The Digital Arts Initiative is spearheaded by the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts and is a collaborative effort among faculty from the School of Art and Art History and Design, the Johnny Carson School of Theater and Film, and the Glenn Korff School of Music to provide interested students from all majors hands-on experience applying current technology to the arts.

Students at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln interested in the potential of collaboration with their peers in art, music, theater, film, emerging media arts, and related areas may also enjoy a focused study in digital arts. By expanding the student’s understanding of the application of technology in the arts, the Digital Arts Initiative will enhance the student’s creative options within their major. These elective classes will bring together students from various disciplines to share their unique perspectives. Faculty members include professionals who are committed to helping students achieve their full artistic and technical potential. Standards are rigorous, and expectations are high.

Of special note to Art students: all Digital Arts Initiative courses (even those without Art prefixes) count as studio credit.


FALL 2024 COURSES

THEA 291Q – Digital Art and 2D Animation

MW 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.
Contact instructorChris Irvin for permssion code - cirvin@unl.edu

Open to all UNL Students

This course introduces students to digital art and 2D animation. Students learn digital painting and drawing basics, including color theory and brush techniques, and 2D animation principles like keyframe animation, timing, spacing, and motion. They use ProcreateProcreate Dreams, and Adobe After Effects, and work on projects such as character design, storytelling, and world-building. The course emphasizes creativity and experimentation. By the end, students understand digital art tools and can create illustrations, animations, and short films. iPads, pencils, and licensed apps are provided.


MUSC 283 – Music Technology: Foundations of Audio Recording and Production

TR 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Contact instructor Tom Larson for permission code - tlarson3@unl.edu 

Introduction to the basic theory, practice, and procedures involved in recording and producing music in the modern digital audio production suite. Principles of sound, acoustics, and the fundamentals of DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) software and hardware (microphones and mixing consoles).

MUSC 350 – Film Scoring

MWF 12:30 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.
Contact instructor Tom Larson for permission code - tlarson3@unl.edu 

Exploration of the craft and art of scoring for visual media though practice, analysis and discussion. Develop creative and technical skills in audio editing and music composition for synchronization to picture.


  • Photos of students using a green screen and recording a piano
  • students in a ready for drawing class
  • DAI students working
  • DAI Students working
  • students using computers in Richards 17
  • Digital arts students
  • Digital arts students working
  • Photos of students using a green screen and recording a piano
  • students in a ready for drawing class
  • DAI students working
  • DAI Students working
  • students using computers in Richards 17
  • Digital arts students
  • students using computers in Richards 17