DEC Journal : Art and Design

Essential Skills for a Career as a Motion Graphic Designer

2026-01-22T10:54:17+07:00

This research aimed to: 1. explore and classify the essential skills used by professional motion graphic designers in professional practice; 2. assess the importance of these skills from an employer perspective; and 3. develop recommendations for improving undergraduate graphic design curricula. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, utilizing a quantitative survey and in-depth interviews with 21 entrepreneurs, art directors, and industry experts. The results classified skills into two primary domains: 1) Specialized Skills and 2) Social and Emotional Skills. A key distinction emerged within Specialized Skills, dividing them into: 1.1 Software Proficiency (where compositing programs like After Effects and basic graphics programs like Photoshop/Illustrator are essential, while 3D software is desirable) and 1.2 Art and Design Foundations (including design principles, visual storytelling, and animation principles). Crucially, these Art and Design Foundations were assessed as more important and sustainable than mere technical (software) skills. 1.3 Regarding Social and Emotional Skills, "responsibility" received the highest average importance rating. The primary finding is that when hiring new graduates, employers prioritize Social and Emotional Skills (e.g., responsibility, communication, attitude) alongside strong Art and Design Foundations above advanced software knowledge. The rationale provided is that these human-centric skills are harder to teach and more critical for long-term teamwork than advanced software expertise, which can be learned on the job. The research, therefore, suggests that educational institutions must balance their curriculum, shifting emphasis from purely tool-based instruction to cultivating conceptual foundations (art and thought process) and professionalism (social skills).

A Photo Documentary: Cultural Adaptation of Nang Yai Wat Kanon

2026-01-20T10:18:12+07:00

The creative research Photo Documentary: Cultural Adaptation of Nang Yai Wat Khanon aims to explore the dynamics of cultural continuity within Thailand’s traditional shadow puppet performance in contemporary society. This study understands “cultural adaptation” as a process of continuity of Living Heritage, enacted through practice, learning, and community participation rather than formal transformation of form. Recognizing Nang Yai as an intangible heritage that embodies both artistic identity and community spirituality, the study investigates how the art form adapts to social and technological changes in modern life. The research objectives are (1) to study the cultural adaptation of Nang Yai performance at Wat Khanon, Ratchaburi, as a living and practice-based process and (2) to present photographic works that narrate the living process of transmission and reinterpretation through documentary photography. This study applies the approaches of Visual Anthropology and Photo Documentary, using photography as a tool for learning and interpreting cultural experience within the community context. The researcher acted as an Artistic Observer, documenting authentic situations without intervention, except for photographing puppets in the museum with controlled lighting to reveal their intricate craftsmanship. Data collection covered three aspects: (1) photographing the puppet collections in the museum, (2) documenting live performances including puppetry, dance, and music, and (3) observing youth training sessions. Findings reveal that Nang Yai at Wat Khanon continues to survive through intergenerational transmission, where young performers, local artists, and monks collaboratively reinterpret and adapt the art form to contemporary contexts. The photographs function as a Cultural Language, portraying Nang Yai as a Living Heritage—an art form that continues to evolve and resonate within the cultural landscape of 21st-century Thailand.

To Empower People Who are in Disadvantage Groups and Build Community Through a Handmade Jewelry-Making Workshop From Reclaimed Materials

2026-02-02T11:48:42+07:00

The author believes that every material in the world possesses its own beauty and uniqueness, and that human beings, as creators, can enhance the value of those materials through design. Even discarded materials retain intrinsic value. In the current global context, beverage consumption and the resulting waste generation remain at high levels. Global soft drink consumption exceeds 500 billion liters annually, making beverage packaging a significant component of municipal solid waste. Although only a portion is packaged in glass bottles, the cumulative number of metal crown caps constitutes a considerable source of metal waste. This situation highlights the need for design approaches that emphasize resource efficiency and creative reuse—particularly of crown caps, which feature distinctive patterns varying by beverage brand. This research therefore aims to transform used crown caps into jewelry with aesthetic and emotional value for both designers and wearers. The objectives are: (1) to add value to discarded crown caps by converting them into jewelry components; (2) to organize handmade jewelry workshops for individuals with physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory disabilities in order to enhance their capabilities and social participation; and (3) to develop the workshop model into a sustainable activity and can be a case study to adapt with other countries in the future. The study employs a Research and Development (R&D) methodology. Crown caps were collected from restaurants and experimentally reshaped through hammering and dapping metal techniques into bead-like elements, then combined into adjustable jewelry pieces. The developed process was implemented as a prototype workshop and evaluated in practice. The results demonstrate that used crown caps can be transformed into jewelry with renewed beauty and value. Participants were able to create their own pieces, fostering pride and social recognition. Some works were exhibited and sold through a foundation shop, with proceeds reinvested to support ongoing activities. The research underscores the power of design to upcycle waste materials while generating sustainable social, economic, and emotional value, and the developed process can be further adapted and applied in other contexts or internationally in the future.

