Pathway · Digital Media & Product Development
Students don't just learn design — they become designers. This pathway blends creativity with real-world application, giving students the opportunity to develop professional skills while working on authentic projects.
1. Industry Overview
Websites. Social media. Video games. Commercials. They all depend on high-quality visuals and great design. From graphic design and UX to web design and animation, digital media touches every part of modern life.
Students learn and work with industry-standard technology and take advantage of internships and mentoring by working professionals — building portfolios that set them apart.
Job opportunities in this expanding field are huge, and skilled professionals command high pay. Digital media artists and designers can succeed as freelance artists or work for top employers like Disney, Blizzard, and creative agencies. Creative talent and technical skill open doors to advertising, publishing, gaming, and film and video production.
2. Student Experience in ACCESS
Students apply their skills through meaningful, project-based learning experiences.
Design, Visual, and Media Arts · ACCESS CTE
Eddie Morales is entering his sixth year as a CTE Digital Media and Design instructor, bringing more than 20 years of combined experience across education, business, athletics, and workforce development. He teaches digital media, graphic design, photography, branding, and entrepreneurship through project-based learning that mirrors today's creative industry — emphasizing collaboration, innovation, professionalism, and hands-on work with industry-standard tools.
Before teaching CTE, Eddie spent seven years as a Special Education (SDC) teacher and worked as an in-home behavioral therapist for children with autism. Those experiences continue to shape his teaching philosophy: creating inclusive classrooms where every student feels valued and capable, and adapting instruction to meet individual needs.
Outside the classroom, Eddie is an entrepreneur with more than 10 years running a successful design and print business, with expertise spanning branding, photography, apparel decoration, laser engraving, and promotional products. He brings that authentic industry knowledge into the classroom, teaching students not just how to create, but how to think like entrepreneurs.
Eddie has also dedicated many years to youth athletics as a basketball player and coach, using sports to teach teamwork, discipline, accountability, and leadership. His mission is to bridge education with industry, cultivate future leaders and entrepreneurs, and empower the next generation to use creativity, innovation, and resilience to positively impact their communities.
Design, Visual, and Media Arts · ACCESS CTE
Asya Wilbon is a digital media educator and creative professional with experience spanning graphic design, media production, branding, photography, video, podcasting, and digital content creation. She brings a multidisciplinary approach to the classroom, helping students explore the many ways creativity and technology can translate into real-world careers.
Before joining ACCESS CTE, Asya worked as an instructor with the TGR Learning Lab, where she developed and facilitated hands-on STEAM and digital media experiences — teaching graphic design, digital music production, podcasting, photography, video production, and animation while connecting students to career exploration opportunities. As a creative professional, she has also worked independently through AyoMel Media, providing branding, design, photography, videography, and content creation — real-world experience she brings into her teaching by having students approach projects as designers, creators, and professionals, not simply as students completing assignments.
Asya's teaching philosophy centers on learning through creating. She believes students build confidence when they're given the freedom to experiment, develop practical skills, and see their ideas become something tangible — and her goal is a classroom where students discover what they're capable of and begin seeing their creativity as a pathway to future opportunities.
Outside the classroom, Asya enjoys attending basketball games and concerts, traveling, and making trips back to the East Coast to spend time with family and friends.
"I never thought I'd see something I designed actually being used. It made me realize I could turn this into a career."— ACCESS Digital Media Student
Student Showcase
A look at ACCESS Digital Media & Product Development students at work — designing, creating, and building the skills that turn creative talent into a career.
Play & Learn
Two quick games — see how much you know, and how well you can guess what these careers really pay.
3. Career Opportunities
Multiple entry points, from entry-level roles to advanced careers — with options across freelance, agency, and in-house work.
Creates visual concepts to communicate ideas through branding, advertising, and digital content.
$55K–$110Kapprox. annual
Designs how people interact with websites, apps, and products.
$85K–$140Kapprox. annual
Builds the visual layout and feel of websites and digital experiences.
$65K–$115Kapprox. annual
Creates animated graphics and visual effects for film, games, and advertising.
$75K–$135Kapprox. annual
Develops physical or digital products from concept to market.
$90K–$145Kapprox. annual
Shapes the visual identity and message of organizations and products.
$60K–$110Kapprox. annual
Wage ranges reflect California medians from the U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024 California estimates), with CA EDD Labor Market Info (Anaheim–Santa Ana–Irvine MD) and O*NET Online where state-level data isn’t published. Orange County metro figures are typically within ±10% of state medians; final verification against the linked sources is recommended before publication.
4. Job Growth · Orange County Focus
Orange County is home to creative agencies, entertainment studios, tech companies, and small businesses — all of which depend on skilled digital media professionals. Local employers include Disney, Blizzard Entertainment, and a thriving network of design firms and creative studios across Southern California.
Demand for visual designers, UX designers, and content creators continues to grow as more businesses move online and invest in their digital presence. This pathway prepares students for both freelance opportunities and full-time roles with competitive pay.
Growth and demand figures are directional, based on CA EDD Labor Market Info (Anaheim–Santa Ana–Irvine MD) and O*NET Online; confirm before publication.
5. Community Partners & Events
Collaborations with local design studios, agencies, and creative businesses.
Working professionals share their experience and craft with students.
Field trips to creative companies, studios, and design firms in Orange County.
Real briefs, real audiences — students compete and showcase their work.
Student-designed merchandise sold at school and community events.
One-on-one guidance from working creative professionals.
6. Pathways & Next Steps
Multiple paths forward — including dual enrollment, certifications, and college programs.
7. Resources
Ready to Explore?
Discover other pathways, connect with families and partners, or get involved with ACCESS CTE.