Otis College of Art and Design
Otis College of Art and Design is a private art and design school in Los Angeles, California, United States.[1] Established in 1918, it was the city's first independent professional school of art.[2] The main campus is located in the former IBM Aerospace headquarters at 9045 Lincoln Boulevard in Westchester, Los Angeles. The school's programs, accredited by the WSCUC and National Association of Schools of Art and Design, include BFA and MFA degrees.
Former name
Otis Art Institute (1918–1977),
Otis Art Institute of Parsons School of Design (1978–1991)
1918
1,093
60 (MFA)
Owls
Otis Owl
Rankings and programs[edit]
Otis is known for its digital media programs. In 2024, Animation Career Review ranked its animation program #22 in the United States,[12] and in 2023, #8 in California.[13] In 2023, it also ranked Otis as #13 for visual effects programs in the United States,[14] and #10 in California for Game Design.[15]
Otis is also known for its fine arts programs. In 2023, Animation Career Review ranked its graphic design program as #21 in the United States,[16] and #4 in California.[17] In 2024, Animation Career Review also ranked its Illustration program as #15 in the United States,[18] and #3 in California.[19]
Finally, it is known for its fashion design program. Under the direction of Rosemary Brantley, this program is considered one of the top fashion design programs of its kind in the U.S.[20] Otis Fashion Design is housed at the California Market Center in downtown Los Angeles. Students benefit from working closely with design mentors and are trained in all aspects of the design process while emulating a fashion design studio, and following the industry's seasonal schedule. Visiting critics have included designers such as Bob Mackie, Francisco Costa for Calvin Klein, Vera Wang, Diane von Fürstenberg, Isabel Toledo, Isaac Mizrahi, and Todd Oldham.[21] Major designers such as Eduardo Lucero and Rick Owens are alumni of the program.
Ben Maltz Gallery[edit]
Originally located in MacArthur Park, the Ben Maltz Gallery is currently located in Westchester, tucked inside the Otis College of Art in Design. The Ben Maltz Gallery showcases regional and international artists within the LA art community.[25]
In popular culture[edit]
The film Art School Confidential (2006) was partially filmed at Otis. Otis Foundation Professor Gary Geraths worked as a consultant on the film.[26]