Art Activities to Promote the Appreciation of Thai Traditions for Elementary School Students

2026-03-05T16:00:20+07:00

Currently, there is a significant influx of technology and foreign cultures, while increasing numbers of students are enrolling in international schools. As a result, younger generations are becoming less connected to Thai cultural roots, leading to decreased interest in traditional practices. UNESCO has emphasized the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage through the Sustainable Development Goals, while Thailand’s Soft Power policy also seeks to strengthen cultural identity. Therefore, fostering awareness and appreciation among youth is essential for preserving Thai traditions.

Preliminary studies indicate a strong connection between art and tradition. Art education encourages imagination, hands-on learning, and a sense of pride, which can help cultivate appreciation of cultural values. Primary school students are at an appropriate developmental stage to understand such concepts.

This study aims to explore guidelines for organizing art activities that promote appreciation of Thai traditions among primary school students. The research methodology involves analyzing student development, approaches to value cultivation, the significance of art, and activity formats and media from both domestic and international contexts.

The findings suggest five key components: (1) clearly defined appreciation levels with continuous development, (2) simple and age-appropriate traditional content, (3) collaborative art activities involving peers and families, (4) engaging, modern, and accessible materials, and (5) comprehensive evaluation of knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, student work, and satisfaction.

Guidelines for Art History Learning Management in the 21st Century

2026-03-09T15:57:26+07:00

This research aimed to 1) Study and analyze learning management approaches in art history, history, and local history in the 21^st century, and 2) Synthesize guidelines for art history learning management in the 21^st century. The sample consisted of 19 learning management approaches in art history, history, and local history, collected from both domestic and international sources between 2014 – 2025. The research instruments included a Matrix Analysis table and an Image Scale: Product Positioning diagram. Data were analyzed based on the relationships and characteristics of the learning management approaches and summarized using the Image Scale.

The findings revealed that learning approaches can be categorized into four groups: 1) Flexible, self-directed learning based on learners’ interests, implemented through digital, traditional, or blended formats. 2) Structured learning that enables learners to see a systematic overview. 3) Place-based and experiential learning through learning resources and community engagement. and 4) Collaborative learning that promotes leadership and social skills. Based on the analysis, the study proposes guidelines for 21st-century art history learning management, consisting of four key components: 1) Learning methods that emphasize active learning, encouraging learner participation and hands-on experiences. 2) Learning media that integrate diverse formats, both traditional and digital, selected appropriately for learners. 3) learning outcomes, which include improved academic achievement, positive attitudes toward art history, enhanced retention, increased learning motivation, and the ability to apply knowledge in daily life. And 4) The development of essential 21^st century skills. These findings provide practical implications for educators in selecting appropriate instructional tools that align with the behaviors and needs of learners in the digital age.

Art and Craft Activity Design Strategies for Cafes as Creative Spaces

2026-03-05T09:40:44+07:00

Cafés are increasingly playing a role as creative spaces that support informal learning, often hosting art-related activities such as workshops, exhibitions, and other creative events. This study aimed to 1) investigate key considerations in designing art activities in cafés, including the types of activities, learning benefits, pricing, duration, and target audiences through case studies of nine cafés in Bangkok that regularly organize art and craft activities, and 2) synthesize design strategies for art and craft activities in cafés.

The findings reveal that 1) art activities in cafés can be categorized into art workshops, craft workshops, art-based Workshop, exhibitions, self-directed art, and other creative activities; 2) art activities in cafés generate multiple benefits, including promoting well-being, developing essential art skills, fostering other practical skills, and raising awareness of social issues; 3) the most common price range for activities is 0–500 THB; 4) workshops are typically organized for 2–3 hours, while exhibitions are usually presented for more than 15 days; and 5) students represent the main customer group with notable spending power. These interconnected findings lead to the synthesis of design strategies for organizing art and craft activities in creative-space cafés. The proposed strategies include 1) convenience, 2) time efficiency,
3) appropriate pricing, 4) effective outreach, and 5) participatory engagement. These strategies are intended to guide individuals or organizations interested in hosting art or learning activities, enabling them to adapt and design art experiences that are contextually appropriate and meaningful. Ultimately, applying these strategies can foster enjoyable, diverse forms of learning that integrate creativity into everyday spaces.

