Graduate Graphic Design

The MFA in Graphic Design provides a rigorous and challenging academic and studio environment for candidates interested in enhancing their current professional practice.
See students in Amsterdam and Berlin with COMA, Harmen Liemburg, Christoph Niemann Studio, Hort Studio, Node Berlin, ONLAB, and Betterplace Lab. Louwé Harmine, Lesley Moore, Thonik, Maureen Mooren, LUST, Niessen & De Vries and Peter Bilak.

Graduate Graphic Design Viewbook

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The Program
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In this limited-residency program, participants select from three individual themes or tracks: social responsibility of the artist in society, typography and type design, or advancing the discipline through theory and innovation. Each track speaks directly to educating conscientious individuals who recognize the value of design and its role in society. Coursework comprises research, readings, studio projects (assigned and self-directed), and a final project. Core faculty, visiting lecturers, and visiting artists who are recognized nationally and internationally in their design and art practice provide instruction.

Student Body
Our students come from a variety of backgrounds in various disciplines (graphic design, engineering, fashion, product, and fine art) and pursue projects that confirm the value of merging personal histories, design philosophy, and social relevance.

Workshops
Each summer, visiting artists from the Los Angeles area, across the country and abroad host workshops ranging from one to three days. Students may begin with research or prepare specific materials before the workshops begin. Guests often take advantage of the city and its surrounding areas as a staging ground for individual and group projects. Metropolis Article on Workshop by Karrie Jacobs

Mentorships
During the two spring sessions, MFA candidates work with mentors either by producing texts that are historical, critical, and/or theoretical or designing an original typeface. In both scenarios, work researched and produced must be relevant to the student's goals as a future practitioner, and intended for publication or production. Communications via digital technologies, telephone, or face-to-face meetings all contribute to the mentorship process.

Lectures
The program hosts required weekly lectures, open to the public,by artists and designers from L.A. and beyond. MFA 2s spend the day in conversation with each visiting artist in a group setting or in one-on-one studio visits.

Symposia
MFA students assist in promoting and organizing two symposia: the bi-annual "Untitled" and tri-annual "What Matters." Both host internationally recognized guests and attendees whose practice exemplifies alternative practice and unique collaboration.

Program Schedule
The program is two years and two months, operating for three consecutive summers with two part-time spring semesters that can be completed on or off-site. Incoming students begin the program at the start of each summer session.

Studio Interaction
Studio spaces during intensive summer sessions promote strong relationships among MFA candidates. This environment promotes experimentation and cross-over between students who enter the program with expertise in various disciplines.

Spotlight

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Contact Info

Hazel Mandujano
hmandujano@otis.edu
(310) 846-2591

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