Columbus College of Art & Design — Local services in Columbus

If you want to be a concept artist or character designer, don’t go to this school, it’s a waste of money. I graduated from CCAD in 2015, majoring in Illustration. The Illustration major was the only major that offered an entertainment design class, but it didn’t focus much on concept art techniques. Most of the professors come from comics or traditional illustration backgrounds, so they don’t understand how the concept art industry works or its standards.

We used Photoshop a lot, but I never saw an Illustration teacher do demo paintings in Photoshop. Every class felt like you just did one project after another, learning everything on your own. Even the basic drawing fundamentals classes felt more like hobby art classes. Only a few teachers actually taught and demonstrated techniques. Most of them were lazy, just standing there doing nothing or playing on the computer.

Critiques were basically useless. If your perspective was wrong, the teacher wouldn’t correct it or point it out, they just expected you to figure it out yourself. If you want to see what a good art lesson looks like, watch YouTube videos. If you want to see how a good art teacher grades students’ work, check out Proko’s examples. Having a good art teacher is crucial, but sadly, CCAD’s Illustration program failed to provide that.

Think about how much you’re paying for classes that don’t actually teach you. I regret not dropping out in my sophomore year. So if you’re a high school student considering Illustration or Concept Art, think twice. Do thorough research before taking $60k+ in student loans to attend this school, there are better and cheaper options out there. You can get better art education elsewhere without spending tens of...

I was actually going to drop a return a Amazon return and they directed to a lockers of theirs located on campus. Because it was 2 blocks down and 2 blocks over from my piling site, I thought that in addition to a good walk, it would be easy and convenient - it was neither. Amazon needs to pull their locker ASAP and I wouldn't recommend even visiting the campus for any reason.

My main phone died as I approached the locker and I was having difficulty accessing service on a secondary phone and as I needed Amazon online, I asked to access their free WIFI which was available (which it is in must educational institutions). When I say asked, I mean walked around for a good 20 minutes, but NO ONE - that included students & coffee concession employee. No one was at either the help desk nor in their security office - where the lockers are located right outside the door.

But the most appalling interaction of them all was when I spotted and spoke to an instructor (I assumed, as she was an older woman) and in answer to my query, she proceeded to tell me that 'they were going to ask Amazon to remove the locker because they were nothing but trouble' . And then she just stood there and stared at me.

I do not make a bad appearance whenever I go out ; I speak with a proper New England-tinged accent and I believe it was 1pm, Tuesday afternoon but clearly I was judged by the individual as being unfit to access their free WIFI.

Because of both my breeding and understanding of human nature, I didn't even both sharing my retort however here's what it would have been (with a smile): 'oh, don't bother because I'm going to contact them and suggest they should remove their locker ASAP because they shouldn't be doing business...

My experience as a student at CCAD was amazing. As an alumni of this college and as a professional working artist, I will always be grateful for the amazing education I received from the Columbus College of Art and Design. I have an awesome career in the arts and I give part of that credit to my college and the intense art program I went through.

To the person's review that claims " they'll take anyone". Well, most students go to school to learn. A lot of people walk into an art school not knowing what to expect. Thinking art shouldn't be graded is unrealistic-- as an artist your work will be graded your entire life. The idea that "art" can't be taught is simply not true. Practice makes perfect. Why not learn from someone who has years more experience than you. And learn amongst other students, who will be some of the most talented people you'll ever meet. The notion that in the 21st century the "self taught" artists exist, is just ridiculous. Artists learn from other artists and always have. The difference here is that, if you decide that you're going to go to college for art and earn a degree in that field-- well, expect to be taught! Oh and graded. And guess what, you're going to learn to create art starting from the most basic shapes.

The art world is competitive and it's tough. If you want to succeed as an artist, you need to work hard and know your field. Attending a college like CCAD is a great place to start. I give a million thanks to the Columbus College of Art and Design for the amazing experience, life long friendships and most of all helping me evolve into a successful...