Can you recommend schools of art and design in California?

I'm starting to think seriously about applying to art and design schools, and I'm really drawn to studying in California. The vibe and opportunities in that state seem amazing for creative careers. I've heard about a couple, like CalArts and Art Center, but I'd love to know more. Are there any lesser-known schools that have strong programs? Or maybe schools known for particular strengths like animation or graphic design? Personal experiences or insights would be awesome!

Certainly, California is home to a variety of exceptional art and design programs across different institutions.

You mentioned CalArts and Art Center College of Design, both of which have excellent reputations. CalArts is world-renowned for their animation programs, with many graduates having worked on famous movies. Art Center offers strong programs across many design disciplines, and their industrial and interaction design programs often place highly in national rankings.

Stanford University has a notable design program in product design. It's unique in that it's housed within the Mechanical Engineering department, which allows for a blend of creative and technical study. They also have strong programs in Art History and Film and Media Studies.

Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD) is a smaller institution, but offers highly recognized programs in areas like Animation, Illustration, Game Art, and Graphic Design + Digital Media.

San Francisco Art Institute is another option, offering a BFA degree with various concentrations, including but not limited to, Graphic Design, Illustration, Animation, and Printmaking.

University of Southern California (USC) has a School of Cinematic Arts with a reputation for being one of the best film schools in the country, which includes animation.

Lastly, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has a well-respected School of the Arts and Architecture, with strong programs across a range of visual art disciplines, including Design Media Arts.

Remember, it's critical to tour campuses virtually or in person, if possible, and to talk with students and faculty before making a decision to make sure the school's culture and approach to learning fits your style. And, take a thorough look at the portfolio requirements for each school, as these will greatly affect your chances of admission. Good luck as you explore your options!