A new crop of students sprouted at Art Center on Monday. The group of newbies was humming with excitement and anxiety about the eight terms of full-immersion art and design education that lay ahead. Many of their concerns will be addressed and allayed during their week-long initiation into Art Center’s community of high-intensity creatives.
But the official orientation doesn’t quite cover everything a new student needs to know about life at Art Center. The most useful, actionable advice for incoming students—we’re talking about security-cleared insider intel—can only be gleaned from people who’ve been there and done that.
So, with that in mind, yesterday we took an informal Facebook poll, asking Art Center’s digital denizens to deliver golden nuggets of advice they most wish they had in their possession as they made their way toward graduation. Below, you’ll find a selection of responses ranging from accurate to amusing to just plain absurd. Take what works for you and store the rest away for Week 14, when will you need them most.
Jeremy D’ambrosio “Take out more loans”
Abel Gonzales Turn back!!
Darren Namaye Be afraid. Be very afraid. It ain’t over til it’s over. Enjoy it and work hard.
Mark Yang Don’t eat the Lunchables in the vending machines.
Arthur Kaplan You will go to the Dagobah system.
Patrick McCrory Turn back! Few survive who enter here!
Tyler Sylican Make sure you truly love what you do.
Arthur Kaplan Also, you’re not gonna want to do your swatches in “Design 1.” FOR GOD SAKE, DO THE SWATCHES. YOUR GPA WILL FOREVER THANK YOU!
Roo Raggio Get an internship/mentorship EARLY. Explore what your working life will be like in your field/major while you’re learning.
Carlos Mendez Do the best you can possibly do or GTFO.
Steven Payne Listen, pay attention and don’t think you know better. Take it all in and ENJOY, as you’ll never have as much fun!
John Manoogian II Work hard and the rewards will follow.
Robert Mulligan Listen so that you might learn something really important to your future.
Brandon Carrillo Organize your time as well as you can! The more you stay organized with your work the more time you’ll have to explore LA!
Diego Wood Listen to understand, not to reply.
David North Know it is HARD, but will be worth it.
Scott Maiwald Absorb everything you can. It’s YOUR education. You have the best at your disposal. Ask questions and be curious.
Merle A. Branner Bust your butt and make your work number one!
Andy Richards Get a comfy place to live where you can beat the high temps. Avoid relationships, crazy landlords, overloaded schedules and bad food. Remember: If you’re early you’re on time; if you’re on time you’re late; if you’re late you’re fired.
Howard Miereanu Sleep when you can if that’s possible!
Damian B-ois Build a business resume. It is a small field you’re embarking on and be prepared to make decisions that are calculated with low risk. Invest in yourself and networking. Learn the business side of it. Good luck and build!
Joon Lee Your attitude determines your direction.
Rockwell Sanders Drive slow on Lida.
Caroline Uen-Ju Ahn Get to know others outside your department. You never know where help comes from especially during week 12/13.
Jessica Muljadi Never drive sleepy.
Linda Sun Kim I remember how excited I was that day. Enjoy every step of learning and doing homework! Time goes so fast and some day you’ll remember how FUN it was being in school. It’s only few year in your life, make best out of it. Good luck to all!
