[FallenLove]

I'm very troubled about what art college to go to. I want to major in graphic design.

I really want to dorm, but I want to go to a prestigious art school.
I've narrowed my search to Art Center(ACCD), Otis, and California College of Arts(CCA).

However, the only college among those 3 that have dorms is CCA.
But I heard the admin at CCA are not that great.

And ACCD is really rigorous.

And also, I'm a Junior in High school. I just decided in the beginning of this year, a few months ago,
that I wanted to go into graphic design.

Also, does grades really matter? Because I have 2 D's in math&science ]:
No D's! [:

- - -
CCA:

Can you declare your major for CCA?
Can I just submit graphic design portfolio?
Are there foundation years?
I heard you need to take math and science? Is it hard?

OTIS:

Can I submit a graphic design portfolio?
Or do I have to submit foundation year portfolio?
It says sophmore/junior for spring,etc. I'm very confused.
Click link to Otis portfolio req.

- - -
And If you could provide links to your portfolios - doesn't have to be any of the above colleges,
just so I can know what the colleges like, etc.

Also, someone please recommend some good art schools? Thank you!
Preferably in CA, although out-of-state is fine also.

-- -
Anyone taking any art courses in the summer @ PCC or ELAC?

THANK YOU!

[lokkita]

I was accepted to Otis this year. It's okay if you have a few D's in maths, because they mostly just look at your portfolio.

They allow you to send in a portfolio with art of any medium, so graphic design is okay, but they really prefer to see strong traditional drawing skills. *Especially* drawings from direct observations, no drawings from photos!

Otis doesn't have on campus housing, most art schools don't, but they have an apartment complex just across the college that has like, an affiliated housing program with Otis. Kind of like dorms, but with kitchens and non-communal showers

Hope that helped, good luck with art school!!

[FallenLove]

I was accepted to Otis this year. It's okay if you have a few D's in maths, because they mostly just look at your portfolio.

They allow you to send in a portfolio with art of any medium, so graphic design is okay, but they really prefer to see strong traditional drawing skills. *Especially* drawings from direct observations, no drawings from photos!

Otis doesn't have on campus housing, most art schools don't, but they have an apartment complex just across the college that has like, an affiliated housing program with Otis. Kind of like dorms, but with kitchens and non-communal showers

Hope that helped, good luck with art school!!

Grats on your acceptance! (:
ohhh thankyou!
I think my trad drawing skills are /:
average?

[lokkita]

I don't know, I decided to go to LCAD instead. Sorry. But I hear the classes at Otis are super intense. Try taking some live drawing classes over the summer to sharpen up your traditional skills, they're definitely needed no matter what major you apply for.

[FallenLove]

I don't know, I decided to go to LCAD instead. Sorry. But I hear the classes at Otis are super intense. Try taking some live drawing classes over the summer to sharpen up your traditional skills, they're definitely needed no matter what major you apply for.

Thank you (:
Anyone else have any suggestions?

[christee8876]

I don't know much about the art schools you put up, but my friend got into RISD!
it's the best art school in the country...or something I like that.
She didn't have stellar grades. she had a C here and there so art colleges probably don't look at grades too much.
on facebook there's a RISD class of 2013 group where people have put up their portfolios so maybe you can take a look around?


I know this isn't too much info, but I hope I helped!

[elevatormusic]

i know some one who's portfolio wasn't that amazing, but had pretty good grades for an art student, and was accepted into RISD, and i know people with drop dead amazing portfolios who weren't accepted into RISD. although grades are not as important when applying to art schools, they definitely help you.

[FallenLove]

I don't know much about the art schools you put up, but my friend got into RISD!
it's the best art school in the country...or something I like that.
She didn't have stellar grades. she had a C here and there so art colleges probably don't look at grades too much.
on facebook there's a RISD class of 2013 group where people have put up their portfolios so maybe you can take a look around?
I know this isn't too much info, but I hope I helped!

Really? I couldn't find the portfolios, I will look again, & THANKS(:
RISD is really really expensive ~ I'll be in debt, and it's like Top-Notch too :3
But, good to know right? [:

i know some one who's portfolio wasn't that amazing, but had pretty good grades for an art student, and was accepted into RISD, and i know people with drop dead amazing portfolios who weren't accepted into RISD. although grades are not as important when applying to art schools, they definitely help you.

O_o But why would grades matter for an art school? If they have an outstanding portfolio Vs. bad portfolio, the person with outstanding portfolio should get in right? This is soooo disturbing = =

[christee8876]

Really? I couldn't find the portfolios, I will look again, & THANKS(:
RISD is really really expensive ~ I'll be in debt, and it's like Top-Notch too :3
But, good to know right? [:

here's the link: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?sid=06ce...&ref=search
well, there's always financial aid, right?
private colleges are insanely expensive. :/

[elevatormusic]

O_o But why would grades matter for an art school? If they have an outstanding portfolio Vs. bad portfolio, the person with outstanding portfolio should get in right? This is soooo disturbing = =

i never said they had a "bad portfolio" i said their portfolio wasn't amazing. and i said grades aren't as important, but they help you. if some one has good grades, then it shows that they're smart, and they can think in ways that others can't. of course someone who is extremely creative can also think in such ways, but being smart is always a plus. someone who's smart will always be able to outthink someone who isn't as intelligent as them. and it also shows that you're a hard worker.
christee8876's friend had a "c here and there" C's actually aren't bad. C means you're average. her grades weren't terrible. i can't say anything about her portfolio because i dont know her, but if the lowest grades she got were C's then that's pretty good for an art student.

