<p>Any of you guys Design|Media Arts major and are for sure going to UCLA? I went to the Open House on the 15th and they told us that it was very competitive to get in. Like 46 out of 800 applicants! Any of you guys thought of going to other colleges for that kind of major? I heard USC has a good 3D animation department. Harvey Mudd has Computer Science classes with computer animation too. Any more info for DMA majors? Like classes and stuff?</p>
<p>Really? Someone told me 50 out of 1000 applicants got in, but I guess he was just estimating. Wow, so that means the acceptance rate for the program is like 5.75%. Congrats, OhTHATguy! For me, my choices were between Cal Poly Pomona's graphic design (accredited portfolio-based program, close to home) and UCLA (good location, personal interest). I'm picking UCLA. Sorry, I wish I knew more about the major, but I only know as much as the info on the web site and my experience as an applicant. If your questions were more specific, perhaps I or someone else could help some more.</p>
<p>I think the DMA major at UCLA is more of a well rounded major. It seems that they allow a lot of freedom to pursue one's own interest in a particular field. I personally want to pursue the field of computer animation. Where better do than at UCLA? The entertainment industries and companies are just around the corner. I think this major is fairly new. It went through a refit, I think. So the connections out there is not as strong as those of USC 3d animation minor. That's the only reason that's holding me back from USC, it can only be for a minor and not a major. However, at UCLA, they have 3d animation incorporated into their program. So it's all good! Anyone else know anymore info on the DMA major beside what's on the website?</p>
<p>My son is a freshman in D/MA this year. He really likes it--and the work he's brought home has been remarkably good. He says that his classmates are all very talented, but they get along together well. Freshman year, everyone takes the same basic courses: fundamentals of design; color; drawing; typography; design history; and form. The other course or courses you take are to begin satisfying General Education requirements. There are other requirements as well, but I think you get to start specializing more as a sophomore.</p>
<p>The only complaint he has is the classroom space, which is in a trailer outside of the main campus (if you went to the Open House, you saw that.) Supposedly, however, they're going to return to the Broad Art Center on campus, which is being completely redesigned, next fall, and that will solve the problem.</p>
<p>My son likes his teachers (some, of course, more than others) and class size for D/MA courses is very small compared to the rest of UCLA. From last year's open house, I got the sense that the teachers were more into avant-garde work for museums than professional preparation--but I think from the classwork he's had so far, I'm probably wrong. Most of the courses, even the basic drawing course, seem very computer-oriented compared to other design schools, and it seems to me that computer ability is important to success--perhaps even more than basic drawing skills. I think the school would be a very good choice for someone interested in computer animation. </p>
<p>I don't think, by the way, that they only select 45 students out of 800 applications each year. What I remember from last year's open house was that 800 students in 2003-04 expressed an interest in the program, but that only 300 submitted portfolios for consideration. Still, 45 out of 300 is pretty darn selective, so congratulations!</p>
<p>Hey Flatbush Faithful, thanks for the info. It helps a lot. Do you know if your son has enough time to take minors or even double major? How much time does the D|MA major take up? I'm thinking of double majoring or minoring besides the D|MA major. Can you get me any input or anyone who can answer these questions?</p>
<p>Do any of you DMA acceptees have websites or samples of your portfolio work that I may be able to look at? I was unfortunately one of the bunch who wasn't in the rare pool of acceptees (congratulations to all of you who did though!), but I actually appealed under the condition that I simply can't afford to go to a private art school as I would attend otherwise (as well as a whole bunch of factors). I was really hoping to get in since I do have a very large amount of experience and skills on my belt...but I guess I just wasn't good enough to meet UCLA's standards. ._.</p>
<p>If this doesn't work out I suppose one of my options will be to go to a CC and hopefully reapply to D|MA after I get my general education, if I don't end up going to an art school by then.</p>
<p>Anyway, would you acceptees be so kind to please tell me your stats and show me anything else relevant to the acceptance process? I'd like to get a glimpse of what I'm up against in respect to if and when I do reapply. :) Thanks!</p>
<p>My S is a senior in D|MA this year. When he applied, there were 600 applicants for 55 spaces. Plus, he was OOS (but is now a CA resident).</p>
<p>You'll spend a lot of time fulfilling your GEs plus preparing for your D|MA classes. Unless it's within the College of the Arts and Architecture, doing a double major will be tough. My S's roommate tried to get into animation classes at the School of Theatre, Film, and Television to no avail. He did get accepted into the grad program there for next year--animation.</p>
<p>One of the joys of the UCLA D|MA program is the freedom to explore any number of directions. S has taken branding courses that will come in handy on the job. There are a lot of great courses there including videography. He was lucky enough to have his first short video chosen as a finalist in the Strawberry Shorttakes Festival last year.</p>
