Alumni News, Events and Resources | Academy of Art University

The Academy’s 50,000-plus alumni are some of the most successful and sought-after professionals in art and design today. From award-winning ad campaigns and blockbuster games, to top grossing movies and innovative architectural designs, their talent, service, and influence can be found in every corner of the globe. Here is a small sampling of work from our creative alumni community.

Message from President Stephens to Alumni

Recent Alumni Accomplishments

Check out the work our students and alumni created in 2017. They made Super Bowl commercials, won Emmys & Oscars, and worked on some of the hottest video games and blockbuster movies. When passion is applied relentlessly, work becomes obsession, and opportunities follow. What will your future look like?

Alumni Tuition Benefit

The supports all returning Academy alumni with a 20% tuition benefit off all courses and or additional degrees/certificates.

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WHERE OUR ALUMNI WORK

Alumni Resources

Jobs & Internships

Alumni have access to current job and internship openings on our exclusive job board.

Online Workshops—Meet Your Mentors

In these live discussions we focus on important issues for prospective students, current students and graduates.

Alumni Portfolios

Catch up with our network of creative artists and designers.

From Art School to Campaign of the Decade

Jason Sperling received an MFA from the Academy’s School of Advertising in 1998. Today he is senior vice president and chief of creative development for major agency RPA. This veteran ad phenom has achieved top industry honors, and is perhaps best known as the creative force behind the “Mac vs. PC” campaign, as well as a slew of Superbowl commercials including Honda’s “Matthew’s Day Off” spot.

Alumni Success

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Alyssa Watson

BFA Fashion Design

Assistant Designer,

Adidas Innovation Team

I met a senior design recruiter from Adidas after my first Academy of Art University runway show in San Francisco. A year later, he got back in contact and I forwarded him my latest portfolio. Within a couple of days I was offered a six-month internship at the North American headquarters in Portland.

Alyssa's Story

School of Fashion

Scott Borrero

MFA Photography

Director of Photography,

LE TOTE

Everything that I learned at the Academy really helped put me above the competition in the field that I’m in. It is the school that is going to push you to be the best artist that you can be. Every time I shoot, there’s something that I’m using.

Scott's Story

School of Photography

Jason Sperling

MFA Advertising

SVP, Chief Creative Development,

RPA

When I was standing in front of Steve Jobs and showing the ‘Get a Mac’ ad—that was one of those rare trial-by-fire moments. All I thought about was how to apply all I learned from previous jobs and my instructors at Academy of Art.

Jason's Story

School of Advertising

Mark Cofer

MFA Music Production & Sound Design for Visual Media

Composer and Music Producer,

Root House Productions

The Academy of Art helped me prepare for the real world by giving me the tools and knowledge to turn out professional level recordings. After graduating, I was able to get work as a composer for film and TV and create music cues for movie trailers.

Mark's Story

School of Music Production & Sound Design for Visual Media

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Alumni Spotlight

Stephanie Penland / Graphic Design

The prestigious design journal HOW has showcased Graphic Design graduate Stephanie Penland's "New Life These / A Woman—Centered Birth" in its September 2014 issue.

Paxton Madison / Industrial Design

Alum Paxton Madison designs for steep slopes & extreme skiers.

Michael Taylor & Julia Lemke / Graphic Design

Michael Taylor & Julia Lemke were tapped by Adobe to create a fresh identity for the software company's Creative Cloud educational campaign.

Kathrin Blatter & Andrew Johnson / Graphic Design

The identity for Big Island Coffee Roasters, developed by two alumni of the School of Graphic Design alumni, fearlessly captures the lesser-known, untamed side of the islands.

Alumni Association Blog

The Academy of Art University Alumni Association encompasses a dynamic community of artists, designers and visual communicators around the globe. Membership in the Alumni Association is FREE to all graduates of the Academy and provides networking opportunities both for its members and industry professionals.

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Online Chat Series

Career Services

Review recordings for chats with Alumni and Industry representatives who have great advice on job search strategies, digital portfolios, internships, and more.

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Stay Connected

Stay in touch by updating your contact information at Alumni@academyart.edu. Please send us your name, student ID (if you have it), most current phone number, email, and mailing address.
Join us on a variety of social networking sites where you can reconnect with fellow graduates, hear about alumni news and events, and discover opportunities in the art and design communities. Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin or email Alumni@academyart.edu!

Fashion

2018 Graduate Fashion Show & Awards

April 3, 2018

Awards & Honors

Fashion

2018 Graduate Fashion Show & Awards

April 3, 2018

Athletics

Academy Artist-Athletes Honored by NCAA for Community Service

January 11, 2015

Academy President Stephens Named in Bay Area "Top 100"

February 18, 2015

Athletics

Academy Artist-Athletes Honored by NCAA for Community Service

January 11, 2015

Academy President Stephens Named in Bay Area "Top 100"

February 18, 2015

Upcoming Events

The World Moves Indoors and Online. We’re Already There.

March 20, 2020

Latest News

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The World Moves Indoors and Online. We’re Already There.

March 20, 2020

Simon Ungless and Alexander McQueen: Connecting with Students even During a Pandemic

May 5, 2020

Urban Knights in the Good Ol' Days: A Pre-Pandemic Roundup

April 26, 2020

Simon Ungless and Alexander McQueen: Connecting with Students even During a Pandemic

May 5, 2020

Urban Knights in the Good Ol' Days: A Pre-Pandemic Roundup

April 26, 2020

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Alumni FAQ

Where can I get a copy of my transcripts or diploma? Transcripts can be ordered here. If you would like to request a replacement diploma please contact the Records Department at registrar@academyart.edu. How can I get my website posted to the portfolio page of the alumni site? Email your name, department, and website to alumni@academyart.edu. The Alumni Department will have your website posted on the alumni page. Follow the same process if you need to change a website that has previously been posted. I’m looking for a job, does the Alumni Department have any resources to help my search? Academy of Art University offers a wealth of career resources and services to both students and alumni. The free online job is a great resource to utilize while job hunting after graduation. At least 20 new employment opportunities are posted daily by top art and design companies. Log on here: https://academyart-csm.symplicity.com/students/. If you have any questions or would like more information on the Academy of Art University’s career development services contact careerdevelopment@academyart.edu. How do I stay up-to-date on alumni news and events? The events section of the alumni website is the place to go for news and information about industry, social, and university events on campus and online. Another great way to connect and network is through social media where we regularly post exciting new stories to our feeds. Join us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.