the elements and principles of design. The elements of design consist of five aspects; line, shape, texture, value and colour. Only after students are familiar with these five basic aspects, can they proceed to learning the principles of design, which include harmony, contrast, balance, proportion, dominance, movement and visual economy. As the course’s name suggest, students are to perform their own research for ideas/inspirations in order for their design to communicate with the audience affectively. Assignments will be given to each of the aspects and students will be given an appropriate duration of time to complete before submission, based on the difficulty of the aspect. The learning outcomes from VRC comprise of the students being able to apply their knowledge of elements & principles of design in the process of creating their design, it enables students to have the ability to think critically and rationally in design and communication, it gives students the ability to create designs that are able to evoke emotional responses from the audience and educates students to conduct research through innovative and critical thinking. Thinking innovatively and critically is a major part in the Faculty of Creative Multimedia, as this will set the students apart. VRC’s grading system is A (excellent), B (above average), C (average) and F (failure to meet expectations).

Creative Studies

Creative Studies allows students to think creatively and critically. In this subject we learn about what creativity is. We learn how to think creatively, about how to be creative. We also learn about using creativity to solve problems. Besides being creative, this subject also teaches us how to be innovative. So what is creativity? Creativity is when we are able to think and come up new inventions, produce art, find new ways to solve problems, or develop an idea based on an original, novel, or unconventional approach. We also learn about novelty. Novelty is something new or unusual. Next we also learn about Innovation, which is the process of making improvements by providing something new, the realization of a creative idea in a social context. In addition, we are also being taught about Invention. This allows us to think out of the box, think creatively to come up with new inventions. We also learn about Juxtaposition in this subject. Many creative activities rely on juxtaposition. Juxtaposing is an act where we place two random objects or words next to each other. What instantly happens is that there is transference of the meaning. It is usually from something familiar to us to something less familiar. So there are two different analogies. One is logical analogies and the other one is affective analogies. Students will go on to learn about random words and images. Random words and images when mixed together can help students to generate new ideas. This is called Random Association. This helps students to sharpen their minds. So to conclude, Creative Studies is a subject which creates a student who is both clever and creative. It helps students to have the ability to find new solutions for existing problems and new problems.

Life drawing

In Faculty of Creative Multimedia, the students are fortunate to learn and practice the subject of life drawing.  In this very unique subject, lectures are given on basic knowledge of life drawing, including the definitions of object and figure drawing, fundamental feature of any design discipline and understand the use of psychomotor skills. Other than that, this subject is also known to give the students more depth on the elements of drawing. As for example, the lesson starts with knowing the most basic element in drawing, which is line. In this prospect, the students were asked to draw straight lines, without using a ruler. After that, the elements of shape, proportion and perspective come right after. In this part, the students are challenged to draw boxes and so much more in the studio. Plus, after that the students will be introduced to light and shadow element. In this element, the students will learn to create depth and atmosphere in a drawing. In order to make a drawing look "realistic" you need shadow because in the real world everything has a shadow. Lastly, after learning all the most basic elements in drawing, now the students will finally be able to draw a whole drawing with all the basic elements applied. In addition, students will also be introduced to what makes a successful artist, the responsibility and drawing or painting contribution to the society. The outcome of this subject is for the students to will be able to have the confidence of own psychomotor skills in order to draw well and actively make use of it in the art industry, academic fields or even for their own.

Basic Photography

Photography is based on a Greek word photo (light) and graphy (drawing). Overall photography means “Drawing with light”. Without light, we wouldn’t be able to have a picture. We have various types of camera starting from the “Twin-lens reflex “(TLR) camera which was used in the 1870 until latest “Digital single-lens reflex” (DSLR) which is used by most of the photographers nowadays. In this course, we learn about how the DSLR works and the techniques in getting a perfect image. The DSLR is convenient for most of the photographers because the lenses on it could be changed according to the subject being focused on. Each lens refines and focuses light to create a sharp, high quality image. What makes a DSLR unique is the mirror and 5-sided prism. A mirror behind the lens reflects the light upward to the 5-sided prism, where it is reflected through the viewfinder. When the shutter release is pressed, the mirror just behind the lens flips up to allow a straight path between the light and the shutter. The shutter opens for the required time and the light falls on the sensor. In a DSLR what a photographer sees in the viewfinder is almost exactly what is captured by the sensor. We would also be learning about the technical part in taking a picture like how to balance between the aperture, shutter speed and ISO setting.

