Despite the rise of digital alternatives in media, younger generations are still gravitating toward more hands-on experiences. Whether it’s vinyl records, film cameras or CDs, there’s something that digital can’t replace.
For some, it’s a more tangible, hands–on way to experience the art they love, and for others, it’s a way to step away from big businesses.
“My biggest thing is my beef is with these large corporations and how they treat their artists,” said Parker Ferrin, a film and media arts major.
Ferrin added that losing access to digital media is a real worry.
“It’s just not as permanent. If these servers ever fail, you’ll just lose everything you’ve stored digitally,” said Ferrin.
Many students said that being able to have something that you can physically work with makes for a better time, even if it might be more expensive than the physical version.
Megan Barber, a senior graphic design student, said that she prefers editing with film cameras instead of editing software, despite it being more challenging.
“It makes it feel more creative; you can’t take a million photos, just one or two, and it really forces you to engage your mind,” said Barber.
Some say that finding the right places to buy these items is part of the experience.
“It’s definitely part of the experience. You can make a whole trip out of it, and you never know what you’ll find,” said Seb Skaggs, a second-year media, art and design student.
Luckily, there are local businesses to meet the demand.
“Most younger people are interested in current artists that are putting out records or even cassettes, ” said Brian Hurtgen, owner and founder of BlacKCat Vinyl, a record store in Kansas City. “I do think there is something to be said about having a tangible physical piece of art that you can hold, There are just certain things you don’t get with digital.”
