Art Schools for Mograph+Graphic Design

<p>Hey,</p>

<p>I'm curious on your opinions of Art schools for motion graphics and graphic design. Not either or, I'd like to do work in both simultaneously. I already have experience in graphic/web design and am starting mograph soon. </p>

<p>The schools I'm currently considering the most seriously are Otis, Art Center, CCA, and SCAD.</p>

<p>My current view of each school. Please correct/give your opinion on it.</p>

<p>--Pros--
Otis:
- Far and away best motion graphic student work
- Tight knit
Art Center:
- Good student work and reputation
- Connections
- Graphic design major includes many types of design
CCA:
- Graphic design major encapsulates a broad range of skills
- Pretty customizable for what you want to focus on
- Good Location
- Also good student work
SCAD:<br>
- Very customizable especially with minor
- Good looking housing and community
- Best looking study abroad program
- Seems like it would be nicest campus to live on</p>

<p>--Con--
Otis:
- Foundation Year apparently is extremely time consuming for more basic and redundant work
- Campus
Art Center:
- The student motion graphic work doesn't seem as strong
- No housing
CCA:
- I've seen good student work but unsure about their motion graphic offerings
SCAD:
- Definitely weaker student work
- Apparently people are not accepted based on portfolio so students don't have as much experience as other schools.</p>

<p>Just some quick thoughts. I should mention I haven't applied to any I'm just trying to decide the rankings of which I would prefer.</p>

I realize this is an older post, but I hope others exploring the profession of Motion Design will find this helpful.

My son, a upcoming highschool senior, is interested in MD. After exploring universities/colleges offering programs in this emphasis we have come to one conclusion, schools do not scope the curriculum the same way. To add to the confusion, many are using different terms to describe the discipline. For some, MD has become a hybrid of Animation or Visual Communications. Few are offering a specialized curriculum for this major. We found the best way to evaluate the program is to examine the course catalogue. Motion design should include 2D and 3D design, the fundementals of graphic design such as layout and typography. It should also include an understanding of writing and expressing concepts through a storyboard. I would also inquire, what does senior year look like? A single thesis project does not make a portfolio for employment. Internships are the brass ring.

In short, this is a relatively new field. I think the accedmic community is trying to figure out a niche for MD.

To get a better perspective on the top schools in MD, my son is participating in the Ringling School of Art Precollege Program. This is an intense four week submersion into his field of interest. I’m hoping this experience will provide some clarity at what ‘good’ looks like. I know he is excited beyond words.

I am a Creative Director, with a traditional background in graphic design. I find the discovery process overwhelming. I work with many post production houses that clearly show talent is more important than degree. But as a parent, with a child interested in a very competitive field, we want to provide the best stepping stones for our kids. I think asking LOTS of questions is the key.