Overview
Established in 1929, Academy of Art University has grown to become the nation's largest private art and design university with more than 9,500 students. Advertising was the first program offered at Academy of Art University. Richard S. Stephens, a creative art director for Sunset magazine, rented a loft and began teaching 50 students advertising illustration. Mr. Stephens established a philosophy that still works: Hire top working professionals to teach future professionals. Today Dr. Elisa Stephens, the third generation of the Stephens family to lead the university, serves as president. Under her guidance, the Academy has expanded its traditional leadership role into the realms of industrial, digital and online art education.
LEARN FROM PROS
The Academy continues to practice its founding philosophy, meaning you get an education that's up-to-date and in sync with the needs of agencies today.
School of Advertising Director Melinda Mettler and Associate Directors Mark Edwards, Charlie Kouns and Nelson Leung have spent decades in the industry, netting a wealth of experience, deep contacts and a slew of awards. They pull in instructors from top agencies such as Venables Bell & Partners; Publicis & Hal Riney; McCann Erickson; TBWA/Chiat/Day; Goodby, Silverstein & Partners; BBDO; Young & Rubicam; Ogilvy; Butler, Shine, Stern & Partners; and many others.
The Academy doesn't limit itself to faculty from San Francisco. The School of Advertising routinely flies in top professionals from Los Angeles, Chicago and New York. For advertising courses online, you can have instructors from countries all over the world—Norway, the Philippines and Brazil, to name a few.
A REAL-WORLD EMPHASIS
The School of Advertising curriculum emphasizes the three main jobs in an ad agency creative department: account planning, art direction and copywriting. Because faculty members currently work in the business, you'll learn the latest trends and be on par with industry practices when you graduate.
To mirror the professional world as closely as possible, the School of Advertising looks, feels and functions like a major ad agency. The environment includes several conference-style instruction rooms along with casual meeting areas where students can work together creatively and even enjoy a game of pool.
Regardless of their emphasis, all advertising students learn to think strategically, develop fresh concepts and craft cutting-edge executions.
COLLABORATE WITH THE BEST
An aspect that sets the Academy apart is the opportunity for students from multiple departments to collaborate. You'll come up with the ideas and then be introduced to other aspiring professionals who can help bring your work to life. School of Advertising students graduate with portfolios of smart concepts and eye-catching magazine ads, TV and radio commercials, ambient and guerilla efforts, interactive pieces and more.
The Academy has second-to-none facilities. Our campus comprises more than 60 buildings in the heart of San Francisco. As a student, you'll have access to an extensive multimedia library, cutting-edge computer labs, motion picture and TV sound stages, digital recording studios, professional equipment and more.
When you reach the most advanced advertising classes, you may have the chance to collaborate with real clients on real ads. Most recently, ad students have worked with Audi Club North America, Electronic Arts and Fuse Beverages. They're creating and presenting complete campaigns that include print, mail, interactive, TV, viral video, POP and collateral. Needless to say, having that kind of professional experience gives Academy grads quite an advantage in the job market.
SUCCEED FAR AND WIDE
To help advertising students get their work seen by the industry pros who matter, the Academy hosts an annual industry reception. Every May aspiring account planners, art directors and copywriters mingle with top professionals and have their work reviewed.
When graduation arrives, you can count on having a competitive, well-rounded portfolio that includes print, TV, radio, interactive, ambient, guerilla and integrated campaigns. These portfolios have helped more than 90% of recent graduates find work with top agencies such as Crispin Porter + Bogusky; 180 Amsterdam; Attik; Goodby, Silverstein & Partners; and Publicis & Hal Riney.
You'll not only graduate with a quality portfolio, but you may very well have an award or two. The Academy's School of Advertising students win numerous ANDY, Clio, Art Directors Club, ADDY, One Show and CMYK awards.
Visit the School of Advertising at www.academyart.edu/advertising-school to see student work, review director and faculty bios and request even more information.
