Loyola Marymount Art School??

Anyone have any thoughts/opinions regarding Loyola Marymount Univ. Studio Arts program? My D is interested in going into some area of design, but feels she’s under qualified to apply to a design school like RISD, PRATT, MICA, etc…LMU is on her list–so we’re wondering if any of you have any thoughts regarding their program.

She’s now saying she’d like to stay on the West Coast; However, I think she would be open to other areas of the country if she could find the right fit. She’s also looking at Scripps, Occidental–both reach schools–considering Otis, as well. She likes the idea of a campus with housing, more of a college type environment until she gets more experience under her belt. She is basically self taught, expect for her school art classes. She is naturally very good at painting and photography, but drawing is hit or miss–she takes a lot of pictures and then draws from her photographs, which I heard is a real taboo as far as art schools are concerned.

Her SAT score is currently 1210 which puts UCLA, USC out of reach at this point-- She just received extended time on her next SAT tests, so she’s planning to study hard this summer in hopes her score will go up. I’m not so sure the extended time will make much difference, so in my mom role, I’m keeping her realistic about her choices.

Any ideas you have would be hugely appreciated. I have zero experience in regards to applying to colleges, so I’m very grateful for all the help and guidance we’ve received thus far on CC.

Mimi, I sympathize! As a nonartist, it’s really heard to judge programs! I have been asking questions on this board on this topic for a while, and have received very thoughtful responses. You might want to click on my name and review some threads. There are some very helpful people! We are looking at Universities as opposed to art schools, and have nearly finished our choices (DD is a rising senior interested in a school with a strong foundational art program as opposed to conceptual art. We have learned to spend time looking at the art on the website…does it look intriguing? Is it diverse in style? We look at the actual classes offered, and the background of the professors. She is into traditional representational fine art, and plans to pair it with another major. It’s surprising how some programs don’t value the basics: if you go on the website and it is people in bell jars, blank walls with shadows, and lots of art inviting “reactions” it may be a school that is more conceptually based. If you find a wide variety of styles between “out there” and classical painting, more diversity may be honored. Open your eyes wide, read about representational vs conceptual art, and search for a fit.

LMU is on her list…she liked Will Pupa, who teaches sculpture, and the program was described as a “throwback” by one of the lead profs in its emphasis on foundation. Given that employers complain that not enough foundation is taught, we loved it.

Thank you shoot4moon! I just logged back in after a many-month absence from CC, and found your helpful response to my question. I’ll definitely review your other threads! Also glad to see LMU is on her list, too.
Funny about the conceptual art vs. traditional–on another post, I mentioned an experience not unlike your blank walls with shadows comment. We didn’t quite get it, apparently. It was macaroni on craft paper–maybe an exercise to bring out ones inner kindergartener. Loved the school though.