First-Generation Students on Support, Inspiration, and Finding Their Path at Otis

Otis College has a legacy of supporting first-gen students, who make up nearly a third of its student body.

Otis College is proud of its diverse student body, over 30% of which are students who are the first in their families to attend college. In celebration of First Generation Student Day on November 8, we spoke to first-gen students Camila Diaz (’26, Illustration) and Silverio “Indigo” Vazquez (’27 Fashion Design) about their Otis experience. Read on for their stories.

Camila Diaz

’26, Illustration, Minor in Creative Writing
Hometown: Bell, California

What type of support did you get as you were applying to college? 

My family was gratefully supportive of my decision to go into an artistic career. I know that in some immigrant households that isn’t always the case. My family has always told me that what mattered in the end was my happiness, and I can’t imagine going through life without making art. The Otis application process was quite easy, especially since Felix from the Admissions office was helping me out every step of the way with the transfer process [from Santa Monica College], such as helping me choose classes so I could stay on track to be admitted as a junior. The amount of help from Otis was also a deciding factor in my acceptance decision.

What type of work do you like to create?

I like to create artwork that reflects warmth and nostalgia, a peek into human life, and the beauty in things and experiences we usually take for granted. I am also heavily inspired by my Salvadorean roots because even though I was born and raised in Los Angeles, my life feels rooted in my family’s homeland of El Salvador. Because of it, I work with bright, vibrant colors, usually trying to fit every color into one piece. 

What are your favorite creative tools?

I’ve always been a classic graphite and sketchbook type of artist, but in recent years gouache, acrylic, and colored pencils are what I trust for bringing my artwork to life. Even though these are my go-to materials, I’ve had experience in working with clay, fabric, yarn, watercolors, oil painting, and paper collaging.

From left: Thinking of the Tides (mixed media paintings, artist board, fabric, cotton, and yarn) and Morning (acrylic on mixed media paper), both by Camila Diaz.

Where do you go for inspiration?

Honestly, it’s not about where I go for inspiration, but what I witness anywhere I go. I was at a neighborhood market once, and an old lady with a little girl dressed like a princess walked in and I immediately wanted to go home and paint them. My mother was in the living room watching a livestream about the Bolas De Fuego festival in El Salvador, and thought that would be an exciting image to illustrate, which I did for a class. 

What are your goals for the future?

There are many things I wish to accomplish. I hope to illustrate children’s books and possibly write my own. I would love to do something that has to do with education, like a children’s encyclopedia or history-focused graphic novel. There are so many possibilities as an illustrator! 

In what ways do you think Otis will help prepare you for life after graduation?

Being an Otis graduate will be like entering the workforce with some backup by my side. I know that Career Services will be a resource I will use the most after graduating, looking for internships or updating my resume. Meeting with alumni will also help create a network I can look to for advice on how to navigate myself throughout my career. Most of all, as a current student, I am also meeting faculty that might be able to offer insight on my professional goals while also preparing my skills for an exciting future.          

Do you have a personal motto or mantra?

I am a big believer in the idea that we are all taught the things we love, because I know that my love of creating and the arts was instilled in me by my mother, from her reading to me at a young age to taking me to museums. She was a lover of the arts but couldn’t pursue it as a profession, but because she loved it so much it was a positive influence on me and guided me to become the creative person I am today. Education is a powerful thing, inspired by our past and present to become better people in our future, and I hope that one day, everyone can explore their own creativity as I have been fortunate to do.

Silverio “Indigo” Vazquez

’27 Fashion Design
Hometown: South Los Angeles

What factors led you to choose Otis College?

Having no prior experience in art and originally having planned to study law for most of my life, I made my decision based on Otis’s ability to teach me from the ground up.

I knew I wanted to be at a college where I wouldn’t feel alone or out of place because I lacked prior experience.

What type of support did you get as you were applying to college?

My mother and my family supported whatever career I pursued, which helped. Still, I had no idea what I was supposed to do during application season. I knew the basics but not the bigger details, like preparing a portfolio for art school.

Were you aware that Otis’s student body is comprised of 30% first-gen students?

I had no idea we had that many first-gen students. It adds up, though. There are students I’ve met who are first-generation and have a passion for what they are doing. They inspire me and I am glad to share this experience with them. 

Are there any faculty members who have been helpful to you and your work? 

The instructors who come to my mind are my Life Drawing II instructor, Mayuka Thais, and my Intro to Fashion Design/Sophomore Fashion Design instructor, Eduardo Lucero. Mayuka was such an amazing and patient instructor. She gave me advice and support in and out of the classroom, and her class was always a safe and welcoming environment. I was very nervous about starting my fashion elective with Eduardo, especially because of how intense the Fashion Design department is. Eduardo’s class was a joy and did not bring you down if you didn’t understand something. I am Eduardo’s student again this Fall semester and I can’t wait to see my progress.

From left: Detail of a lingerie collection and some garment draping, both by Silverio “Indigo” Vazquez.

Where do you go for inspiration? 

For inspiration, my first stop is always Pinterest, but if I’m able to go out and go to a museum, a store, or even just a cafe, I am able to unlock that creativity I need. Creative blocks are probably my biggest enemy at the moment. Now if I feel like I’m blocked creatively I like to look at my past work and think about how I came up with it. Sometimes, taking a little mental break from what you are doing is good, too. Creativity hits at any moment. You just have to let it hit you.

In what ways do you think Otis will help prepare you for life after graduation? 

Otis uses methods that you will actually use in the industry. Most of our instructors are or were industry professionals and will give you the mentorship you need to succeed in your future career.

What is your dream job or project?

Presenting my own couture collection in front of my friends, family, and everyone who supported me is my dream project. There is still a long way to go before I make it there, but I can see it now as if it’s happening tomorrow.

Do you have a personal motto or mantra? 

Something my mom has been saying to me ever since I was young, except she says it in Spanish is: Cuando se te ciera una puerta, se te abre dos mas (“When one door closes, two more open up”). It’s a simple one, but it’s helped me through so much.

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