Explore academic careers in Digital Arts within the Arts and Culture sector. Opportunities range from teaching positions at universities to roles in research and creative production, offering a blend of artistic expression and technological innovation.
Searching for Digital Arts faculty jobs? Dive into this dynamic field where creativity meets cutting-edge technology, blending traditional artistry with digital tools to produce stunning visuals, animations, interactive installations, and immersive virtual realities. Digital Arts (often abbreviated as DA) empowers artists to use software like Adobe Creative Suite, Blender for 3D modeling, or Unity for game development, creating everything from eye-catching websites and mobile apps to NFT artworks and augmented reality (AR) experiences. For novices, think of it as painting with pixels instead of brushes—accessible yet endlessly innovative, perfect for those passionate about storytelling through screens.
Career pathways in Digital Arts academia start with a foundational Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Digital Arts or related fields like Graphic Design or Multimedia, followed by a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) essential for faculty positions. Build a standout portfolio showcasing projects like 2D animations or UI/UX designs, gain hands-on teaching experience as an adjunct professor through adjunct professor jobs, and network at conferences. Transition to tenure-track Digital Arts professor jobs by publishing digital art research or exhibiting at galleries. Salaries are promising: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports median pay for multimedia artists at $82,230 in 2023, with assistant Digital Arts professors averaging $70,000-$95,000 annually per AAUP data, rising to $120,000+ for full professors at top institutions. Trends show 4% job growth through 2032, fueled by gaming, metaverse, and AI-generated art demands.
Hotspots include creative hubs like New York (/us/new-york), Los Angeles (/us/california/los-angeles), and San Francisco (/us/california/san-francisco), plus global spots like London (/gb/london). Check professor salaries for location-specific insights and Rate My Professor to review Digital Arts faculty in these areas—users rave about innovative courses at places like Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) or California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), leaders in digital animation and interactive media.
Students, explore beginner-friendly opportunities: introductory courses teach Photoshop basics to advanced VR prototyping, with hands-on projects building resumes. Top programs at NYU Tisch, Carnegie Mellon, or Emily Carr University (Canada) offer scholarships and internships. Research professors on Rate My Professor for Digital Arts classes, compare university rankings, and access higher ed career advice like crafting academic CVs (blog tips). Actionable tip: Start a personal GitHub for digital portfolios to impress hiring committees.
Ready to launch? Browse thousands of higher ed jobs in Digital Arts, from lecturer roles to research positions. Visit Rate My Professor for Digital Arts insights, explore faculty jobs, and check professor salaries—your creative academic journey starts now on AcademicJobs.com higher ed jobs!
Digital Arts represents the fusion of traditional artistic expression with cutting-edge digital technologies, encompassing fields like digital illustration, 3D modeling, animation, interactive media, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and generative art powered by artificial intelligence (AI). Emerging in the 1960s with pioneering computer-generated imagery by artists like Frieder Nake and A. Michael Noll, it exploded in the 1980s and 1990s alongside personal computers and software such as Adobe Photoshop and Autodesk Maya. Today, Digital Arts is more relevant than ever, driving industries worth billions—global gaming revenue hit $184 billion in 2023 (Newzoo), while VFX in film and streaming demands innovative talent.
The importance of Digital Arts lies in its ability to democratize creation, allowing artists to produce immersive experiences that influence entertainment, advertising, education, and even social change through NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and metaverses. For jobseekers eyeing Digital Arts faculty jobs, understanding key concepts like raster versus vector graphics, shader programming, and procedural generation is crucial. Qualifications typically include a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Digital Arts or related fields, a strong online portfolio (e.g., on Behance or ArtStation), and teaching experience; tenure-track roles often require a PhD. Salaries average $85,000–$120,000 annually in the US for postsecondary Digital Arts instructors, higher in tech hubs like California ($110,000+ per professor salaries data), with adjunct positions starting at $4,000–$7,000 per course.
