Otis College of Art and Design

Animation

Animation students bring characters and stories to life through the magic of computer animation. Using a wide variety of techniques, from traditional 2D animation to 3D computer-generated imagery (CGI), students learn to develop narratives that evoke emotion and create the illusion of movement. Special emphasis is placed on critical thinking and problem-solving, technical and creative skills, as well as acting and business acumen.

Fashion Design

Students in our program work alongside expert, professional faculty and guest mentors, who are current and notable designers. This interaction allows students to become educated in all aspects of the design process. Throughout their experience, students produce original designs, building collections for their portfolio.

Fine Arts

The MFA program provides an artistic learning environment where artists of different backgrounds, ages, experiences, and approaches to creative practice can flourish together. Its courses, events, studios, labs, galleries, and social spaces are welcoming places where everyone in the community can develop as artists and as engaged participants in society. The program encourages emerging artists to think critically and challenge existing modes of expression.

Fine Arts

Contemporary artists use their talent, imagination, and skill to create works of art that add beauty and richness to the world. Taught by a faculty of active professional artists, students in Fine Arts delve into each of the core disciplines—Painting, Sculpture/New Genres, and Photography—before selecting an area of emphasis.

Game and Entertainment Design

The Game and Entertainment Design curriculum combines both technical and artistic coursework that covers the visual development, analytical, and technical skills necessary to work within the Game and Real-time Development industry pipeline.

Graphic Design

The Otis MFA in Graphic Design program is a community of students, faculty, and international and Los Angeles-based designers dedicated to visual research and discovery through making. It blends design exploration, critical inquiry, and applied projects to interrogate and better the field of graphic design, partnering with organizations and engaging in studio visits and travel to foster impact beyond the classroom.

Graphic Design

The major in Graphic Design offers a culturally rich learning experience focused on creating effective and arresting visual communication across a wide range of digital and analog media. Students are challenged to research, develop, and refine projects that create meaning through image-making and typographic form. Graphic Design majors learn to understand and create visual systems, tell complex stories, and build compelling user experiences and interfaces.

Illustration

The Illustration major is for students who love drawing, painting, and image making. Many creative and professional pathways open up to illustrators who develop a strong personal style in their work and use their skills to support the communication needs of a variety of clients in multiple contexts, including but not limited to: editorial illustration, comics, children's books, murals, concept art, animation, design, and creative direction.

Product Design

Whether students want to work for a major brand or build something of their own, the Product Design program at Otis helps them gain the skills, tools, and experience needed to begin a meaningful and sustainable career in design. The program prepares students through a hands-on education that blends traditional art and craft with technology, industry practices, and design knowledge, with a focus on 2D and 3D skills, craftsmanship, and real-world problem solving.

Toy Design

Toys and play are an essential part of our world. Otis College offers one of the only four-year Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in Toy Design. Taught by faculty and guest mentors who are renowned toy and entertainment professionals, the program focuses on the process of designing and bringing toys to market.