Ohio Hi-Point Career Center’s media arts students recently took part in the “Pixels to Paycheck” Workshop on Wednesday, March 25, a hands-on event designed to connect classroom learning to real-world careers in the media industry.
The workshop was developed and hosted by Ohio Hi-Point Media Arts instructors Amanda Blackburn (OHP/Marysville), Hayley Stratton (OHP/Benjamin Logan), Michelle Suman (OHP/Riverside), David Rowe (OHP/Mechanicsburg), and Jayne Jones and Justin Silver (OHP Campus). The goal was to create an event that helps students explore the wide range of opportunities available in the Media Arts field.
Approximately 70 students enrolled in OHP’s Media Arts campus and satellite programs participated in six breakout sessions led by industry professionals, focusing on photography, lighting, social media communications, graphic design, audio production, and video production. Each session provided hands-on learning opportunities and insight into the skills needed to succeed in the industry. The following industry professionals led breakout sessions:
· Photography - Emma Parker & Taylor Kiehl, Emma Parker Photography
· Lighting - Adam Slane, Midwest Photo
· Social Media Communications - Kelsey Webb, Ohio Hi-Point Career Center
· Graphic Design - Grant Hosler & Andrew Schall, Graphic Media Alliance
· Audio - Chad Wilkinson, WPKO
· Video - Nate Bope, WPKO
Following the sessions, students engaged in a panel discussion where professionals shared advice on career pathways, hiring expectations, and how students can prepare for the workforce.
The learning continued into the afternoon as students were divided into teams and challenged to create a marketing product promoting a candy bar. Teams developed social media posts, video commercials, and print advertisements, applying the skills they learned throughout the day.
Two groups rose to the top by coming up with a creative advertisement for a candy bar.
Group 1:
· Gracie Hunter, OHP/Mechanicsburg
· Bryleigh Burnside, OHP/Benjamin Logan
· Emma Blair, OHP/Riverside
· Jay Morris, OHP Campus
· T-T Krouse, OHP Campus
· Madelyn Lemly, OHP/Riverside
· Mason Malone, OHP Campus
Group 2
· James Beaty, OHP/Riverside
· Brielle Cline, OHP/Benjamin Logan
· Makayla Hurley, OHP/Riverside
· Lilly Mason, OHP/Mechanicsburg
· Jonny Godinez, OHP/Riverside
· XiZavier Johns, OHP Campus
· Zach Poll, OHP Campus