<p>So I've looked at this site a couple of times and I've noticed that I see a lot of people recommending east cost schools. I, myself, am from the west cost and I've done a little research on both costs for an illustration major but don't know what to choose. I've applied to Pratt, Parsons, RISD, Pasadena Art Center, Laguna Beach College of Art and Design, and San Fransico Art Institute. So far I've been accepted to Laguna Beach and Parsons. Does anyone have pros and cons of choosing west over east or east over west?</p>
<p>I think it's just a matter of personally preference. I live in the MidWest, and the East coast just seems like some place I'd like to be. For some reason unknow to me, I want to live in a small apartment in the middle of a huge city. Some of the time I like not knowing anyone, but maybe a few neighbors would be nice.</p>
<p>I would recommend the east coast, just because its the art area of the country, especially NYC where Parsons in located. You also have more opportunities as far as jobs and such and it happens to be that the top ranking art colleges are on the east coast. In your case, I would strongly suggest Parsons. They are very well known in the art world, and it shows that you have a lot of talent if you made it through their application process. I am a junior who lives in the midwest (just like the person above me) and Parsons is one of my top choices. Its totally up to you though. Good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks for giving me some insight guys. Especially from somewhere not east or west coast. I have a question for Donttellharry, is NYC more "artsy" than Hollywood? I'm just asking because Hollywood is the place where a lot of movies are made and they have to have a supply for artist with various talents. But I also know that video games, comics, ect. have publishing companies in NY.</p>
<p>I would say east coast as well. Depending on where you get in, Parsons is good but it depends what you want to do. I know you said illustration, so I'm guessing you like more fine arts? If that's the case, Pratt would probably be a better option. Outside of fashion/design, Parsons doesn't seem to have the best reputation for fine arts. I've heard it's a very commercial school, so it just depends on your preference. If you want to do more design/commercial stuff, Parsons might be the best option.</p>
<p>To some extent, the East Coast art schools are better known because they seem to have more successful alumni who have a made a name for themselves in the art world. They also tend to draw students from all over the world.</p>
<p>Certainly RISD, Parsons, and Pratt have very strong programs and are among the top art schools in many different fields, and Art Center College is very well respected in the design world (much more so than on the fine arts side). I think Laguna and SFAI have respectable programs too but they are definitely a step below the others. Laguna and SFAI are also more regional schools, than national.</p>
<p>The East Coast seems to be much more supportive of the arts in general -- just look at the concentration of museums, art galleries, art+design schools, theaters, performing arts centers, etc. in the Boston-NY-Philly-Washington corridor. Southern California does have the entertainment industry, but outside of that, I think there are fewer opportunities for artists and designers than there are on the East Coast.</p>