A Digital Certification grounded in its competency framework

Andrew McDonald -

The Rookies set out to create an open source archive that will standardise skills for digital artists on a global stage. The archive will outline essential creative and technical skills required by all artists, before applying for industry jobs.

Certified Digital Artist will detail standards by role, grounded in its competency framework (covering skills, knowledge and abilities), for all stages of an artist’s career, from entry level positions through senior supervisor roles.

Certified Digital Artist will initially focus on three key creative industries: Visual Effects, Animation and Games.

For talent, this greater clarity on what competencies are relevant today, in whatever role they are in, will allow them to stay at the forefront of a rapidly changing industry, see how they can progress, and develop their career over a lifetime.

For studio’s recruitment teams, this resource is designed to help recruitment teams find talent and set clear targets for all future applicants before applying to job placements.

For educational facilities or studio learning and development teams, this resource is designed to help them create curriculums that adequately prepare talent, standards would enable them to provide training that is “fit-for-purpose”.

There is no scenario in which a set of certified standards doesn’t represent a significant win-win for all parties involved in the industry.

A CDA is better qualified than other digital artists, and recognised by Industry as someone who is credible and suitable for entry-level roles in creative industries. Individuals who have received a CDA micro-credential are trained in Industry accepted principles and best practices.

Supporting the training market to increase its sustainability and responsiveness to industry needs

  • Ability to earn a micro-credential (badge, certificate of completion) that can be aligned with your VET or e-portfolio.
  • Provide young creatives with a meaningful baseline on which to assess where they are in their career, and if they are ready for the challenges of industry.
  • Developing the body of knowledge about industry needs and strategic growth areas to identify how these can be addressed with relevant training products and delivery.
  • Help K12 schools and Higher Education create industry approved curriculums and increase employment rates for graduates. It will also help standardise skills on a global stage.
  • Ability to earn a micro-credential (badge, certificate of completion) that can be aligned with your VET or e-portfolio.

Strengthening relationships with industry and employer

  • Certified Digital Artist will provide talent with a meaningful baseline on which to assess where they are in their career.
  • Industry and employer-informed criteria and standards will shape the badging and credentialing made available and help to drive further engagement and excellence, specifically within the Higher Education demographic.
  • Our global and local industry partnerships also represent opportunities for the broader creative media community by way of innovative solutions regarding: future scholarships, innovation summits and funding to address overall accessibility to training and resources.