Challenges to Changes in Social Contexts and Their Impact on Multicultural Tourism in Bang Kachao, Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan Province

2026-01-28T10:07:42+07:00

This article studies the challenges of multicultural tourism in Khlong Bang Kachao, Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan Province, a green area on the outskirts of Bangkok with traditional communities of diverse cultures, agricultural-lifecycle canals, and community tourism markets. The objective is to explore the historical background of Khlong Bang Kachao regarding multiculturalism and to study the changes in the social context of the area to promote multicultural tourism. The study involved a comparative analysis of related theories and research by conducting field surveys, observations, and focus groups with 15 participants. The field survey lasted for one week, during which cyclists led the way to various hard-to-reach areas. The collected data were then analyzed and used to present recommendations. Overall, the research found significant changes in traditions and culture. In fact, the traditions in the Mon area did not originate from the actual way of life. However, it is merely organized as a performance show during festivals, within temples or schools, to promote tourism during Songkran. The tradition is intertwined with political interests and state budgets used to organize projects to accommodate tourists. Locals move away, which impacts the relationships within the community, among relatives, temples, and schools, affecting the continuation of the way of life, beliefs, and valuable cultural practices. Local residents moved out, which affected the relationships within the community, families, temples, and schools in continuing the good way of life, beliefs, and culture. Outsiders moved in to do business, mainly tourism-related businesses, so the income from tourism does not truly benefit the community. Therefore, it is suggested to create learning spaces and cultural exchange opportunities, promote the participation of various community groups, implement policy management and partnership networks, and support community-based tourism (CBT). This approach would reduce dependence on central budgets and focus on revitalizing authentic ways of life.

Exploring Short-Video Communication Paths for Minnan Xunpu Culture from the Perspective of Empathic Communication

2026-02-02T15:48:38+07:00

This study adopts empathic communication theory as its analytical framework and examines a contemporary paradox in the short-video dissemination of Xunpu culture, in which the growing visibility of cultural symbols is accompanied by a weakening of cultural context and value recognition. Using a qualitative research design, the study draws on field observations in Xunpu Village, semi-structured interviews with 12 local intangible cultural heritage inheritors and knowledgeable community members, and content and case analyses of 300 short-video samples collected from Douyin and Xiaohongshu. The data were coded and analyzed in terms of narrative structures, audiovisual presentations, and interaction patterns, with findings triangulated across field observations, interview data, and online samples. Based on this analysis, the study develops a three-tier framework encompassing cognitive, affective, and behavioral empathy. The findings indicate that short-video representations of Xunpu culture often compress cultural contexts into highly recognizable visual symbols, diminish women’s lived experiences and ritual emotions, and restrict audience engagement to imitation and performative check-ins. These limitations constrain deeper cultural understanding, emotional identification, and meaningful participation. Accordingly, the study proposes strengthening cognitive empathy through temporal narrative reconstruction and contextual restoration, enhancing affective empathy through regional soundscapes and detailed sound effects, and facilitating behavioral empathy through embodied experiences and user co-creation. Together, these strategies form a progressive communicative pathway that guides audiences from viewing to understanding and from emotional resonance to active participation. The study concludes that an empathic communication perspective can contribute to deeper cultural meaning-making and audience participation in Xunpu short-video communication, while providing practical guidance for the living transmission of Minnan intangible cultural heritage in digital media environments.

Culture in a State of Non-Correspondence: Toward the Development of a Theory of Cultural Obscuration

2026-03-24T09:34:07+07:00

This article aims to 1) define and develop the conceptual framework of “Cultural Obscuration” as an approach for explaining the dynamics of contemporary culture; 2) analyze and synthesize the processes of cultural obscuration in three levels—Surface Obscuration, Meaning Obscuration, and Structural Obscuration—in order to explain the condition of “culture in a state of non-correspondence”; and 3) extend the concept toward artistic creation to reflect the conceptual framework of Cultural Obscuration. This study employs a qualitative approach through Conceptual and Interpretive Research, utilizing secondary data from academic literature, theories in cultural studies, related research, and case studies from the Man River Basin communities in Dan Sai District, Loei Province, together with artistic interpretation through installation art.

The findings reveal that the concept of Cultural Obscuration can explain conditions in which culture continues to exist in visible forms while its meanings, values, and inner essence are concealed, distorted, or manipulated. The obscuration occurs across three major levels: 1) Surface Obscuration, where attention is focused primarily on external forms and symbols; 2) Meaning Obscuration, where people continue to perceive culture as unchanged although its inner meanings have shifted; and 3) Structural Obscuration, where cultural meanings are controlled and instrumentalized through structures of power, resulting in conditions of concealment, distortion, and manipulation. The analysis further demonstrates that Cultural Obscuration differs from existing concepts such as Cultural Hegemony, Cultural Appropriation, and Cultural Transformation in that it more clearly explains the condition in which culture persists under newly constructed meanings, or what is described in this study as “culture in a state of non-correspondence.”

In addition, the installation art created in this study reflects the potential of art as a medium for revealing obscured meanings and fostering awareness of the dynamics of contemporary culture through interpretation, communication, and critical reflection on cultural meanings in the age of globalization.