Over the summer, senior Kate Rosales was able to go to the Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles for a month.

Kate was in a program that allowed her to live on campus in the dorms. She said, “Staying in the dorms was kind of hard since I’m an only child, but I had to room with three different people. At first, it was nerve racking, but it became really fun when I got used to it.”

While she was there, she studied art and learned a lot about how to transform artwork. She said, “The most influential thing I learned there was to never stop drawing. With no pen or paper, you can trace your leg. With every bad drawing, there is a an equally good drawing. And, improvement can take a while, but it’s there.”

When Kate went to Otis, she said she felt blocked and in a rut, but now her passion for art is new again:  “I went to do something productive with my summer, and it helped improve what I have been stuck at for awhile. I would love to be an illustrator in the future.”

Kate said the whole experience changed her view of her artwork: ” I realized how to better express myself through art and to look at little things like lighting and shadows to create a real depiction of reality. I also learned a lot from others and the way they expressed themselves through artwork.”

Kate continued, “Otis changed me not only through my art but also as a person. I learned more about myself and others. I was able to make friends that were artistic like me. I loved hanging out with my roommates and friends and still hangout with some today.”

She finally described the friendships she made at Otis: “One of my friends took a fashion course, and right now she is designing clothes for me. I love how we all can give eachother artistic gifts.”

Otis was a great experience for Kate that anyone can apply for. Anyone can sign up for the summer programs by looking on their website and applying. Summer Programs at Otis College | Otis College of Art and Design