State-of-the-Art Making Spaces: A Tour of Otis College’s Eight Labs and Shops

There Is No Limit to Students’ Creativity, Whether Digital or Physical

Creativity knows no bounds at Otis College. The network of eight professional-grade labs and shops on campus—which are run by Technical Support Services—provides students with the tools and space to bring their boldest ideas to life. BFA, MFA, and Extension students all have access to an impressive array of facilities that blend traditional craft with cutting-edge technology. This is in addition to the many computer labs, sewing studios, 3D printing machines, and more that are housed within the individual academic departments across the College.

The professional-grade labs and shops facilities are more than just spaces—they’re catalysts for creativity and innovation. Each lab and shop is staffed by experienced technicians ready to help students master new skills and push the boundaries of their chosen medium.

Whether drawn to the meditative process of throwing clay on a potter’s wheel, the precision of digital fabrication, or the satisfaction of bringing designs to life in these making spaces, Otis College students are fully ensconced in a perfect environment for artistic growth.

Audio + Video Lab

In the Audio + Video Lab students receive comprehensive guidance through every stage of production—from initial concept planning and equipment training to filming and post-production editing. Expert staff members provide personalized support and technical expertise, helping transform ideas into polished productions. The facility houses professional-grade 4K cameras and dedicated audio and video booths for recording, while the screening room provides the perfect environment for students to review their work and receive valuable feedback from peers and instructors.

Ceramics Studio

The Ceramics Studio is a creative haven with expert studio technicians available during scheduled hours for student guidance and support. The space features professional-grade equipment, including multiple high-capacity kilns, industrial slab rollers, and potter’s wheels that can handle up to 80 pounds of clay. A specialized spray booth and extensive glaze collection allow for professional-quality finishes, while ample workspace encourages collaboration and artistic exploration.

Laboratory Press

Otis’s Lab Press stands as a unique treasure in Southern California’s educational landscape. Housing four historic Vandercook proof presses and over 200 wood and metal font collections, it serves as both a working letterpress studio and a living typography museum. The press specializes in photopolymer plate production, enabling contemporary designers to merge digital designs with traditional letterpress printing.

Conceived as a hub for aesthetic exploration and practical production, Lab Press provides an essential link between historical techniques and modern design practices in the graphic design curriculum. Award-winning student books are featured in rare book collections across Southern California.

Lighting Studio

The expansive 2,400-square-foot Lighting Studio is where creative visions come to life. This professional-grade space offers unlimited creative possibilities, featuring both green and white infinity coves—curved surfaces that create the illusion of infinite space in photographs and videos. A wide array of seamless backdrop paper in various colors enhances versatility in both photo and video projects.

The studio is equipped with industry-standard lighting systems and professional grip equipment. Whether creating fashion photographs, product shots, or video content, students have all the tools needed to achieve professional results.

Model Shop

The Model Shop represents the intersection of craftsmanship and innovation. This advanced fabrication space features multiple 3D printers—including the Form2 resin printer and Ultimaker ProS5 Pro—industrial-grade laser cutters, and CNC machines. The shop is fully equipped for working with hardwoods, plastics, foam, and bent laminations, supported by knowledgeable technicians who are always ready to assist with creative challenges.

With the combination of time-honored tools and state-of-the-art technology, students can bring virtually any design concept into reality. Whether they’re crafting detailed architectural models, prototyping product designs, or creating artistic sculptures, the Model Shop serves as their creative playground, where imagination meets technical expertise.

Photography Lab

The Photography Lab features a classic black-and-white darkroom for traditional film developing and printing as well as a comprehensive digital workspace equipped with high-resolution scanners, professional printers, and top-tier digital cameras. This dual approach allows students to master time-honored darkroom techniques and cutting-edge digital workflows, providing a complete understanding of the photographic medium. Knowledgeable staff are available to guide students through both traditional and digital processes, helping them fully realize their creative vision.

Printmaking Lab

The Printmaking Lab is where traditional artistry meets digital innovation. Students explore an extensive range of techniques, from centuries-old processes to contemporary digital methods. They work with classic lithography and intaglio presses—time-honored tools that connect to printmaking’s rich history—alongside modern equipment like an eight-color Riso printer, which enables the creation of vibrant, layered works.

With 11 screen-printing stations, specialized equipment for textile printing, and comprehensive facilities for both traditional and digital processes, the lab provides endless possibilities for artistic expression.

Wood and Metal Shop

The 5,000-square-foot Wood and Metal Shop opens up a world of fabrication possibilities. Thoughtfully divided into specialized zones, the space optimizes workflow and safety. The woodworking area features professional-grade equipment, including a SawStop table saw with advanced safety technology that prevents serious injuries, as well as precision tools for routing and jointing.

The metal side is fully equipped for cutting, forming, grinding, and welding both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, enabling students to work with a diverse range of materials. This comprehensive facility supports an incredible range of creative work, from intricate jewelry pieces to large-scale sculptures.

Visit Otis College to experience these remarkable facilities firsthand and discover why generations of artists and designers have launched their creative journeys here.

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