What Parents and Families Should Know about Art and Design College

Otis College’s Director of Admissions debunks the myths surrounding an art and design education. 

Art and design college isn’t only for learning technical skills like drawing or painting. It’s also a place where your child’s creativity can shine. The generalization of the “starving artist” has given way to today’s multi-billion dollar creative economy, where artists and designers thrive in exciting occupations including animation, toy design, fashion design, graphic design, product design, and, yes, fine arts. 

If you have a budding artist or designer considering a career in the creative economy but have lingering questions or doubts, keep reading! 

Debunking the Myths

Myth: Creative pursuits should only be hobbies.
Reality: Artists and designers thrive  in professional fields that provide countless opportunities.

Myth: Art and design college lacks structure and rigor. 
Reality: Schools like Otis College of Art and Design challenge students by combining creativity with discipline. One-third of the bachelor’s degree curriculum at Otis is comprised of liberal arts and sciences courses in topics such as art history, science, and writing. 

Myth: Success in art or design means becoming famous. 
Reality: Success is about creating impactful work in a variety of industries.

Myth: Art and design school graduates can’t find jobs. 
Reality: California alone boasts over one million creative jobs. Otis College has a 96% employment rate for students within six months to one year of graduating.

Case Study: Otis College of Art and Design

Otis College is home to approximately 1,250 undergraduate and graduate students and offers: 

• Industry-experienced faculty: Your child learns directly from professionals in the field.
• State-of-the-art facilities: From its 5,000-square-foot Wood and Metal Shop to a Ceramics Studio and 3D Printing Lab, Otis provides the tools for students to realize their creativity.
• Diverse community: International students, first-generation students, veterans, and transfers bring rich perspectives.
• Prime Los Angeles location: Surrounded by creative industries, museums, galleries, and cultural hubs, L.A. inspires and supports creative careers.

Otis College students can choose from eight undergraduate majors: Animation, Fashion Design, Fine Arts (painting, photography, sculpture), Game & Entertainment Design, Graphic Design, Illustration, Product Design, and Toy Design. They can complement these degrees with 15 minors covering everything from art history and concept art to entrepreneurship and sustainability.  

The BFA curriculum includes 65% studio art courses and 35% liberal arts courses, which focus on themes such as creativity, diversity, and sustainability. 

Additional programs and learning opportunities include: 

• Creative Action Integrated Learning (CAIL): Classes partner with nonprofits and community organizations to work on real-world projects.
• Design Lab: This student-driven design agency collaborates with clients like LACMA and The Huntington on external-facing projects for professional experience.
• Career support: Otis Career Services offers counseling, workshops, and recruiting events for students and alumni for life, while robust internship opportunities help ensure Otis’s 96% employment rate after graduation. 

Each art and design college has its own application process and requirements. Read more about that process. Students can apply to Otis College using its own free application or the Common App. They will include a personal statement, high school transcripts, and a portfolio of 10-20 pieces demonstrating technical skills, creativity, and exploration across mediums. Pre-college programs like Otis’s Summer of Art allow high school sophomores and juniors to experience campus life and build college-ready  portfolios. SAT and ACT test scores are optional. Students applying to Otis are automatically considered for merit scholarships based on their portfolio and academic performance. 

Prospective students and their families are encouraged to schedule portfolio reviews and counseling sessions with the Otis Admissions department staff. They also offer virtual financial aid workshops and fun, creative workshops over Zoom. But for an IRL experience and a full preview of what the College has to offer, schedule an on-campus tour of the campus in West Los Angeles. They are offered Monday through Friday and some Saturdays. Students will be able to envision themselves on campus, which will help them confirm if Otis is the right fit.

The first step toward supporting your child in their pursuit of an art and design education is to celebrate  their achievements—recognize their hard work and growth as an artist or designer. Selecting a college is one of the first big decisions they will make for their creative future. Each step is a big achievement, no matter how large or small. Encourage resilience by reminding them that constructive feedback on such things as their portfolio is part of the creative process and every experience helps them grow. Be a cheerleader because your support can boost their confidence during this critical time. 

More information about applying to Otis College of Art and Design. 

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