The award-winning creative director is redefining documentary storytelling using emerging technologies and immersive installations.
Jason Drakeford, a Professor of Practice at Georgia State University’s Creative Media Industries Institute (CMII), is at the forefront of a movement that blends traditional documentary production with immersive storytelling. With over 20 years of experience creating visual narratives for institutions like The New York Times and PBS, Drakeford’s recent work focuses on the intersection of digital identity and sustainability. By utilizing emerging technologies, he moves beyond flat screens to create captivating, interactive experiences that challenge traditional notions of art and space.
His approach is part of a broader shift in the creative landscape where digital art venues and immersive installations are transforming how audiences engage with media. Drakeford’s process involves a deep dive into the technical craft of creative coding and digital media, often developed through specialized initiatives like the Public Art Futures Lab. These environments allow artists to experiment with how digital tools can represent complex human themes, such as identity, in a physical or augmented environment.
Behind the scenes, this work requires a fusion of design, art, and technology. The rise of these new media platforms has opened doors for makers to move from commercial production into high-concept gallery and public art spaces. For Drakeford, the goal is not just technical wizardry but using these tools to tell more profound, human-centric stories. As digital art departments and specialized residencies continue to expand, artists like Drakeford are proving that the future of storytelling lies in the seamless integration of the digital and the physical, providing a roadmap for the next generation of creative coders and new media artists.
Drakeford’s work demonstrates how veteran creatives can transition traditional storytelling skills into the immersive tech space. It highlights the growing viability of digital art residencies as a pathway for technical makers to gain institutional recognition.
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