Otis College of Art and Design Top Questions

After going through a few years at Otis College of art and design, I would tell myself to trust the timing of your life. Going into college, we all worry about internships and job placement, but just know, that if you work hard and focus on one thing at a time, opportunities will come if you seek it out at the right time. Also, don't forget to have fun along your college journey- my dad passed away just before my last semester of college, and I told myself that it is OK to take a break from my crazy schedule for myself. I stopped interning and let myself focus on school, and begin the process of being able to go forward from my loss. The reality is, life does not stop for anyone, so don't fret about the future so much. Stop along the way to saturate your life with experiences as well.

I was a great high school student—I always did my homework, I did well on tests, I respected my teachers, and I was even Valedictorian of my senior class. But I was also reckless and did less than I could to better my future. If I could go back and talk to my high school self, I would tell her to go above and beyond expectations: to do more than was expected of her. I would tell her to get a job and save up for college; to avoid unsafe behaviors because none of it was ever worth it; to be more involved in her school and community since the world is a big place and she should be involved in it. I would tell her not to waste time being around people who didn't accept her for who she is, because after high school those people just fall away. I would tell her to challenge herself to be the best she can possibly be.

Don't waste your time with trying to like everyone. You're all adults now, if someone doesn't like you, or if you don't like them, tkae it with a grain of salt. You don't need to appease them, and they don't need to appease you. Find people you want to be around you. You'll thank yourself later.

College is not just for the purpose of getting a degree. Having a degree will without a doubt open doors and help get you jobs. However, just as important is what the degree is in. I didn’t realize how important the subject matter of my degree was. In my previous degree, I spent the first two years completing all liberal studies. Then when my upper division classes hit, I just picked a degree and did it. I was obsessed with checking classes off the list and getting out fast and without four years. Once I received my BA, the shock hit: what-on-earth can I do with this degree that I actually want to do for the rest of my life? I was so focused on the end result that I didn’t spend anytime exploring what I was actually passionate about. In fact, I was so strict with myself that I didn’t even take one single art class. Now, four years after getting my first BA, I am at art school working towards a BFA in a subject I LOVE. So, I would tell my senior self to explore classes and options!

I would go back and tell myself to continue the hard work. Hard work pays off a lot even if you are struggling with something, you can go much farther if you try really hard at it. Spending more time with friends allows for more memories and more connections with them when you start to drift away from each other in college. Finally, don't worry about what people say or if your the best, if you like what you are doing and you're doing your best, that is just perfect.

Work harder and don't slack off. I'm from the future and I know what your're going to go through. Follow your dreams and make it come true. When you do that, you'll be famous in the future.

Hey it’s me, I’m you in 7 years! As hard as things may seem, please rest assured that you're growing up to be a strong young woman. The best advice I’ll give you is to not be swayed by negative comments or the pressure society puts on women. Hold onto your goals, do the best you can, there’s no need to be perfect. Every time it feels like the world might end, just remember “The darker the night, the closer the dawn.”As long as you remain focused on your ambition, to lay the foundation of your life, you’ll do just fine. Impressing that boy in high school may provide momentarily happiness, but the value you’ll gain through education is irreplaceable. Never let anyone tell you that you’re not smart or that you aren’t capable of success. Dreams that seem almost too big are just the right size for you.Oh and if you do end up making a few mistakes, don’t fret. They'll just lead you to where you are now and life is looking great from this end; we have so much to be thankful for.

Do not be intimidated by those who are better than you: there will always be someone better than you no matter how good you may think you are. Just do your best, and learn as much as you can while you are school, since you will not have this opportunity again. Always work hard and do not give into temptation to be with others who would prefer to slack off; they are a waste of your time, money, and learning experience. There will be those who will put you, your work, and your life style down, but always remember that you are the product of your upbringing, and you were accepted into this school for a reason, which is something to always be proud of.

My experience at Otis College of Art and Design is one that I would describe as somewhat of a boot camp. First year, you relearn all of the basic techniques that you thought you've mastered in your previous training field. Your high school art class. Your second year, you've decided which field to specialize in because you have the most interest and knowledge in that field. But during your first session of training, you realize that you know nothing. Your third year, you feel like you know enough to not have to listen to anyone else's ideas. You just have to wait another year to show the rest of the world your ideas. Then, finally your fourth year. Just when you think you have the world at your fingertips, everything changes. You start to get nervous. As you start to cry, you realize that your classmates are in the same position as you. You will not be alone when you go out to the real battlefield. That's when your tears turn to thankful ones. Thankful that you got to experience the best 4 years of your life with the best troop you've met.

Attending Otis College was the biggest eye opener for me, as it put me in a place of serenity, and made me feel like I was that young boy again drawing ninja turtle characters. Of course I had to practically relearn all drawing concepts once again, but it was the need and excitement to learn that kept me going. At this point, I was determined to become an illustrator, set on a communication arts major in illustration. But I made friends who were determined to go into Digital Media, and this automatically transported me back to my original goal of working in the computer field, with art and drawing with computers as the cherry on top. Could this be any more perfect? Meeting all the teachers and hearing their industry stories were so insightful and promising for us all. Otis is not just an Art school to me, but a place where I can find my true self and has become very therapeutic. I can honestly say that throughout all my experiences, tough times and good, my current experience in Otis is something I would never change for anything, as it has changed me.