Otis College of Art and Design (OTIS) has nine BFA Programs that allow students to expand and customize the curriculum through one of 17 Minor options. BFA students may also add a Certificate to enhance any undergraduate program. An ideal choice is the Motion Graphics Certificate, which focuses on Visual Effects (VFX), Film Editing, Animation, and Digital Skills. Students will master software such as Adobe Premiere, After Effects, and Cinema 4D, and develop skills in Music and Sound Editing, Digital Storytelling, and Background and Character Development.
The OTIS Motion Graphics Certificate Program culminates with a professional-quality portfolio of the students best VFX or other works. Students can complete the Program in 18-24 months.
In addition to the Certificate Program, OTIS has a Digital Media Minor that explores both traditional and digital skills related to VFX, Animation, Motion Graphics, Film, Video Games, and more. Course examples include Motion Design, Game Design, 3D for Storytellers, Animation, and Storytelling for Digital Artists.
Specific OTIS BFA Programs for students interested in VFX include Game & Entertainment Design and an Animation. Across Programs, students will take VFX-related courses such as Motion Graphics I-II and 2D and 3D Computer Animation. Students will also master industry-standard software such as Maya, Houdini, Unreal Engine, Nuke, Cinema 4D, and After Effects.
Across programs, students will begin their studies with the immersive OTIS Foundation Program. During this one-year requirements, students will take studio courses across both the Visual Arts and Design disciplines. Course examples include Connections Through Color and Design, Form and Space, Creative Practices, Drawing and Building Form, and Creative Practices I-II.
Graduates of the BFA, Certificate, and Minor Programs at Otis College of Art and Design are prepared for careers such as VFX Artist, Effects Animator, Unreal Engine Artist, Real-Time Development Artist, Unreal Engine Animator, Character Animator, 2D/3D CG Artist, Cinematic Animator, Rotoscope Artist, Match Mover, Modeler, Background Artist, Animatic Designer or Producer, Storyboard Artist, and Animator.
Program alumni have been hired for VFX positions at Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Sony Pictures Imageworks, Mattel, New Deal Studios, and Hydraulx. Other OTIS BFA graduates have been recruited by Apple, Disney, Pixar Animation Studios, DreamWorks Animation, Nickelodeon, Digital Domain, Weta FX, Mattel, Blizzard Entertainment, LucasArts, Nike, Electronic Arts (EA), Cartoon Network, and Netflix.
Established in 1918, Otis College of Art and Design is Los Angeles’ oldest professional school of the arts. This private, non-profit college serves more than 1,200 students enrolled in 11 BFA and MFA degree programs in the Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Public Practice, and Writing. A variety of minors and certificate programs are also available. Programs and courses at OTIS are led by more than 430 professors—all active professionals in their respective fields.
Otis College of Art and Design is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).OTIS is also a member of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD) and the Partnership for Academic Leadership on Sustainability (PALS).