[FallenLove]

here's the link: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?sid=06ce...&ref=search
well, there's always financial aid, right?
private colleges are insanely expensive. :/

oh thanks! Yeah, but even after financial aid, it is very expensive.

i never said they had a "bad portfolio" i said their portfolio wasn't amazing. and i said grades aren't as important, but they help you. if some one has good grades, then it shows that they're smart, and they can think in ways that others can't. of course someone who is extremely creative can also think in such ways, but being smart is always a plus. someone who's smart will always be able to outthink someone who isn't as intelligent as them. and it also shows that you're a hard worker.
christee8876's friend had a "c here and there" C's actually aren't bad. C means you're average. her grades weren't terrible. i can't say anything about her portfolio because i dont know her, but if the lowest grades she got were C's then that's pretty good for an art student.

True, true. Depends on every person I guess. Thanks for insight (:

[love*beat]

Fallenlove, ahh! Sorry I havn't talked to you at all since the time I added you! >__<

For Otis, I don't know if it's "true" but from what I hear from Art people I know is that Otis accepts many people but it's hard to get out.
Like once you get into the school, it will be difficult to graduate. o_O Or something (?)

This girl who is part of my Art Club staff was accepted into Art Center !!
She goes to a studio afterschool I think ? And she didn't take many classes in her senior year.
Also, one of her entries won this art contest and I think in general, she won many contests. xP

For me, I don't know if I will be going straight to an Art school anymore.
Just because I want to go into another career & if I did still want to incorporate design into my classes, I will minor in it.
But for you, I'm sure you will be capable of getting into one of these schools O: !

[MeMi]

Fallenlove

My friend's also researching on art schools too. The thing is,
regular schools also have prestigious art programs too, like UCLA
or USC. Since you wanna do graphic design, I don't think you should
overlook CalArts just because of the dorming.
CalArts has a strong alumni bond in graphic design so if you
go to CalArts, you would have all the right connections in getting a job
in graphics

[threecharles]

Have you considered RCAD? I go here for Illustration and we have some good graphic designers and offer dorms. Not to mention they are putting the finishing touches on the brand new graphic design building which will be ready for FALL '09.

[kipling]

art center

art center is rigorous and you mainly do conceptual work. it is also absolutely expensive and three terms a year (meaning you can finish in less that 3 years if you're rich enough). they are also building housing for the future though.

between all those schools, art center is probably the most rigorous so if you do decide to apply, don't be discouraged if you don't get admitted the first, or even second time. that being said, many of the people applying to art center have been doing what they're doing for years now, most of them having gone to college with that major already, or even degrees in that major.

however, if you're looking for housing and to have a more "college experience", then maybe looking into other schools would be more suitable since that's not the environment at art center. plus, since you've just gotten interested in graphic design recently, then perhaps you can take art center at night. they are classes art center offers taught by art center faculty. you can get a taste of the rigor of the college and build your portfolio with pieces you can use to later apply. plus, it's a great chance to decide if that's what you REALLY want to do (and spend $150,000+ on).

portfolio

about porfolios... some art colleges don't necessarily look for a mind-blowing portfolio but look for a group of work where there are creative ideas present. they're looking for talent and potential. not for a professional's portfolio. if you have a professional portfolio, what's there to teach?

grades

i don't think having an average gpa or a couple of D's will be too detrimental but grades show a students seriousness and dedication to their studies. after all, you do get grades in art school too. so they are pretty important. of course, not as important as a standard 4 year college but i would also try not to let my grades fall any more than those few D's.

[threecharles]

between all those schools, art center is probably the most rigorous so

What is your basis for believing this? (not looking to pick a fight, just interested in why you think this)

[FallenLove]

Fallenlove, ahh! Sorry I havn't talked to you at all since the time I added you! >__<

For Otis, I don't know if it's "true" but from what I hear from Art people I know is that Otis accepts many people but it's hard to get out.
Like once you get into the school, it will be difficult to graduate. o_O Or something (?)

This girl who is part of my Art Club staff was accepted into Art Center !!
She goes to a studio afterschool I think ? And she didn't take many classes in her senior year.
Also, one of her entries won this art contest and I think in general, she won many contests. xP

For me, I don't know if I will be going straight to an Art school anymore.
Just because I want to go into another career & if I did still want to incorporate design into my classes, I will minor in it.
But for you, I'm sure you will be capable of getting into one of these schools O: !

I missed talking to you ! D:
Yeah, I guess. Otis is pretty hard. I heard the teaching styles
are pretty straightforward.
Oh that's really good! That girl is lucky[:
I hope so :3
Thanks!