Computer Graphics

In computer graphics class, we learn on how to use the Adobe Illustrator properly. Here, we learn about four different elements of design, which are lines, shapes, color, and typography. From this subject, we can develop skills on how to actually use the Illustrator well. We start off by tracing the lines from a certain image, then slowly we develop to tracing the shapes, and in the end, applying color to it. Typography on the other hand, it involves creativity in creating your own text. Basically, the subject itself tests your level of creativity as you have to create your own logos through the images that you have produced. Thus, it enhances your creativity level and it develops the skills to be accurate and neat. Other than that, during a few lectures, the lecturer would actually give out a few pictures containing hidden motivational messages. This would make us think out of the box more, to actually find the hidden meaning.

Creative English

This course helps us to enhance proficiency in the English language skills to an advanced level with particular emphasis on creative writing and grammar for general purposes.

  i.      use correct pronunciation, stress, intonation and body language when conducting oral presentations in English

ii.      use correct form and function of grammar when presenting and writing in English

iii.      read critically by making judgments and assumptions, making inferences and predicting outcomes, and extending and developing vocabulary in context

iv.      apply knowledge and techniques in media-appreciation project

 v.      demonstrate ideas when developing expressive writing in the form of poetry, short fiction and/or drama writing by applying figurative languages such as similes, metaphors and idiomatic expressions in the spoken and written forms

All listening sub-skills including predicting speaker’s next point and confirming or negating the prediction; listening critically and making own judgments, recognizing speakers’ intentions, roles and relationships. All speaking sub-skills including speaking effectively in presenting factual information using correct pronunciation, stress, intonation and body language effectively.

All reading sub-skills; reading critically, making evaluations and predictions; extending and developing vocabulary in context; identify and define the primary elements of poetry: rhythm, sound, image, and voice; identify and define the primary elements of fiction: perspective, plot, characterization; identify and define the primary element of drama: setting, characterisation, dialogue, and plot.

All sub-skills including generating and developing ideas; responding critically and appropriately to information contained in linear texts; create manuscripts that employ the primary elements of poetry; create manuscripts that employ the primary elements of fiction; create and produce manuscripts that employ the primary elements of drama.Fragments, run-ons, modifier, faulty parallelism, subject-verb agreement.

Undergraduate programmes

The requirement to enter the undergraduate programmes is at least two years of diploma involved in design and computer related courses. Portfolio of artwork is also required. There are five courses to choose from.
Digital Media
This program focuses on the creation of information driven content in the digital technology realm. 
Film and animation

This program offers the study of film-making concepts with animation skills, 3D animation and video technology.

Media Innovation

This program puts emphasis on the art of advertising through innovative multimedia applications.

Interface Design

This program offers students the opportunity to explore the interaction and the interface between humans and the information and communication technologies.

Virtual Reality

This program allows students to develop the process of interactive virtual reality applications. It focuses on education and entertainment, using real-time computer graphics and immersive multimedia technologies.

Postgraduate programmes

Master of Science (MSc.) in Creative Multimedia (research-based)

Students are awarded a PhD according to the level of their thesis and passing a vice voce examination. 
Doctor of philosophy (PhD.) in Creative Multimedia (research-based)
Students are awarded a PhD according to the level of their thesis and passing a vice voce examination. 
Master of Knowledge Management with Multimedia (by taught courses)
Students will discover the detailed and systematic management of important knowledge and an in-depth hands-on experience to KM technologies.
Master of Multimedia (E-learning technologies) (by taught courses)
Students will be exploring and discovering the possibilities of new technologies to learn innovatively. They will also become familiar with the structures, functions and dynamics of the various e-learning systems.

In conclusion, FCM is a fun place to learn more about multimedia and develop our skills in creativity and designing. It helps us see things differently and out of the box thus making us unique in our own way. It offers courses that would cater to the students need and interest. Moreover, the facilities in FCM help us to learn better about our course in a digital and innovative way. The lecturers try their best to help and mould the students in becoming a successful designer and also a responsible person. FCM also trains the students to be a professional from the start. It opens a lot of opportunities when the students go out of the university and look for a job. Besides having the talent in designing they would also develop skills in communication and giving good presentations to the client.  Overall FCM gives us the freedom to express ourselves in our own way yet staying professional.

FCM STUDENTS AS A CUP AND SAUCER

An FCM’s student’s creativity is like a coffee in a cup on a saucer. Some would prefer to cover the cup with the saucer to contain the creativity, and release it later on. Letting out a wonderful coffee scent, while some, would prefer to just let it loose, using the saucer as an object to balance out the cup so that it won’t spill out and be put to waste. Nevertheless, they have the same purpose. The cup, holding in the creative minds of a student, and the saucer is how they show it. Some people would take time in showing their creativity. While some already have the juices flowing, it depends on your personality and the way you think. It is okay to be different. Although people might see the cup and saucer as something which is very insignificant in life because now people have created mugs and such for you to enjoy your drinks, think of it as a foundation. From such a simple creation, as the cup and a saucer, you get a mug. From a mug, you get a jug, and so on and so forth. This shows how you develop yourself from being a simple cup and saucer, which can contain a very small amount of liquid, to something which can contain a big amount of liquid, being a jug.  It all comes down to how you think. Creativity is a skill which can be developed. Slowly, you will see it one day.

