With a recent explosion in glossy publications and the advent of new technology, graphic art is a field which has blossomed more so in the past several years than any time before.

It's a career that combines the old with the new -- which now demands a lot of creativity, skill and patience along with an understanding of new techniques and computer technology.

It is a career whose rewards can mainly be seen through art, movies, televisions and in the corporate arena.

With advancements in technology over the past years this format has taken artist into new arenas to express their vision.

Gavin Smith, 21, is about to start his third year at the Savannah school of the Arts and Design in Savannah, Georgia where he has been successfully working towards this career.

"I was attracted because it's a job that is constantly creative.'' he said.

"I love art, I'm always analysing images trying to see how they compare with each other.'' "The power of advertisement is phenomenal.'' Mr. Smith believes that, everywhere you look these days there is some representation of a graphic artist at work. From clothing to corporate design to movies.

For those who are thinking about graphic arts as a career it offers a number of possibilities.

One advantage of this is that people working in this field have the opportunity of working either for themselves or someone else.

"I hate the grind of daily work'' Mr. Smith said.

Like many artists, Mr. Smith believes that art often takes second place to more academic subjects. Yet he believes that those involved in some form of artist endeavour are generally open minded people.

"Not enough emphasis is put on arts in school,'' he said.

"We can start there, arts in the community is vital more so than then business.'' For Mr. Smith the road to art school was a lot more difficult then it could have been.

"It was impossible to get into art school straight out of high school because I didn't have a portfolio,'' he said.

"Art is a spiritual thing a lot of lives it tends to hit their conscious as well as subconscious levels.'' he said.

"If people can find this they will find more appreciation for it and get involved in Bermuda slowly emerging arts scene. Bermuda has a strong base -- it's museums rival any of the museums in Savannah.'' "People can take it to another level.'' One thing that Mr. Smith has noticed is that there is a lack of black influences in the local art scene.

And while Bermuda may or may not actively support the arts, he sees that people who are preparing for career in these fields will find work elsewhere.

To this Mr. Smith responded: "There is a bigger platform then Bermuda -- go where they will support you.'' Referring to the fact that many students are choosing careers in the international field, Mr. Smith believes that every person will do what they enjoy.

He said: "It's the social thing to do, but as long as you want to do it don't hold anyone back -- people need to dream.

"Each person has their skills which are unique to them. The arts can help people dream and aspire. Success will come.

For the summer Mr. Smith is working with the Fort Williams foundation. The foundation is working towards the season of Remembrance and have just finished working as coordinators of the Middle Passage tribute.

He said: "We are working to bring about awareness of Bermuda's history.'' Graphic artist: Gavin Smith is heading for the world where art meets cyberspace.