academy of art university

academy of art university

Exploring the Evolution and Impact of the Academy of Art University

1. Introduction to the Academy of Art University

Although its current title is the Academy of Art University, the institution was originally known as the Academie of Advertising Art when it was founded in 1929 by Richard S. Stephens. For nearly 20 years it operated as what could be called an on-the-job art school in the offices of the Stephens advertising business in San Francisco. When a national survey of the advertising industry in 1946 identified the Art Department of the Academie as among the leaders in national advertising art education, a promotional advertising program was created to augment the academic program and help recruit serious students from around the United States. Because the Collegiate Advertising Program, operating entirely in tandem with the School of Advertising Art, expanded the school’s academic and technical programs, the curriculum was broadened; in appreciation, the school was renamed the Academy of Advertising Art.

Much has been written about excellence in the visual arts and about the individuals who have emerged as pioneering cultural figures. The artists and designers received their training in a number of New York City educational institutions that have established similar reputations, among them Cooper Union, Pratt Institute, the School of Visual Arts, and Parsons School of Design. However, the city has not been the only nurturing ground of such talent. There are many artists, designers, photographers, and other creative individuals who have made significant contributions to our society and our culture and because of it have enhanced our lives. Some of them received their training at the Academy of Art University, a rather unique art college that has been an important part of San Francisco for nearly 80 years.

2. Historical Development and Founding Principles

This school that he founded in 1929 is an art and design institution that has grown to such an extent that it currently occupies a secure and distinguished position in the field. Since its founding, the Academy has offered a four-year bachelor of fine arts program. This program has consistently stressed the fine arts as the foundation of a solid background in design. The Academy has also offered, on an irregular basis, and under a dean of graduate programs, advanced degrees in the fine arts. These advanced degrees initially were programs in design education, another program whose title we entertain, interior architectural design, and painting. The first three graduates earned master of fine arts degrees in 1965. Since the 1978-1979 academic year, degrees have been awarded annually with enrollments growing from a first year total headcount of 23.

Richard S. Stephens founded the Academy of Art in 1929. Mr. Stephens was born in a small Midwestern town in 1882, and he is remembered fondly by his students for his humor, sincere personal interest in each student, and often projected bohemian manner. Stephens brought to the organization of the Academy experience that included membership in the celebrated Pleiades Club, one of the most important centers of art activity in San Francisco during the Nineteenth Century. He had reaped profits from speculating in land near Modesto, California, not long before the founding of the Academy. These profits, combined with a loyal following stemming from his leadership in the University Club’s art classes that he directed, enabled the Stephens family to establish and maintain a school of art in San Francisco when the fallout from a floundering economy had reached a stage that made apparent the need for some form of additional funding for his personal income, for scaling down his grade school teaching assignments, and for enabling him to launch on a career commensurate with his beliefs.

3. Academic Programs and Areas of Study

The Academy of Art College offers six areas of study: Advertising, Architecture, Interior Architecture & Design, Fine Art, Graphic Design, and Illustration with some specializations available such as photography, computer arts, education, and interior design. After completing their BA degree, or transfer students, students are encouraged to undertake an MFA degree, which is a sign of the international importance of the profession. The MFA degree is the norm in various European countries such as Switzerland and Germany, former colonial powers such as England and Australia, and has been present in many American universities. They see it as a generation which has cut its peers’ teeth in countries where painting or sculpture has an indisputable place in national identity. In Belgium, we see a group of experienced artists such as Filip Collin, Vincent van Uffelen, Christophe Florine. In France we can underline the works of Gwenael Kerlidou, Yann Kersale.

The Academy offers both associate’s and bachelor’s degrees, which are generally considered professional programs. They do not include traditional liberal arts courses unless the student decides to take them as general elective courses, and even then the choices are narrowed-down professional courses. Students at the Academy take a foundation year with basic study in the visual arts, and then give concentrated study in one of more than twenty professional areas of the arts. The five most popular areas of study are included with the percentage of students enrolled in each area: Graphic Design, 14%; Illustration, 12%; Photography, 11%; Interior Architecture, 8%; Computer Arts, 7%. The academic qualifications of the faculty are exceptional, not necessarily from traditional academe, but from the fields of study and work that they bring to the students. Over 200 practicing artists and scholars teach in the Academy’s twenty educational programs.

4. Innovative Teaching Methods and Technologies

Classes include such titles as “Math for the Modern Visual Artist,” “Digital Layout and Design,” and “Applying Color Theory to the Design Process.” Students are encouraged to explore original methods and concepts. Demanding coursework urges students to develop and have the ability to deploy their own personal vision. A living history is emphasized as the vigor of the new generation of artists is nurtured. Classes held in the film school contribute to students developing a personal style and, in the illustration department, figure and life drawing as well as design classes contribute to the original creative vision of student artists. The Academy of Art University educates for independent thought and action. The institution excels at its depth of practical and realistic education that establishes the University as a uniquely outstanding institution. Teachers are chosen because of their talent in the arts and students are selected by the power of their creativity.

The Academy of Art University offers many state-of-the-art facilities and studio labs that allow students to explore the creative process through the use of technologies that are current and of value to job-seeking graduates. Class projects are designed to reflect contemporary marketplace concerns, thus better responding to the increasing changeability of the industries. The library emphasizes both human knowledge and technological information, promoting an informal and encouraging atmosphere. Art history classes are held in a fully equipped duplicated slide library. Information Technology teaches more than software; a solid liberal arts foundation helps them adapt when industry standards change. Processing departments train students in both the traditional techniques and the most current technologies, which include digital film and computer animation instruction with some visitation from industry insiders.

5. The Influence and Contributions of Alumni

The university has always aspired to offer more opportunities and progress. AAU’s vision is to make the best-valued university for academic education and career preparation. The purpose of the Academy of Art University is to create autonomy and to develop a lifelong commitment. Graduates honored their alma mater. People who have been educated at AAU have expressed their academic and social skills well beyond the classroom. The research job and the recognition of the canon of art occurred at the Academy of Art University studies. It provides valuable information and applies in occupations and for postgraduate education. Graduates have developed knowledge and necessary scientific skills and scientific techniques so that they can realize their potential and become confident and responsible. Graduates also have a high degree of ethics and continue to broaden their horizons even after graduation. Their most important work is to end up being among the best in society.

The explore and find out the list of graduates of Academy of Art University includes actors, fashion designers, make-up artists, photographers, illustrators, advertisers, directors, and many others that contribute to the progress and reputation of the university we admire. AAU has made great efforts to be named a prestigious art institute. The biggest praise for this university is their graduates. Just a small part of graduates will show the world that AAU is a good investment. The graduates will be the ones who will fight for a reputation and continue to improve the image of the university. People who are able to offer so much will never disappoint.