 

MIND MAP ON FCM STUDENTS AS A CUP AND SAUCER

FINAL PROJECT

ONLINE ASSIGNMENTS (1112703031)

Assignment 1

The new and the old are not two completely different entities but rather the two sides of a coin. The new is always based on what was before and the one appears through another like the water under the ice for those who can see.

The new and the old are not two completely different entities. It may look different on the outside, but it is actually the same thing. This process can also be known as the revolution of technology. Furthermore, this has been proven by the improvements of a lot of inventions. As for example, lets take the improvement of the creation of phones. We can see it clearly with the revolution of mobile phones.

As example :

The old generation of Nokia phones :

The new generations of Nokia phones :

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Assignment 2

Thinking and Creativity

Thinking and creativity related simultaneously to each other. Even so, thinking usually revolves around using only the brain, whereas creativity is more to thinking outside the box. Furthermore, in order to come out with some creativity, thinking must be done. But imagining the unimaginable should do this kind of thinking.

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Assignment 3

Left Brain and Right Brain

The brain is divided into two halves (hemispheres).

Usually, the left half of the brain controls the right side of the body. The right half of the brain controls the left side of the body. According to scientists there is always a conflict between the left and right section of your brain. This leads to difference in perception.

ONLINE ASSIGNMENT ( 1112702947 )

Assignment 1

The old and the new are not the same.

To me, the old and the new are the same. Same ideas, only different development. Take this handphone for an example. From a simple Nokia 3310 to an iPhone 4. It's still the same idea. It's still a phone but with development. When we grow older, we are still the same person. We only develop more and we have obtained new experiences.

Assignment 2

Thinking and Creativity.

Think of it this way. Assume thinking is a piece of bread and creativity is an egg. You can cook the egg, and eat it with the egg. Get it? You can use creativity while you’re thinking. Thinking is an action. Creativity is a way of thinking. In the end, it all goes down to how you enjoy your bread. With or without egg? J

Assignment 3

Conflict between left and right brain.

The left brain, is more to the theoretical brain. It’s mostly used during factual insights and such. Whereas the right brain is where the creativity is. Usually, when you think about music, or art stuff, then you are using the right brain. But when you are solving a mathematical problem, or a scientifical theory, then your left brain is used.

ONLINE ASSIGNMENTS (1112703279)

ASSIGNMENT I

THE CONFLICT BETWEEN LEFT BRAIN AND RIGHT BRAIN

 

Our brain is divided into two sections:

             Left brain

            Right brain

What says the left brain: I am a scientist, a mathematician. I love the familiar. I categorize. I          am accurate. Linear. Analytical. Strategic. I am practical. Always in control. The master of words and language. Realistic. I calculate equation and play with numbers. I am order. I am logic.  I know exactly who I am

What says the right brain: I am creativity. A free spirit. I am passion. Yearning. Sensuality. I am the sound of roaring laughter. I am taste. The feeling of sand beneath bare foot. I am movement. Vivid colours. I am the urge to paint on an empty canvas. I am boundless imagination. Art. Poetry. I sense. I feel. I am everything I wanted to be. 

As you can see the right and left brain has different purpose. Sometimes we tend to get confuse on which side to use on making a decision. We have to learn to balance out between this two sides

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 ASSIGNMENT II

THINKING AND CREATIVITY

What is the connection between thinking and creativity?  Thinking is more towards using the left brain and creativity is mostly about using the right brain. Most of the people around us have difficulties in balancing out both of this and therefore put to use only one side of the brain. We often think too much till we fall into the stereotype category and sometimes we use creativity till we don’t make sense to other people. Combining both of these elements, we could develop a new idea which can be put to use for us and also other people. The perfect person who balances both of these elements is Steve Jobs. He has invented a phone which contains the right amount of creativity and also logical at the same time. 

ASSIGNMENT III

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE OLD AND THE NEW

                                         

Most of us would think that the old and the new are two separate things. But when we really think about it, the new is always derived from the old. For example, the evolution of transportation in our daily life. In the old days, we use to have carriage to bring us around town. Nowadays, we use all types of motor vehicles to travel around the world. This shows that the new type of transportation has the same concept and idea with the old type of transportation. In the end, the purpose is to get people from point A to point B same goes with ideation and innovation. We have all sorts of gadgets in the world and the entire concept is based on old ideas presented in a new way.