Otis College’s BFA in Graphic Design program develops sophisticated image makers, typographers, and storytellers who balance real-world problem-solving with fearless experimentation.
Students in the Graphic Design BFA program learn to communicate by combining image and type to create meaning. Students generate new ideas, find solutions, and explore the formats, techniques and visual language best suited to each concept. Critiques, reviews, and workshops empower students to achieve the highest level of design excellence. After graduating from Otis College, students are prepared to work in a variety of design fields including branding, interactive design, information and environmental graphics, entertainment, packaging, advertising and emerging technologies.
Graphic Design at Otis
In the Otis College BFA in Graphic Design program, we focus on core knowledge and skills that prepare you to meet the professional standards of today and adapt to emerging trends in the field. In addition to design, the program elevates your communication and presentation skills to help you succeed in any context. Hands-on learning in and outside the classroom enhances the experience, with opportunities to work with clients on real-world design challenges and engage with a diverse array of professional artists and designers.
What You’ll Learn
The BFA in Graphic Design program combines art history and capstone learning with
studio assignments. We provide core knowledge and skills in individual areas of interest,
and allow you to apply them to 2D, 3D, and 4D fields. You’ll create projects in a
wide variety of contexts, from social media, digital applications, and extended
reality to product development, environmental graphics, print-based work, and more.
- Year One: Core Skills and Fundamentals
- Year Two: Immersion and Experimentation
- Year Three: Professional Preparation
- Year Four: Innovation and Individual Focus
Otis Design Lab
An innovative collaboration between students, staff, faculty, and external clients, Design Lab functions like a commercial art and design agency within Otis College. Projects are overseen and directed by the Creative Director and executed by a team of students from different fields of study.
Career Possibilities
Studying in Los Angeles has major advantages. Our graduates work in a variety of graphic design roles and media. Recent graduates have gone on to work for influential companies like Apple, Google, Amazon, Anthropologie, Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), , GUESS, Metro, and Capitol Records, among others:
- ABC, Inc. and partner
- Anthropologie
- Apple
- Autry National Center
- Bau-Da Design Lab
- Capitol Records
- Chiat/Day
- Condé Nast Publications
- Deutsch LA
- DeVa Communications
- Disney
- Eisbar
- Gehry Partners
- GUESS
- Green Dragon
- Guitar Center
- Hallmark
- I Design Studio
- IE Design + Communications
- Interscope Records
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art
- Los Angeles Magazine
- Mattel
- Maverick Records
- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
- Metro Transit Authority
- MOCA Los Angeles
- Ogilvy Worldwide
- Netflix
- Nuby Technology
- Polymode
- Quiksilver
- SnapChat
- Sony Music
- Stillroom
- Target
- Tornado Design
- Twentieth Century Studios
- Univision 34, KMEX-TV
- U.S. News and World Report
- Von Dutch
- Warner Bros. Records
- WB Network
- Young & Rubicam
Alumni Spotlight
Graphic Design Faculty
Otis College faculty are respected professionals and working artists in the graphic design world. They bring distinct perspectives and valuable experience to the classroom.
Acting Chair of Graphic Design and Illustration, Professor and Director of Interdisciplinary Studies & Art and Design Education Minor Area Head Assistant Department Chair, Graphic Design & Illustration
Michele Jaquis
Hazel Mandujano
Keep Exploring
Otis prepares artists and designers for successful careers, empowering you to make a living—and make an impact—across established and emerging creative fields. Take the next stept to create your future at Otis College of Art and Design.
Explore upcoming admission deadlines as well as next steps to submitting a successful application and portfolio.
Financial aid opportunities at Otis include academic scholarships, need-based grants, loans, and work study opportunities.
Follow your talents to a satisfying career with an education from Otis College of Art and Design.