Current trends show 8–12% job growth for multimedia artists through 2032 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), fueled by AI tools like Midjourney and demand for hybrid art-tech educators. Hotspots include /us/ca/los-angeles for animation studios, /us/ny/new-york for digital design agencies, /us/ca/san-francisco for VR innovators, /gb/london for interactive media, and /ca/on/toronto for game development. Students can explore top programs at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), or Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), building skills in Unity or Unreal Engine.
Actionable insights for jobseekers: Develop a niche like AI-generated art, network at conferences like SIGGRAPH, and rate professors in Digital Arts on Rate My Professor to choose mentors. Students, leverage higher ed jobs listings for internships and check Rate My Professor for course insights. Explore higher ed career advice for CV tips tailored to Digital Arts pathways. Thriving careers await those blending artistic vision with tech prowess—start your journey on AcademicJobs.com today!
Embarking on a career in Digital Arts—encompassing digital media, animation, interactive design, and multimedia production—demands a blend of creative talent, technical prowess, and academic credentials, especially for faculty positions at colleges and universities. Whether you're aiming to teach aspiring artists or lead innovative programs, understanding these qualifications is key to standing out in competitive Digital Arts faculty jobs.
The cornerstone is a strong educational foundation. A Bachelor's degree in Digital Arts, Fine Arts (BFA), Graphic Design, or Computer Science with an arts focus is typically the entry point. For faculty roles, a Master's degree or Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Digital Arts is often required as the terminal degree, enabling you to develop curricula on topics like 3D modeling, motion graphics, and virtual reality art. PhD programs, such as those in Media Arts or Digital Media, are ideal for research-oriented positions at top institutions like Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) or California Institute of the Arts (CalArts). According to the College Art Association, over 80% of tenure-track art faculty hold an MFA.
Certifications bolster your profile. Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) in Photoshop, Illustrator, or After Effects validates software mastery, while Unity Certified Developer or Autodesk Certified Professional in Maya signals expertise in game design and 3D animation. These are particularly valued for adjunct or lecturer roles listed on higher-ed-jobs/faculty.
A professional portfolio showcasing original digital projects is non-negotiable—think interactive installations or NFT art series. Gain teaching experience as a teaching assistant (TA) or through community workshops to demonstrate pedagogical skills.
Average salaries for Digital Arts faculty start at $65,000-$85,000 for assistant professors, rising to $90,000-$120,000 for associates, per professor-salaries data from the American Association of University Professors (AAUP). Check rate-my-professor reviews of Digital Arts instructors to gauge effective teaching styles.
To strengthen your candidacy: Build a diverse portfolio with 10-15 projects, pursue residencies at places like Eyebeam or SIGGRAPH conferences, network via higher-ed-career-advice, and tailor your CV with a teaching philosophy statement. Jobseekers, explore openings in creative hubs like /us/ca/los-angeles or /us/ny/new-york. Students, consider MFA programs at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) for hands-on training. For salary insights, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on multimedia artists (median $82,360 in 2023, projected 8% growth through 2032).
Tip: Customize applications for each institution by aligning your experience with their focus, like VR art at NYU Tisch, and leverage free-resume-template resources. Persistence pays off in this evolving field blending art and technology.
Embarking on a career in Digital Arts within academia offers creative jobseekers a chance to blend artistry with technology, teaching the next generation in fields like animation, interactive media, and digital design. This pathway typically spans 8-12 years, demanding a strong portfolio, teaching experience, and networking. Demand for Digital Arts faculty is rising, with multimedia artist roles projected to grow 8% by 2032 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS data), driven by gaming and VR trends.
Begin with a Bachelor's degree (BFA) in Digital Arts or related fields like Graphic Design or Computer Graphics (4 years). Build a portfolio through coursework and internships at studios like Pixar or Adobe partners. Pitfall: Skipping hands-on projects leads to weak applications—prioritize exhibitions and freelance gigs.