Fallenlove

My friend's also researching on art schools too. The thing is,
regular schools also have prestigious art programs too, like UCLA
or USC. Since you wanna do graphic design, I don't think you should
overlook CalArts just because of the dorming.
CalArts has a strong alumni bond in graphic design so if you
go to CalArts, you would have all the right connections in getting a job
in graphics

yeah, I know UC's and the other well known universities
in CA are prestigious, but my grades aren't up to their
standard, and not to mention my SATs :/
I've looked at CalArts, but the thing is that
CalArts is really really expensive. I might spend up
to 240k for that college because it's a 4 year college.
Thanks! D:

Have you considered RCAD? I go here for Illustration and we have some good graphic designers and offer dorms. Not to mention they are putting the finishing touches on the brand new graphic design building which will be ready for FALL '09.

Brand new building? [: That's sweet. Oh, but isn't it a 4 year college? And it's in Florida right?
I kind of prefer colleges near home now.
And it's on the opposite coast too :3

art center

art center is rigorous and you mainly do conceptual work. it is also absolutely expensive and three terms a year (meaning you can finish in less that 3 years if you're rich enough). they are also building housing for the future though.

between all those schools, art center is probably the most rigorous so if you do decide to apply, don't be discouraged if you don't get admitted the first, or even second time. that being said, many of the people applying to art center have been doing what they're doing for years now, most of them having gone to college with that major already, or even degrees in that major.

however, if you're looking for housing and to have a more "college experience", then maybe looking into other schools would be more suitable since that's not the environment at art center. plus, since you've just gotten interested in graphic design recently, then perhaps you can take art center at night. they are classes art center offers taught by art center faculty. you can get a taste of the rigor of the college and build your portfolio with pieces you can use to later apply. plus, it's a great chance to decide if that's what you REALLY want to do (and spend $150,000+ on).

portfolio

about porfolios... some art colleges don't necessarily look for a mind-blowing portfolio but look for a group of work where there are creative ideas present. they're looking for talent and potential. not for a professional's portfolio. if you have a professional portfolio, what's there to teach?

grades

i don't think having an average gpa or a couple of D's will be too detrimental but grades show a students seriousness and dedication to their studies. after all, you do get grades in art school too. so they are pretty important. of course, not as important as a standard 4 year college but i would also try not to let my grades fall any more than those few D's.

oh really? They're planning to have housing? That's good news.
Well, I think I'm going to try to apply to Art Center, and if I don't
make it in, it's okay, because I might just go to a community college
to develop my skills. I'm also taking computer graphics class with emphasis
on illustrator and later in the fall, I'll be taking classes dealing with indesign.
I'm also considering the night class, but it's pretty expensive,
esp. with the economy, and I doubt I'll get a scholarship. But I'll consider it [:
good thing I pulled up my D's last minute ;D So, no D's !
Thanks for the insight!(:

What is your basis for believing this? (not looking to pick a fight, just interested in why you think this)

I think kipling meant between CCA, Otis and Art Center. But, it's actually true though.
I've seen student reviews on the college. Art Center is also a top notch school -
top 20 art schools in the nation. So, it's not surprising [:

[threecharles]

I missed talking to you ! D:
Yeah, I guess. Otis is pretty hard. I heard the teaching styles
are pretty straightforward.
Oh that's really good! That girl is lucky[:
I hope so :3
Thanks!



yeah, I know UC's and the other well known universities
in CA are prestigious, but my grades aren't up to their
standard, and not to mention my SATs :/
I've looked at CalArts, but the thing is that
CalArts is really really expensive. I might spend up
to 240k for that college because it's a 4 year college.
Thanks! D:



Brand new building? [: That's sweet. Oh, but isn't it a 4 year college? And it's in Florida right?
I kind of prefer colleges near home now.
And it's on the opposite coast too :3


oh really? They're planning to have housing? That's good news.
Well, I think I'm going to try to apply to Art Center, and if I don't
make it in, it's okay, because I might just go to a community college
to develop my skills. I'm also taking computer graphics class with emphasis
on illustrator and later in the fall, I'll be taking classes dealing with indesign.
I'm also considering the night class, but it's pretty expensive,
esp. with the economy, and I doubt I'll get a scholarship. But I'll consider it [:
good thing I pulled up my D's last minute ;D So, no D's !
Thanks for the insight!(:



I think kipling meant between CCA, Otis and Art Center. But, it's actually true though.
I've seen student reviews on the college. Art Center is also a top notch school -
top 20 art schools in the nation. So, it's not surprising [:

Sorry, didn't know you wanted to stay close to Cali. You weren't looking for a 4year school?

Going to community college first is always a great idea. They are cheap and allow you to get your liberal arts out of the way so when you get to art school you can concentrate on art. This ends up being a longer path something though.

Yeah, RCAD is prolly in a higher spot in the top 20. We were rated #1 in the nation for Computer Animation. Our Illustration department takes home double the awards than any other school for society of illustrators yearly competition. But I have heard good things about Art Center as well, I would go there if I wanted to stay near Cali.

Good Luck!!