“This project fits well in the vision for the CMDC program,” Grigar explained. “We are developing a digital publishing track in our program and experimenting with open source technologies to produce scholarly, artistic and commercial publications.”
Student (now graduate) Nicholas Rudy served as project manager and created the 3D images by placing items on a record turntable and taking multiple photographs. Bryan Ruhe was responsible for the graphic design, including designing a special handwriting font. Kyleigh Williams was in charge of drawing, animation and video. Students also contributed photography and worked with National Parks Chief Ranger and Historian Greg Shine and his staff on text and other content development.
Grigar said the experience of working on these kinds of real-world projects enhances her students’ job prospects, as a growing number of businesses look to new digital business models for sales and information sharing. WSU Creative Media graduates are already at work with Intel and Vancouver businesses Gravitate and Instructional Technologies Inc. The CMDC program also worked with Fort Vancouver on a mobile app for visitors, she said.
Shine, who serves as an adjunct instructor in the WSU program, said the partnership, conducted through the National Park’s Fall 2013 Public History Field School, is ideal for sharing the stories behind artifacts that are fragile or otherwise difficult to display. Additionally, an e-book format is much more engaging than old, text heavy books, he said.
“It really helps bring things to life,” he said. “We are after a more sensory experience.”
So is the general public it seems. Grigar said there has been so much growth and interest in the creative media program that a master’s degree in electronic publishing is being considered, as is an e-book publishing house at WSU.
“The McLoughlin Family Collection” is free and available for download.
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