| Stage | Duration | Key Milestones & Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's (BFA/BA) | 4 years | Core skills in software like Adobe Suite, Maya. Intern at digital agencies; join student chapters of SIGGRAPH. Example: NYU Tisch grads land internships at NYC firms. |
| Master's (MFA) | 2-3 years | Thesis project/portfolio showcase. TA (Teaching Assistant) roles build experience. Top programs: CalArts, RISD. Pitfall: High competition—network via conferences like SIGGRAPH. |
| Professional Experience | 2-5 years | Adjunct teaching, exhibitions, publications. Seek adjunct professor jobs or faculty positions. Stats: Adjuncts earn $3,000-$5,000 per course (professor salaries). |
| Tenure-Track Assistant Professor | Entry after MFA + experience | PhD optional but boosts chances. Publish in journals, present at conferences. Hubs: Los Angeles, New York. Salary: $70,000-$95,000 starting (Chronicle of Higher Ed). |
Advice: Cultivate a standout online portfolio on Behance; gain teaching chops via community colleges. Avoid pitfalls like siloed skills—blend art/tech. Students, explore courses at specializing institutions like Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Rate My Professor reviews of Digital Arts faculty reveal top teaching styles. Check higher ed career advice for CV tips. For global paths, UK roles via jobs.ac.uk emphasize practice-based PhDs at University of the Arts London. Track salaries on professor salaries and rate Digital Arts profs on Rate My Professor. Start your journey with higher ed jobs today!
Navigating salaries and compensation in Digital Arts faculty positions requires understanding a range of factors, from institutional type to geographic location and experience level. Digital Arts roles, encompassing fields like interactive media design, digital animation, and virtual reality (VR) art, typically offer competitive pay in academia, reflecting the growing demand for tech-savvy creatives who blend artistic vision with digital tools.
Average salaries for Digital Arts faculty in the United States start at around $75,000-$95,000 annually for assistant professors, rising to $100,000-$130,000 for associate professors and $120,000-$160,000+ for full professors, based on 2023 data from the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) and Glassdoor reports. For example, at top institutions like Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) or California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), entry-level Digital Arts faculty might earn closer to $90,000 due to specialized programs. Public universities often pay 10-15% less than private ones, but unionized campuses like those in the University of California system provide stronger negotiation leverage.
Key Trends (2015-2025): Salaries have risen about 3-4% annually, outpacing inflation in high-demand areas like VR/AR integration, driven by industry-academia partnerships. However, adjunct Digital Arts instructors earn far less—$3,000-$7,000 per course—highlighting the push for tenure-track stability. Coastal cities command premiums: New York averages 20% higher than Midwest locations.
Factors influencing pay include years of experience, MFA or PhD qualifications, portfolio strength, and research output like digital exhibitions. Negotiations often cover not just base salary but total compensation packages, including health insurance, retirement matching (up to 10%), sabbaticals every 7 years, and professional development funds ($5,000-$10,000/year). Benefits can add 30-40% to total value.
Explore detailed benchmarks on professor salaries or gain insights from peers via Rate My Professor reviews of Digital Arts faculty. For global perspectives, UK Digital Arts lecturers average £45,000-£60,000 (about $58k-$78k USD). Check AAUP Salary Survey for verified stats. Aspiring jobseekers, leverage higher ed faculty jobs listings and career advice to position yourself for top compensation in this dynamic field.
Dreaming of a faculty role in Digital Arts? Opportunities span the globe, fueled by booming demand for experts in animation, game design, virtual reality (VR), and interactive media. North America leads with tech-industry ties, while Europe emphasizes innovative grants and Asia-Pacific surges in digital entertainment. Jobseekers should note regional quirks: U.S. positions often prioritize industry experience alongside a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Digital Arts, tenure-track roles are competitive in coastal hubs, and salaries reflect cost-of-living variances. In the UK and Australia, contract-based lecturer jobs (equivalent to assistant professors) dominate, with emphasis on research outputs like digital installations. Emerging markets like Singapore offer tax incentives for creative tech faculty.
