Otis is a perfect place for anyone interested in making his or her artistic pursuits a full-time professional career. The students are determined, talented, creative individuals who have the opportunity to learn everything about the basics of art and beyond from some of the best teachers in the world. All in all, the level of education available at Otis College of Art and Design is one of the best artistically in the country.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Foundation year may seem kind of frightening from a perspective student's point of view, but the level of information you will retain and use for the rest of your life is not comparable to any experience I have ever had before. I would recommend keeping an open mind and having a very detailed schedule in order to manage your time most effectively as to not get overwhelmed by the heavy workload.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
Not only is the artistic pursuit at this school at a very high level but the liberal arts classes are also intellectually challenging. The students are reacquired to take art history classes each year while in school along with English and writing courses and a math course. The combination of traditional and experimental drawing courses, digital courses, and 3-dimensional sculpting classes makes for a well-rounded education.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
The dorm living is certainly one of the most glamorous aspects of freshman year at Otis. Four students live together in the beautiful Playa Del Oro apartment complex in a spacious two-bedroom unit. The amenities include a pool, sauna, hot tub, grills, work out area, computer room, and entertainment area. It is just a block from the main campus with everything a person could need in walking distance.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
Although there are many options in the cafeteria, including vegetarian and gluten free alternatives, the overall quality is simply mediocre and the price is extremely high. I would recommend dining elsewhere like the beautiful farmer's market across the street in the park every Wednesday.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
There is a bowling alley right next to the campus but as far as on campus fun, Otis often has visiting artist lectures, gallery openings and exhibits, field trips, and other various events for students to enjoy. During finals week, the school provides dinner to any student who comes to claim it which is a major perk during the most stressful time of the year.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Most things in the cafeteria are over-priced but I often get a cup of rice which has carrots, peas, and other veggies in it with salsa on top for only $2.00. The best deal on campus. Also sometimes art supply stores come set up and sell discounted merchandise to the students, occasionally even giving things away for free.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
One interesting tradition at Otis is the cube project in Form and Space class during Foundation year. Each wave of students has to build a cube from paper, one from cardboard, and a pyramid from foam board. Another interesting tradition is the socratic seminar with Michael Schrier at Los Angeles County Museum of Art. One of my favorite traditions was in the Life Drawing course, we compared our first day drawings with our last day drawings. That was definitely a day full of laughs.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
There are not too many clubs at Otis because the students are so busy with school assignments and jobs but there are several activities and celebrations at Otis every month.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
The students have ID cards and an X number that they are reacquired to sign in with when entering the school grounds after hours. The campus is open 24 hours and there is always a security guard or two around.
Otis is a perfect place for anyone interested in making his or her artistic pursuits a full-time professional career. The students are determined, talented, creative individuals who have the opportunity to learn everything about the basics of art and beyond from some of the best teachers in the world. All in all, the level of education available at Otis College of Art and Design is one of the best artistically in the country.
Foundation year may seem kind of frightening from a perspective student's point of view, but the level of information you will retain and use for the rest of your life is not comparable to any experience I have ever had before. I would recommend keeping an open mind and having a very detailed schedule in order to manage your time most effectively as to not get overwhelmed by the heavy workload.
Not only is the artistic pursuit at this school at a very high level but the liberal arts classes are also intellectually challenging. The students are reacquired to take art history classes each year while in school along with English and writing courses and a math course. The combination of traditional and experimental drawing courses, digital courses, and 3-dimensional sculpting classes makes for a well-rounded education.
The dorm living is certainly one of the most glamorous aspects of freshman year at Otis. Four students live together in the beautiful Playa Del Oro apartment complex in a spacious two-bedroom unit. The amenities include a pool, sauna, hot tub, grills, work out area, computer room, and entertainment area. It is just a block from the main campus with everything a person could need in walking distance.
Although there are many options in the cafeteria, including vegetarian and gluten free alternatives, the overall quality is simply mediocre and the price is extremely high. I would recommend dining elsewhere like the beautiful farmer's market across the street in the park every Wednesday.
There is a bowling alley right next to the campus but as far as on campus fun, Otis often has visiting artist lectures, gallery openings and exhibits, field trips, and other various events for students to enjoy. During finals week, the school provides dinner to any student who comes to claim it which is a major perk during the most stressful time of the year.
Most things in the cafeteria are over-priced but I often get a cup of rice which has carrots, peas, and other veggies in it with salsa on top for only $2.00. The best deal on campus. Also sometimes art supply stores come set up and sell discounted merchandise to the students, occasionally even giving things away for free.
One interesting tradition at Otis is the cube project in Form and Space class during Foundation year. Each wave of students has to build a cube from paper, one from cardboard, and a pyramid from foam board. Another interesting tradition is the socratic seminar with Michael Schrier at Los Angeles County Museum of Art. One of my favorite traditions was in the Life Drawing course, we compared our first day drawings with our last day drawings. That was definitely a day full of laughs.
There are not too many clubs at Otis because the students are so busy with school assignments and jobs but there are several activities and celebrations at Otis every month.
The students have ID cards and an X number that they are reacquired to sign in with when entering the school grounds after hours. The campus is open 24 hours and there is always a security guard or two around.