Laguna College of Art And Design

SUMMARY

Laguna College of Art and Design is a private, non-profit art and design institution in Laguna Beach, California. Founded in 1961, it offers Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts programmes across animation, illustration, game design, graphic design, drawing and painting. The college combines studio-based learning with liberal arts education, small class sizes and industry engagement, to prepare students for professional creative careers in traditional and digital fields.

HISTORY

The foundations of Laguna College of Art and Design can be traced to the early 1960s, during a period when Laguna Beach was known for its strong artistic community. Local artists, plein-air painters and cultural groups shaped a vibrant creative environment that encouraged the establishment of a formal art school in the area. Early supporters, including Nellie Gail Moulton, provided essential funding that helped the institution take its first steps.

The college began in 1961 as the Laguna Beach School of Art, offering art education to the local community. Its model focused on studio instruction and professional artistic development, laying the groundwork for future expansion. In 1966 the school became a formally incorporated non-profit organisation. Growth continued, and in 1975 the institution secured a 3.4-acre site in Laguna Canyon. Two years later, it moved from the Festival of Arts grounds to its current campus at 2222 Laguna Canyon Road, marking an important milestone in establishing a permanent home.

Accreditation played a significant role in the school’s evolution. In 1987 it earned accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Art and Design as a four-year college authorised to award BFA degrees. Regional accreditation followed in 1997 from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, strengthening its academic standing. The college continued expanding its programmes and facilities into the 2000s, adding student housing, specialised emphases and new academic offerings. Highlights include the opening of its first housing facilities in 2010, the introduction of an Action Sports emphasis in 2012, and the launch of the on-campus Laguna College of Art and Design Gallery and additional residential halls in 2013.

By 2015 the college had introduced its MFA in Game Design, reflecting industry trends. Today, Laguna College of Art and Design serves a student population of more than 700 across multiple sites in Laguna Canyon and Laguna Beach. Its portfolio now includes undergraduate majors, graduate programmes and minors in both traditional and digital disciplines, supported by expanded facilities and industry partnerships. Throughout its development, Laguna College of Art and Design has maintained close ties to the creative industries of Southern California. Its position near animation studios, game companies and entertainment design firms has influenced its curriculum and strengthened its reputation as a destination for students seeking industry-focused art and design education.

PS The institute has an affiliate arrangement with the Florence Academy of Art for summer study in Florence, Italy for class credit. Similar arrangements for Painting and Drawing majors exist with the Art Students League, and for Game Art majors with the Academy for Digital Entertainment at NHTV Breda University of Applied Sciences. In Graphic Design, an association was created in 2011 with the Communication University of China, Beijing. Since 2014, the college has partnered with Vermont College of Fine Arts on a BFA/MAT dual degree program.

VISION

The founding vision of the college centred on the belief that artistic training should lead to both creative expression and professional opportunity. The institution aimed to provide students with strong technical skills while encouraging individual creativity and critical thinking. The founders sought to break down barriers between disciplines, ensuring that students developed artistic talent and understood the professional contexts in which their work would be applied. This approach included industry involvement, practical experience and exposure to real-world creative environments. The vision also emphasised the development of creative leaders who would contribute positively to culture and society.

TOP DESIGN COURSES

Laguna College of Art and Design’s Animation programme is recognised as one of its leading design-centred offerings. It provides training in character and experimental animation, preparing students for careers in film, television, games and digital media. MFA Painting builds on experimentation and the creation of a coherent body of work, a written thesis, and a thesis exhibition. Additionally, you gain insights into the presentation and marketing of your work and will be educated in the logistics of teaching art at the college level. Prominent galleries show and represent MFA graduates and the mentorship program provides one-on-one study from a list of over 40 accomplished artists.

BFA Graphic Design’s multidisciplinary approach recognizes that as a designer in today’s market, you must develop solutions that move across a dynamic array of media. Design students are taught to become visual problem solvers and critical thinkers who can communicate in visually compelling ways. Graduates have contributed to brands such as ESPN, NIKE, Target, Google, Hurley, Fox Television, PacSun, MSNBC, Kawasaki, Surfer Magazine, the Syfy Channel and the Smithsonian among many others.

BFA in Game Development offers an immersive, four-year curriculum under the guidance of industry-experienced faculty; students gain hands-on experience creating both the visual and interactive elements of games, designing new features and mechanics, and working efficiently on teams. All Game Development students will work in small teams to make a game by the end of their first year as well as being a team member on undergraduate and graduate student-owned projects that will be showcased and launched upon completion. Working in state-of-the-art facilities with a collaborative environment, students will build a robust portfolio of industry-ready work, culminating in a Capstone project that showcases their individual expertise.

KEY TEAM

The college is led by President and Chief Executive Officer Steven J. Brittan, who oversees academic and institutional strategy. Financial operations are managed by Chief Financial Officer Jim Godek. Academic administration and institutional research are coordinated by Registrar and Director of Institutional Research Laura Patrick.

JOB INTEGRATION SERVICES

Laguna College of Art and Design places strong emphasis on career preparation. Its Career Services team supports students through professional mentoring, portfolio development, internship placement and direct engagement with employers. The aim is to ensure a smooth transition from education to professional practice. The college benefits from its proximity to major creative industries in Southern California. Access to animation studios, game development companies, entertainment design firms and action sports brands provides students with practical opportunities for internships and employment. Graduate outcome tracking has shown high employment rates, with a large proportion of graduates working full-time and many securing roles in fields directly related to their studies. This reflects the effectiveness of the college’s job integration efforts and its emphasis on industry alignment.