Otis College Alumni Association

What does it look like to study Toy Design at Otis College?

Think global stages, collabs with top industry players, and career-launching opportunities. Recent highlights include students showcasing work at the Nuremberg International Toy Fair, partnering with brands like Moose Toys and Pop Mart, and landing internships with top companies including Mattel, Hasbro, and Jazwares.

Otis is where creativity meets the toy industry. Explore more: https://bit.ly/4sa0zYk

We’re proud to celebrate Otis alum Yuko Torii (’93 BFA Fine Arts), whose newly published children’s book, My Someone, explores themes of belonging, compassion, and connection through the story of a stray dog.

Her work is a beautiful example of how artists translate their creative practice into meaningful storytelling. Explore the book and Yuko’s work: https://bit.ly/4by85XU

Vehicles of Expression: The Craft of the Skateboard highlights the skateboard as both cultural artifact and work of design. Featuring artists and makers shaping skate culture today including Otis alum Mark Farina (’18 MFA Public Practice), the exhibition explores how craft, performance, and creativity come together in one iconic form. Fittingly, it’s rooted in Los Angeles, the birthplace of skateboarding. Learn more about the exhibition: https://bit.ly/3Phnvqy

Swipe through moments from Material Witnesses, a special lecture and Q&A with artist and Otis alum Kelly Akashi as part of the Mandy and Cliff Einstein Visiting Artist Series.

From thoughtful conversation to meaningful connections with students and guests, the evening offered a closer look at Akashi’s material-driven practice and creative process.

Otis College of Art and Design announces with sadness the passing of esteemed alum Ulysses Jenkins (’79 MFA Fine Arts) on February 23, 2026.

Jenkins was a pioneering figure in Black experimental video whose multidisciplinary practice spanned more than five decades. A student of Charles White at Otis College and later a faculty member, he went on to exhibit internationally and have his work included in major museum collections, including the Whitney Museum of American Art.

His impact on contemporary art and media practices continues to resonate.

We extend our condolences to his family, friends, and collaborators. Read more about his life and legacy: https://bit.ly/4aMR0Jr

Photo by Christina House / Los Angeles Times

“I would never in a million years have guessed that my first job out of college would be ILM, a huge innovator in the entertainment industry."

From the US Air Force to Otis College to Industrial Light and Magic. Otis alum Saul Ceniceros (’24 BFA Digital Media) is now working as a VFX artist at the legendary studio behind Star Wars, turning discipline, problem-solving, and creativity into a dream career.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3Z6jEyv

At Otis, Federal Work-Study is more than financial support, it’s career preparation. Students are earning income through paid roles that align with their studies while working with leading arts and community organizations across Los Angeles. With growing funding and expanded off-campus opportunities, the program continues to open new pathways for student success. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4a2t6YF

This year’s Fashion Design mentors bring students a defining advantage: real-world insight from industry leaders and Otis alumni who’ve been there themselves.

For 2025–2026, Otis welcomes mentors from Nike, Vuori, St. John, Vince, Activision, and more, including alumni from the classes of 2005, 2006, 2008, and 2014, the highest number of returning alums to mentor in a single year.

Explore the full mentor lineup: https://bit.ly/4k2BjRg

Ready to take the next step toward your BFA? Join us for Transfer Day at Otis College on Saturday, February 7 from 11:00 am–3:00 pm. Meet with our Admissions team, get a personalized transfer credit evaluation, explore our campus, and get feedback on your portfolio, all in one day. Lunch and parking are free. Register now: https://bit.ly/2026transferday

Ceramic kilns. Laser cutters. Pro lighting studios. A living letterpress museum. Otis College’s making spaces are designed for artists who want to build, explore, and innovate. Take a look behind the scenes and check out our open Extension courses. We can’t wait to see you in our studios this Spring. Read more: https://bit.ly/4pYScNQ

Otis alum Kelly Akashi is coming back to campus on Thursday, February 19 for a special lecture as part of the Mandy and Cliff Einstein Visiting Artist Series. In Material Witnesses, she’ll share the processes, inspirations, and evolving ideas behind her internationally recognized work. Alumni are invited to gather, reconnect, and be inspired. The lecture begins at 7:00 p.m. PT. RSVP now: https://bit.ly/kellyakashi