<p>He's been on Creative Team of the UCLA Ad and Marketing Team for the past two years <a href="http://www.studentgroups.ucla.edu/adteam/%5B/url%5D">http://www.studentgroups.ucla.edu/adteam/</a>. This summer, he'll be a TA for the new Summer Institute in D|MA--doing digital video design. In addition, he also freelanced doing website design for various companies and even departments on campus.</p>
<p>You'll find a lot of opportunities to do things you enjoy, try new things, and network with folks who can pass jobs on to you. Have fun!</p>
<p>Sorry for the delay in responding. I think Little Mother is right--a double major would be pretty difficult, as the major requirements seem pretty extensive in terms of the number of courses you have to take for a degree--added to the number of GE courses you have to take like everyone else in UCLA. You'd probably be better off calling the Department, though--because they may be more flexible than their printed requirements indicate if your second major is in a related field. And if you don't need much sleep, nothing is impossible! Good luck.</p>
<p>Aerolite
As of right now, I do not have my portfolio online. However, I hope to get it up soon! Some of the current students in DMA have there admissions portfolios online at <a href="http://dma.ucla.edu/people/undergrad.php%5B/url%5D">http://dma.ucla.edu/people/undergrad.php</a> </p>
<p>As for me, I went all out. I did everything, not just the required pieces. I included the websites I did and short computer generated movies. The admissions people for this major is looking for students who are well aquinated with the programs the major uses. Like all the adobe applications. This is because they don't teach their students how to use the program but how to make use of them. This is what they told me when I went to ask them about the admissions process. They also said that they look for students with not only a sense of design but a sense of academic achievement. They have to make sure you can survive in the UC system and especially in UCLA's GE classes. When you mean 'stats' are you looking for SATs, GPA, or art related stats? What were your 'stats' when you applied? I'll copy your stats outline when you post it so I can know what stats you're talking about.</p>
<p>Little Mother
When you said, "My S's roommate tried to get into animation classes at the School of Theatre, Film, and Television to no avail." do you mean, that he couldn't get into the classes or the classes were of no help? I met someone at the open house who was a fourth year in DMA in pursuit of an animation career. He just got into the film and television graduate program at UCLA. He told me that he was able to take graduate classes in animation during his undergraduate years. However, he was only able to take the first year of animation classes in the graduate program as an undergraduate and not one more.</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply! Well, basically I went all out myself, just like you. I've been into webdesign since I was eleven...My portfolio consisted varied works--websties in Flash, HTML, one of the videos I've directed/acted/edited, and I'm pretty experienced in alot of the other programs too. I also tried to show that I was artistically creative in other aspects too...I did some photography and digitally edited projects based on some of the 3D sculptures I've created. I've even went to the extent to designing the packaging for the CD, even the insert...I was almost confident that I'd get in. :</p>
<p>Even though at one of the orientations they mentioned how they place the portfolio above all other factors (Well, why wouldn't they? Hehe), I actually think that my 'traditional' stats played the main part in my rejection--or maybe my work really wasn't great enough! :( My stats were pretty average...3.5 UC/CSU GPA, 1250 SAT, 600 averages on my SAT IIs, so that might have been it. </p>
<p>But yeah, I really appreciate your kind response, thank you. :) I'm really hoping that they look into my appeal...Would be great to be in the same classes together! Haha.</p>
<p>Aerolite: No, my portfolio work is currently unavailable for online viewing, but it will be, in the future. If you want, I'm willing to send examples through e-mail. I'm curious to see what kind of work you have, though. Do you have anything up? In my portfolio, I combined various mediums to show broad knowledge of vital design applications -- Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, photography, and Microsoft PowerPoint.</p>
<p>I did the same thing as you with packaging (even the insert), although I figured that if everyone was going to send an envelope or jewel case, I would use a DVD case. Above all, it's the content that matters, so don't rely on packaging alone to get you in.</p>
<p>Did you get into any other schools for your major or was DMA your top/only choice?</p>
<p>My stats: 4.66 UC/CSU GPA, 1180 SAT, 26 ACT, 620/520/560 SAT II plus extra-curriculars and athletics. Comparing our SAT scores, I don't think they were the sole factor in denying you admission to UCLA.</p>
<p>Here are some things I learned from admissions officials when I talked with them in January:</p>
<p>-- A panel separate from general admissions goes over the supplemental applications and sends recommendations to UCLA for the students they want to admit. This makes me wonder if the application we had to send in November was even looked at and if anyone can verify that, please do so.