Demand is highest where digital arts intersect with gaming and film—think Hollywood's animation boom or Berlin's creative tech scene. For students eyeing courses, top institutions like New York University's (NYU) Tisch School or Canada's Emily Carr University of Art + Design provide specialized programs blending code and creativity. Check Rate My Professor for insights on Digital Arts faculty at these schools, or explore professor salaries by location to benchmark earnings.
| Region/Hub | Demand Level | Avg. Faculty Salary (USD, 2023-2024) | Key Opportunities & Quirks |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA: Los Angeles, CA | High 📈 | $85,000-$130,000 | VR/animation ties to studios like Disney; high competition, network via SIGGRAPH. |
| USA: New York, NY | High | $90,000-$140,000 | Interactive media at NYU/Pratt; urban cost premium, adjunct gigs abundant. |
| Canada: Vancouver, BC | High | $75,000-$110,000 CAD (~$55k-$80k USD) | Game dev hub; bilingual skills boost hires at Emily Carr. |
| UK: London | Medium-High | $60,000-$100,000 | UAL/Goldsmiths focus on digital culture; Research Excellence Framework (REF) key for advancement. |
| Australia: Melbourne | Growing | $80,000-$120,000 AUD (~$53k-$80k USD) | Game design strength; work visas easier for PhDs. |
| Germany: Berlin | Medium | €50,000-€80,000 (~$54k-$86k USD) | UDK Berlin's experimental media; grant-funded, English-friendly. |
Jobseekers, target high-demand areas via Los Angeles jobs, New York faculty openings, or Vancouver positions on AcademicJobs.com. In the U.S., coastal states like California see 20% more postings due to entertainment synergies (per HigherEdJobs trends, 2024). Europe favors interdisciplinary profiles—pair Digital Arts with AI for edges in Berlin or Amsterdam (Berlin). Actionable tip: Tailor applications to local quirks, like U.S. teaching portfolios or EU project grants. Visit higher ed faculty jobs and career advice for pathways. For salary deep-dives, see Chronicle of Higher Education. Students, rate Digital Arts courses on Rate My Professor to choose wisely.
Whether chasing higher ed jobs in Sydney (Sydney) or lecturing in London (London), strategic location choices amplify your Digital Arts career trajectory.
Digital Arts, blending creative expression with cutting-edge technology like animation, interactive media, virtual reality (VR), and graphic design, is a dynamic field attracting innovative faculty and students worldwide. Top specializing institutions offer specialized programs that equip learners with portfolios-ready skills and industry connections essential for Digital Arts faculty jobs or professional roles. These schools stand out for their state-of-the-art facilities, renowned faculty, and alumni success at studios like Pixar and Adobe. Jobseekers benefit from research opportunities and tenure-track positions, while students gain hands-on training. Explore professor salaries in Digital Arts, averaging $80,000-$120,000 annually for assistant professors in the US (higher in tech hubs), per recent data from the College and University Professional Association (CUPA-HR).
| Institution | Location | Key Programs | Notable Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) | Providence, RI | MFA Digital + Media, BFA Film/Animation/Video | Experimental focus with fabrication labs; strong NYC/Boston networks; alumni lead VR projects |
| California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) | Valencia, CA | MFA Animation, Experimental Animation; BFA Character Animation | Disney/Pixar pipeline; character rigging and 3D tools expertise; faculty from major studios |
| Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) | Savannah, GA & Atlanta, GA | BFA/MFA Animation, Interactive Design & Game Development | Themed production studios; partnerships with EA, Wacom; high job placement (95% within 10 months) |
| New York University (NYU) Tisch | New York, NY | MS Interactive Telecommunications Program (ITP); MFA Moving Image Archiving | Interdisciplinary tech-art fusion; hacker/maker culture; proximity to MoMA and tech firms |
RISD's Digital + Media MFA emphasizes conceptual innovation, ideal for jobseekers building experimental portfolios for tenure-track lecturer jobs. CalArts, birthplace of modern animation, offers mentorship from Oscar winners, boosting resumes for adjunct professor jobs. SCAD's multi-campus setup provides diverse environments, with Atlanta's film scene aiding professor jobs. NYU ITP fosters prototypes showcased at SIGGRAPH, perfect for research-focused roles.
For global opportunities, consider Canada's Emily Carr University in Vancouver. Stay updated on trends like AI-generated art via higher ed career advice.
