Launch Your Creative Career

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 Turn Your Creativity into Real Job Skills

Do you love to create? Imagine yourself producing a TV show, engineering a podcast, taking family photos, designing a website, filming a promotional video, or preparing artwork for an exhibit. At Hawkeye, you can turn your passion into a paycheck. 

Our instructors bring years of real-world experience to the classroom and guide you through hands-on training. You'll work with the same studios, labs, and equipment used in the industry. As you learn, you'll build a professional portfolio and grow your technical and creative skills. There's a whole community of people making a living doing what they love. It's time for you to join them.

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" Hawkeye is affordable and the education is great, and it's just exactly what I needed. "
  • Claire Cabaniss | Professional Photography '25

Why Choose a Career in Creative Media?

You don't have to choose between a steady job and being creative. From the apps on your phone and the ads on TV, to the art in local schools and galleries, creators are the ones who make it happen. Businesses always need these skills, so you're entering a growing field with good pay and many opportunities.

Whether you want to work for a big company or start your own business, or transfer to a university, you can build a future you're actually excited about. If you're ready to work hard and think outside the box, you can grow a successful career right here in Iowa!

Explore job projections and salaries and see where your skills can take you!

1 in 4

Creators Are Self-Employed

11,000+

Iowans Work in Creative Careers

The Hawkeye Difference

Pro-Level Gear Everything You Need

As a student at Hawkeye, you'll have access to the largest collection of gear of any college in Iowa! Check out a wide variety of professional equipment to bring your vision to life. From the newest mirrorless cameras and lenses to a complete take-home studio lighting kit, we've got you covered!

Camera Kit for You Focus on Creating, Not Buying

You don't need to buy anything, we'll provide it all for you! In your first week as a student, you'll receive a tripod and camera kit (which includes a camera, bag, lens, charger, and battery) to use for the entire year at no additional cost to you!

Real Studios. Real Experience. Portrait Studios

At Hawkeye, you get access to two fully equipped, professional portrait studios designed specifically for photography—not old classrooms trying to pass as studios. These spaces feature high ceilings and plenty of room to move, so you can really dial in your shots. You’ll work with the same gear you’d find in a modern professional studio (and then some), plus hundreds of backdrops, props, and furniture to help you bring any portrait idea to life.

Shoot Like a Pro Commercial Studios

Beyond our portrait studios, you’ll also have access to two professional commercial photography studios built for real-world shoots. These spaces are built specifically for commercial work, and you’ll use industry-standard equipment for product, advertising, and branding photography. That means hands-on experience that feels just like working in a professional studio. These studios help you shoot like a pro.

Your Editing Playground Photo Editing Computer Labs

No need to buy a fancy computer—we’ve got you covered! As a Hawkeye student, you can use our Mac and PC labs with the latest editing software. The labs are always open, and your instructors are right there if you need help.

Pro-Grade Audio Master the Sound

Great audio requires great gear. At Hawkeye, you’ll train on professional-grade microphones, soundboards, and isolation booths. Master the technical side of audio production as you learn to capture, mix, and master crystal-clear sound for music, film, and digital media.

Pro-Grade Video Capture the Action

From the ground to the sky, we've got you covered with the latest video gear. You'll have access to professional cameras, stabilizers, and even drones for stunning aerial shots. Whether you're filming a live event, a documentary, or a news story, you don't have have to worry about the equipment. We provide cameras, lights, and gear you need to bring your vision to life.

Learn the Business Side Turn Your Passion Into a Business

Creating is only half the job, knowing how to get paid is the other. Our programs dive into the real-world business skills you need, from setting your prices and managing clients to handling contracts and workflows. Whether you want to launch a freelance business or join a creative team, you’ll graduate with the tools to turn your talent into a professional career.

Build Your Brand A Portfolio That Gets You Hired

You won't just leave with a degree, you'll leave with a professional portfolio that proves what you can do. Throughout the program, you'll pick your best projects to create a polished showcase for potential employers or clients. Whether it's design, photos, or video, you'll have a great examples of work to help you start your career the moment you graduate.

How Can We Help?

Connect with a Hawkeye admissions rep to get started. Call 319-296-4000 or complete the form below and a representative will follow up with you.