-- It is not necessary to know how to use industry-standard programs (I was concerned since I didn't know Flash or Quark). You will get experience working in the major.
-- Getting in is not so much about the talent, but the competitiveness -- because nearly everyone is talented. Although you know how to utlize many forms of media, do you have an eye for design?</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>"And if you don't need much sleep, nothing is impossible!" Hahah, good one, Flatbush Faithful.</p>
<p>OTG,
Maybe I misunderstood him. It's possible; after all, I'm a parent. ;-)</p>
<p>It is very difficult to cross School boundaries at UCLA or at any large university, though. Because the students at each School want to take courses that are in high demand, students from other Schools may have to take a back seat. Sometimes there are ways to do it, but you'll have to be persistent.</p>
<p>Good luck! You'll have lots of fun.</p>
<p>Ah, thanks for the input, darkfox. At the moment, I don't have any of my work uploaded either, but I'll try to do so later.</p>
<p>Like you and thatoneguy, I'm pretty efficient in programs like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Premiere, Macromedia Flash, Corel Painter, and some other, 'lower-end' applications. I'd like to say I'm pretty artistic, I do alot of drawing/sketching, painting, and fashion designing on the side, but my primary medium is my computer. <3 I love to experiment and try new things too. I'm pretty aware of the styles/biases/theories incorporated in alot of graphic/multimedia designer's work; my eye's been pretty trained through the years, but I don't think it really shows through my work as it should. I suppose that's where the education would come into place. ;p</p>
<p>UCLA was the only school I applied to that required a portfolio. I honestly would have tried to go to Otis, CCA, or CalArts, but the fact that they are all expensive private schools was the main reason why I couldn't allow myself to go. I stated in my appeal (along with other reasons) that because of my financial condition, I'm obligated to stay in southern California for my collegiate studies, which in the end led me to believe that UCLA was one of the only choices I had in terms of getting that legitimate 'art school' feel. I did get into various other CSUs under multimedia/graphic design/industrial design, but I don't know...I don't feel that they're as competitive as the schools I'd like to attend.</p>
<p>As I mentioned in my first post...if this appeal doesn't go through in a positive way (which I highly believe will be the case), I may just end up at a CC and try my chances again in two years.</p>
<p>As for the packaging...I just thought it was a nice touch; I even tried to be slick and used the image file of the concept art+insert as my 10th portfolio piece, haha! But oh well, it was pretty fun putting it together even if I didn't get accepted. I tried to make matters better by making a duplicate copy of the entire thing as my Senior Portfolio Exhibition project.</p>
<p>I just hope that I can please get your blessings on my appeal pulling through! Would be nice to have some actual friends who share the same interest in arts/design.</p>
<p>Though I'm curious, would you guys mind sharing me your self-portrait pieces? I'm wondering how artistic applicants got on those...Mine was pretty lame, I did a LAST MINUTE simple vector styled piece in Illustrator! ;x I really wish I could've done something different...hahaha.</p>
<p>I also went to the LA Design Media open house on the 15th. Although the major sounded interesting, the campus didn't really interest me... Instead, I'm going to Berkeley for Art (I don't think it's all that great) but I want to pursue something in marketing, so I guess art is gonna help? I hope I made the right decision because CalDay was awesome!</p>
<p>My stats: SATI: 1360, SATIIs 700s, UC GPA: 4.5, ranked 4/430. UCLA was the only college I applied in the art/design field. I was admitted to other colleges for computer science and engineering majors (UC Irvine, USC, UC Berkeley, and Harvey Mudd College). I have experience in many programs including, ALL the adobe programs, FLASH, HTML, JAVA, Paintshop Pro, 3D studio MAX, and Lightwave 3D. I also took 7 years of art classes at a conservatory. Besides that, I designed logos and managed websites for several companies. I helped decorate themes for libraries and schools around the community. Anything artistic I had a chance at, I did it. As for the self-portrait, I drew mine with pencil. It will be put online with my other works when I can get a chance. </p>
<p>And I think everyone designed a cover for their CDs because I did too! =) </p>
<p>I was wondering about the job outlook for people who major in DMA. You any of you have any info on this? What kind of fields can people in this major get into?</p>
<p>After doing some research, it seems that computer science majors have class(es) in computer animation also. But for UCLA, none of the classes have that course title. Are there animation classes for undergraduate DMA?</p>
<p>S has done quite a bit of freelance work and earned (p/t) between 8-12 grand/year. He was offered a job earlier this year but he would have had to quit school to take it. From what I understand, networking in the department can help land you jobs, both while you're at and after you graduate from UCLA.</p>
<p>Areas include website design, graphic design (advertising, etc.), motion graphics (television, film, etc.)...lots of opportunities and ever-growing.</p>