Whether you're a jobseeker aiming for Digital Arts faculty jobs or a student eager to dive into creative digital programs, these actionable tips provide step-by-step guidance. From building portfolios to networking ethically, discover how to stand out in this innovative field blending art, technology, and interactivity like animation, VR (virtual reality), and game design.
Implement these for pathways to thriving university jobs or enriching programs—start today!
In the dynamic field of Digital Arts—which encompasses digital media, interactive design, animation, and game art—diversity and inclusion (D&I) play pivotal roles in fostering innovation and reflecting global audiences. Demographics reveal progress: according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES, 2023 data), women comprise about 45% of arts faculty in the U.S., up from 38% a decade ago, though digital subfields like game design lag at around 30% female representation per the International Game Developers Association (IGDA, 2023). Underrepresented minorities, including Black (7%) and Hispanic (12%) faculty, highlight ongoing gaps, with similar trends in Europe and Asia where cultural diversity varies by institution.
Policies are advancing through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) frameworks at top schools like Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), mandating diverse hiring panels and inclusive curricula. These efforts influence the field by integrating multicultural perspectives into digital storytelling and user experience (UX) design, creating art that resonates worldwide. Benefits include heightened creativity—diverse teams produce 19% more revenue in creative industries (McKinsey, 2020)—improved student engagement, and equitable access to Digital Arts faculty jobs.
For jobseekers eyeing professor salaries in Digital Arts, which average $80,000-$120,000 USD globally (Glassdoor, 2024), tips include highlighting unique cultural experiences in applications, joining DEI committees, and networking via conferences like SIGGRAPH. Students can explore inclusive programs at Rate My Professor to review diverse Digital Arts educators. Examples abound: NYU’s Tisch School promotes Indigenous digital artists, while the UK’s Goldsmiths University emphasizes global south voices. Check NCES faculty diversity data or IGDA trends for insights. Aspiring academics, leverage higher ed career advice and rate Digital Arts professors to find inclusive environments that propel your career forward.
Joining key clubs, societies, and networks in Digital Arts is a game-changer for students pursuing courses and jobseekers aiming for faculty roles. These groups foster collaboration, provide access to conferences, workshops, and resources essential for mastering digital arts techniques like interactive media, animation, and generative design. Networking here opens doors to mentorship, publications, and faculty jobs in Digital Arts, while enhancing resumes for tenure-track positions. Many offer student discounts, virtual events, and global chapters, making them accessible worldwide. Check professor salaries in Digital Arts to understand earning potential boosted by such affiliations, and rate inspiring instructors on Rate My Professor.
The ACM Special Interest Group on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques (SIGGRAPH) leads the global community in computer graphics, animation, and interactive digital arts, hosting the premier annual conference since 1974.
Benefits: Network with 25,000+ professionals, access cutting-edge papers, exhibit work, and join education committees for teaching resources ideal for Digital Arts studies.
Join/Advice: Students pay $25/year; professionals $135. Start with free webinars, volunteer at events. Join SIGGRAPH. Vital for careers—presentations here signal expertise to hiring committees.
iDMAa unites educators and researchers in digital media arts, emphasizing pedagogy, VR/AR, and interactive installations through annual conferences.
Benefits: Publish papers, attend workshops, collaborate on projects; perfect for adjunct professors and grad students building portfolios.
Join/Advice: Membership $75/year, students $40. Submit abstracts early. Join iDMAa. Strengthens academic CVs for adjunct Digital Arts jobs.
The International Society for the Arts, Sciences, and Technology (Leonardo/ISAST) bridges art, science, and tech since 1968, publishing Leonardo journal on digital creativity.
Benefits: Grants, residencies, global network of 5,000+ members; supports interdisciplinary Digital Arts research.
Join/Advice: $75/year, students $40. Engage via forums. Join Leonardo. Key for tenure dossiers and research jobs.
CAA, the leading professional society for visual arts since 1911, features Digital Arts committees and Media Art interest groups.
Benefits: Annual conference sessions, job board, advocacy; connects to 5,000+ art historians and artists.
