Introduction to Multimedia Arts

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the fundamental definitions, elements (text, audio, images, animation, video), and project types introduced in the Multimedia Arts course taught by Mr. Nathaniel Niño Magpantay.

Multimedia

The integration of two or more forms of media, such as text, audio, images, animation, and video, to communicate information or create an interactive user experience.

Multimedia Arts

The creative discipline that combines art, design, storytelling, and digital technologies to produce interactive and visual media.

Creativity

The ability to generate novel and meaningful ideas.

Design

The process of organizing visual and functional elements to communicate effectively.

Communication

Using multimedia to convey messages to specific audiences.

Technology

The use of digital tools and software to create multimedia content.

Text

The collection of words, letters, numbers, and symbols used to communicate information, considered the most fundamental element of multimedia.

Serif

Fonts with decorative strokes at the ends of letters.

Sans Serif

Fonts without decorative strokes at the ends of letters.

Script

Fonts that imitate handwriting.

Script

Fonts that imitate handwriting.

Typeface

The overall visual design of the text.

Font

The digital file or variation of a specific design, such as Helvetica Bold or Helvetica Regular $27\,pt$.

Audio

Digitally recorded or generated sound used to convey information, create atmosphere, provide feedback, or enhance storytelling.

Narration

Spoken explanation guiding the audience.

Dialogue

Conversation between people.

Music

Instrumental or vocal sounds that establish mood.

Sound Effects (SFX)

Artificial or recorded sounds emphasizing actions.

Ambient Sound

Background sounds representing the environment.

WAV (.wav)

A format like keeping an original painting where nothing is removed; has excellent sound quality and very large file size used for professional recording.

MP3 (.mp3)

A format that removes sounds that most people won’t notice; features good sound quality and small file size; the most popular for platforms like Spotify.

AAC (.aac)

Improved version of mp3 with better sound quality using the same or less storage; used by Apple Music, YouTube, and iTunes.

FLAC (.flac)

Keeps all the original sound but with smaller file size; preferred by music producers for highest quality without losing sound.

OGG (.ogg)

Compressed audio format similar to MP3 but is free and open-source; often used in gaming and streaming platforms.

Images

Visual representations such as photographs, drawings, illustrations, icons, and graphics used to communicate ideas quickly and effectively.

Raster graphics

Also called bitmap graphics; images made up of thousands or millions of tiny colored squares called pixels.

JPEG (.jpeg)

Most common format for photographs; removes image details most people won’t notice and does not take much storage.

PNG (.png)

Keeps high image quality and supports transparent backgrounds; often compared to a sticker.

GIF (.gif)

Supports simple animations, similar to a flipbook; used for memes and animations.

BMP (.bmp)

Stores an image without compressing it, creating very large files; used in old Windows software.

TIFF (.tiff)

Professional image format that stores images with very high quality for printing and editing.

Vector graphics

Images created using mathematical equations that define lines, curves, shapes, and colors instead of pixels; can be enlarged indefinitely.

SVG (.svg)

Vector format mainly used for websites and mobile applications, specifically for logos and icons.

AI (.ai)

Native file format of Adobe Illustrator; stores everything needed to edit a vector design.

EPS (.eps)

Vector format used for sharing artwork between different design software and professional printers.

CDR (.cdr)

Native file format of CorelDRAW, used for designing vector graphics.

Animation

The process of creating the illusion of movement by rapidly displaying a sequence of still images or frames.

Traditional animation

The oldest type of animation where every frame is drawn by hand on paper or transparent sheets called cels.

2D animation

Creates movement using flat, two-dimensional characters and backgrounds.

3D animation

Creates movement using three-dimensional digital models that have height, width, and depth.

Stop-motion

An animation technique where real objects are moved a little at a time and photographed after each movement.

Motion graphics

Animation that makes graphic elements such as text, shapes, icons, charts, and logos move.

Video

A sequence of moving images synchronized with audio to communicate stories, events, or information.

Frame

One single picture in a video.

Shot

A continuous recording made by one camera without stopping.

Scene

A collection of shots that happen in the same place and at the same time.

Sequence

A group of related scenes that together tell one larger part of the story.

Transition

The effect used to move from one shot or scene to another.

Pre-production

The planning stage of video production where all preparations are made before the camera starts recording.

Production

The stage of video production where the actual filming or recording takes place and the camera is rolling.

Post-production

The stage where all recorded footage is edited and transformed into the final video.

Linear projects

A multimedia presentation that follows a predetermined sequence from beginning to end, where users cannot control the flow of information.

Non-linear projects

Projects such as websites, video games, and mobile applications where users can control the flow of information.