<p>OhThatGuy: I looked at the course descriptions on the D/MA website (I felt obligated to do so, because I told you I thought it would be a good place to study animation) and there appeared to be two courses on computer applications: Interactive and Media Art (which I think all majors have to take) and Computer Applications. I'd be willing to bet you could take the computer science classes as well and have it count towards your major requirements: but you ought to check with D/MA to be sure.</p>
<p>My son tells me the Department sends lots of emails to students informing them about part- and full-time jobs and design competitions they can enter, so you'll be able to get some sense of what the profession is like. Unless you eventually start your own firm, which lots of designers do, you may not get rich, but you'll always have a marketable skill.</p>
<p>Aerolite: Good luck on your appeal. Your qualifications make it sound as if you'd do well at UCLA, and I hope you get in. If design is what you want to do, though, and things don't work out, you might want to consider a design program at a four year school rather than a CC. In this field, the school you attend really doesn't count for too much (I'm told)--your portfolio is what gets you jobs.</p>
<p>bump bump..</p>
<p>Hi, I posted a similar post on another thread, but I was wondering if someone could give me some kind of portfolio review (critique). I am applying to other art schools such as RISD, ACCD, and MICA , but I'm applying to UCLA's program because I think it would provide be with a well rounded education; also, UCLA's Drawing and Painting program is ranked #3 according to US News. What is troubling me is that UCLA's gallery of art and design major looks like nothing I have seen before - their "art" seems totally alien. Oh, I look at that portfolio site (thanks ohthatgay) it was helpful. SAT I: 2040 SAT II: 790 (Math IIC), 760 (Chinese), 690 (Physics). GPA: 4.0 weighted</p>
<p>Industrial Design
<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/hypocalvin/vtolpage5.jpg%5B/url%5D">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/hypocalvin/vtolpage5.jpg</a>
<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/hypocalvin/vtolpage6.jpg%5B/url%5D">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/hypocalvin/vtolpage6.jpg</a>
Car Rendering
<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/hypocalvin/mazda6renderingjpegcopy.jpg%5B/url%5D">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/hypocalvin/mazda6renderingjpegcopy.jpg</a>
Model construction
<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/hypocalvin/sideview.jpg%5B/url%5D">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/hypocalvin/sideview.jpg</a>
<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/hypocalvin/top_view.jpg%5B/url%5D">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/hypocalvin/top_view.jpg</a>
Illustration
<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/hypocalvin/final.jpg%5B/url%5D">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/hypocalvin/final.jpg</a>
<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/hypocalvin/finalpownzors2.jpg%5B/url%5D">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/hypocalvin/finalpownzors2.jpg</a>
<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/hypocalvin/portrait.jpg%5B/url%5D">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/hypocalvin/portrait.jpg</a>
<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/hypocalvin/art%20contest/ryanchurchstylepic.jpg%5B/url%5D">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/hypocalvin/art%20contest/ryanchurchstylepic.jpg</a>
Sketchbook sample
<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/hypocalvin/VTOL/page149.jpg%5B/url%5D">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/hypocalvin/VTOL/page149.jpg</a>
<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/hypocalvin/68350f2f.jpg%5B/url%5D">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/hypocalvin/68350f2f.jpg</a>
<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/hypocalvin/sketch005.jpg%5B/url%5D">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/hypocalvin/sketch005.jpg</a>
<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/hypocalvin/spaceships.jpg%5B/url%5D">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/hypocalvin/spaceships.jpg</a></p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>"also, UCLA's Drawing and Painting program is ranked #3 according to US News."</p>
<p>really? do you have a link that states this? just curious. hehe... the design major only has a drawing class and a 'color' class which is like painting. I think what you said might refer to the art majors more than the design majors. Nevertheless, I can for sure tell you that 90+% of design majors who take drawing and color hate it. This is because most already came in knowing their colors as well as knowing how to draw. It almost seems like a waste of time, in my opinion.</p>
<p>However, one thing to keep in mind is that UCLA's design program is very very theory-based. Unlike the Art Center, which focuses on hands-on training, DMA requires needlesss thinking and understanding. Don't get me wrong, we do hands-on work too, but with more of a theory behind our work (i.e. backed up by history of design and stuff).</p>
<p>For those who want to be graphic designers, this is a great program. For those who want to be animators... not so much. The program trys to combine a little of everything.</p>
<p>From your portfolio, very nice work. You have a unique take on your work, which is important in the admission process. Do you like industrial design?</p>
<p>one more thing, i saw at the corner of one of the images that it says, "Art Center" are you taking classes there? The Art Center is a very known design school. Much of the students who graduate there go on to be great designers.</p>