Join/Advice: $125/year, students $55. Attend virtual panels. Links to Rate My Professor for Digital Arts faculty. Boosts visibility for lecturer jobs.
ELO promotes digital-born literary arts, including interactive narratives and net art, with conferences and archives since 1999.
Benefits: Visionary awards, teaching resources, community for experimental Digital Arts.
Join/Advice: $50/year donation-based. Submit works. Enhances creative studies and faculty profiles via higher ed career advice.
These networks signify dedication, aiding pathways from student projects to Digital Arts faculty jobs. Start small—follow social channels, attend free events—to build lasting connections.
Equip yourself with top resources to launch or advance in Digital Arts—a dynamic field blending creativity with technology, including animation, graphic design, interactive media, game art, and virtual reality (VR) creations. These platforms offer job listings, portfolio tools, skill-building courses, networking events, and career advice essential for faculty positions and student pathways worldwide.
Pursuing a career or education in Digital Arts opens doors to a dynamic field blending creativity with cutting-edge technology, including animation, interactive media, virtual reality (VR), and digital design. For jobseekers eyeing faculty positions, the prospects are promising due to rising demand for professors who can teach skills in tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Unity, and Blender. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 8% growth for multimedia artists and animators through 2032, faster than average, translating to strong hiring trends in academia as universities expand digital media programs.
Salaries reflect this value: entry-level Digital Arts adjuncts earn around $50,000-$70,000 USD annually, while tenure-track assistant professors average $75,000-$95,000, rising to $110,000+ for full professors at top institutions, per data from professor salaries reports and Payscale (2024). Coastal hubs like California and New York offer premiums—check opportunities in Los Angeles or New York. Networking is key; attend SIGGRAPH conferences or join ACM SIGGRAPH to connect with leaders, boosting your leverage for roles at schools like Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) or California Institute of the Arts (CalArts).
To maximize benefits, build a portfolio early, pursue an MFA in Digital Arts, and use Rate My Professor to research mentors in Digital Arts programs. Explore higher ed career advice for CV tips tailored to Digital Arts faculty jobs. For verified trends, see the BLS outlook. This path offers fulfillment, stability, and innovation—perfect for creative minds ready to inspire the next generation.
Students benefit too: Enroll in specialized courses at DigiPen Institute or Pratt Institute, gaining hands-on experience that fast-tracks to adjunct professor jobs. Honest advice: Network relentlessly and stay tech-savvy, as AI tools like Midjourney are reshaping the field—adapt to thrive.
Gaining insights from those in the trenches can profoundly shape your decision to pursue a career or studies in Digital Arts, a dynamic field blending creativity with cutting-edge technology like animation software (e.g., Adobe After Effects), interactive installations, and virtual reality (VR) design. Professionals often highlight the thrill of mentoring students on real-world projects, such as developing portfolios for game design or digital exhibitions, but note challenges like rapidly evolving tools—think transitioning from 2D graphics to AI-generated art—which demand continuous learning. On RateMyProfessor, Digital Arts faculty receive praise for hands-on courses at institutions like Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), where professors average 4.2/5 stars for fostering innovation amid tight budgets.
Students echo this enthusiasm, sharing on RateMyProfessor how Digital Arts programs build essential skills in tools like Unity and Blender, preparing them for faculty roles or industry gigs. Reviews from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts commend instructors for critique sessions that mimic professional studios, though some flag heavy workloads. Salaries for Digital Arts professors range from $65,000 for adjuncts to $110,000+ for tenured roles, per recent data from the College and University Professional Association (CUPA-HR), varying by location—higher in tech hubs like San Francisco.
To aid your decisions, explore RateMyProfessor profiles of Digital Arts educators before applying to faculty jobs or enrolling in courses. Advice from pros: Network at conferences like SIGGRAPH (siggraph.org) and build a standout digital portfolio showcasing interdisciplinary work. Students recommend seeking profs with industry ties for better job placement—check RateMyProfessor for such gems. Dive into higher-ed career advice on AcademicJobs.com to thrive in this vibrant space, where creativity meets academia.
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