Pratt Institute vs. Cal Arts

[Heel n Toe]

A friend from across the pond contacted me to ask my advice for helping her and her daughter decide between these two schools.

I don't know enough about the two schools to make a definitive recommendation, but from what she says in her email, it really sounds like Pratt would be the best match:

My daughter has got into CAL Arts... CA and Pratt NY as well .. for her masters in graphic design & packaging .. was wondering if you could throw some light on these schools since you are in the same field .. .. She is quite determined to go to Pratt since the course structure is more to her needs although what CAL arts has offered is good too but there are certain subjects which are not available which are in Pratt .. Moreover NY as such she feels would be the ideal place where placement and exposure is concerned .. so given all she seems to be very keen on going to Pratt ....

Would appreciate what your views are John .. could you please get back to me and let me know what you think ? ..So far we have got good reports from both schools there is no doubt about that but would be nice to know what you have to say as well ..

Any input will be appreciated... and pasted in an email and sent to her. Thanks in advance.

[nostatic]

My g/f is faculty at CalArts. I'll ask her about her thoughts. Seems that Pratt is more like Art Center in Pasadena (where my g/f got her MFA). CalArts is a "real" art school - they aren't into commercial stuff or design (though aspects can be found). It is quirky and on the experimental side. It also has an incredible rep as it tends to turn out artists rather than designers. CalArts was founded by Disney, so they have a lot of animation going on, along with interesting music programs. Redcat is a major player in LA for the art scene, and that is another part of CalArts.

As for scenes, NY and LA are just different. One isn't necessarily better than the other. My g/f has gallery representation in both cities (as do most major artists). I don't know that there is any higher possibility of making it in NY vs LA.

In general "design" schools are a different beast than "art" schools. so it depends on what she thinks she wants to do. I find that it is easier for artists to migrate to design rather than vice versa.

[hcariss]

Pratt is in Brooklyn and the campus is lovely, the surrounding neighborhood is worth approaching with a little caution, but if its her MA, she is a little older so probably more aware. Like any big city I think you just have to be carful leaving late at night.

[Heel n Toe]

Thanks for the input, guys... I have pasted it into an email and sent it along.

Todd, as far as I can tell from my friend's email, her daughter is specifically/only interested in a masters in graphic design & packaging, and not in fine art courses in the least. If I get feedback that indicates otherwise, I'll post it.

Also, I know what you mean by the art scenes in the two cities, and I think what she meant by "ideal place where placement and exposure is concerned," is that NYC and the surrounding area might be a good place to be in to have prospective employers see her work, as well as a good place for her to shop her portfolio around upon getting her degree... or even beforehand in a possible intern or part time position.

HC, that's good, common sense advice on her being careful in Brooklyn, etc. ...especially after dark... I'm sure that your encouraging her to use caution is appreciated... yes, there are plenty of street-wise people who could take advantage of her naiveteé if she didn't use care.

Again, thanks for the input from both of you and if anyone else has any insight, please offer it.

[nostatic]

John, here is an answer from my g/f. She got her MFA from Art Center in Pasadena (which actually is probably the best in the world for what your friend's daughter wants to do), and is currently faculty at CalArts. She spent time in NY as well so she knows the scenes fairly well:

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Depends on how much your daughter wants to focus on packaging and what kind of packaging. CalArts is an "Art School" and Pratt is more of a "Trade School". Art School is less "worldly" and because of that they can be more innovative and expansive. The Graphic design program at CalArts is very strong in helping students developing visual indentities, especially in the form of print media, web design and typography. However if she is more interested in packaging, especially 3D packaging, then Pratt might be a better choice because they have a industrial design department, which is absent at CalArts. In terms of placement and exposure, in this date and age, I think Los Angeles is just as viable as New York, especially with all the fringe industries around Hollywood. I found that in my own experience the competition might be too keen for fresh graduates in NYC...in terms of campus life, Pratt is very much an urban school (albeit in Brooklyn), and CalArts is situated in the quintessential suburbia!

[Heel n Toe]

Thanks, Todd... I just passed that along... tell your g/f her input is much appreciated, and I'll let you know what she decides.
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Hi John!

Thank you so very much for the email which def will add on to the decison making which is most likely leaning towards Pratt .. in all probability that is where she is going . nevertheless its always good to get various opinions .. this is a matter of ones future so one is anxious to know what is best ..

What Todd says about CAL arts is true .. and they are also better known for performing arts .. and animation (Disney) . all true ..however she wants to specialize in graphic design & packaging ..

Just incase you get more info in the next few days .. do let me know .. the advance payment for accomodation and tuition fees need to be sent soon where ever it is we should be deciding for sure in the next few days ..especially NY I'm very keen that she gets campus at least for the first few months untill she gets used to the place.. safer that way ..

God I'm going to miss her .. the girls and I are like freinds you know .. but then at some point one needs to let go .. I hope I will be able to go along with her in August .. hang around for a bit then go visit some relatives which are scattered all over .. not sure whether this plan will work where I'm concerened .. depends on my job in terms of time off from work ..

Thank you once again .. a million thanks ..!!!

[fxeditor]

I am a Cal/Arts grad and can tell you it's a great school. For animation and television/film production it's second to none! I have many friends in broadcast design who have graduated from there as well. That being said I'm not sure it's the best school for packaging design. However, if she can get in there she can get in to Art Center in Pasadena which has an amazing program for it.

Good luck,
Michael

[Heel n Toe]

Thanks again for all the input, guys... it all helped put my friend's mind at ease that Pratt is where her daughter should go.
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******** has made her final decison about going to Pratt .. She was always sure but from our side .. we wanted to be absolutely sure that she was making the right choice just for our own peace of mind ..how ever we always knew that she is quite a level headed kid and knows what she wants .. and is also a very committed/disciplined person .. we have heard from many and you too and this has helped a great deal. I am very grateful John to you for being so prompt .. Thank you so very much ..

She is sending a fee for her accomodation and an advance payment towards her tuition fees today .. so all is well now ..

My love to ****** and you ..stay in touch John ...