Foundation Studio Chair’s Welcome Message
Welcome to Otis College and to the Foundation (first year) program. You are about to begin your professional training in art and design. As you step into this new chapter, it's natural to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. Being away from home and adapting to new surroundings can seem daunting, but remember, anxiety has its purpose - it's there to protect and prepare us for new challenges.
To prepare for your course advising session, please read through the Foundation Curriculum webpage and the fall course descriptions, as well as the Liberal Arts and Sciences First Year fall curriculum.
Foundation Studio offers an integrated platform of skills, information, and experience that will support you in the future, both educationally and professionally. It will provide you with an experiential understanding of the rich relationships among art and design disciplines. You will be working alongside future fashion designers, animation and game designers, graphic and illustration designers, toy and product designers, and fine artists. Foundation Studio mirrors the future; boundaries between the various fields will overlap and sometimes disappear.
When school starts, you will attend studio classes within a “section” or group of students with the exception of your Spring semester elective course. This section provides increased peer support as well as a more secure setting to work in, and better opportunities for developing connections with others creatively, socially, and professionally.
Note on the Spring semester elective course: All Foundation students will take major electives only during spring semester (starting spring 2025), including spring incoming first-year students. Otis academic advisors can assist you with more details.
Get Ready for an Exciting Year Ahead
To prepare for your first year, consider engaging in activities that cultivate a creative mindset:
- Be active in your sketchbook, focusing on drawing.
- Experiment with varied materials and pay attention to composition.
- Visit museums and explore art, design, and architecture.
Welcome again to the first-year program at Otis. We can't wait to see how you grow, innovate, and contribute to our vibrant community.
Warmest regards,
TeaYoun Kim-Kassor
Department Chair & Professor, Foundation Studio
Otis College of Art and Design