Where Creatives Come To Play

Keep up to date on what's going on with current CCS students and alumni!

[ccsambassadors]

2018-19 Student Ambassador Profile

Name: Allison (Allie) Runyan

Senior: Fine Arts/ Art Education

Why CCS?

I chose CCS because of the environment. First of all I like that the

campus is in the heart of Midtown, Detroit. It is a great place for the

uprise in Detroit and I find it easy for aspiring artists to get involved

with the art community. I also personally enjoy the tight-knit

community that CCS has to offer. The school is small and therefore it

makes it really easy to get to know everyone around and make a lot of

connections. Because the school is on the smaller size, the class sizes

are also rather small, making the one on one access from teacher to

student easily accessible. Lastly the facilities are intriguing. In fine Art

especially, we have access to printmaking facilities that are not

common for most schools. We also have our own senior and junior

studio spaces that are granted specifically to us, another aspect that is

not generally received at most colleges.

Why Tours?

When I first was deciding to come to CCS, I went on a personal tour

myself. The student tour guide was very inspiring and exciting and

overall was a large reason that made me seriously consider the

school. She had helped me feel comfortable and welcome here at the

school and that is my goal when giving tours to prospective students.

I am a very involved student in many aspects of the school and I love

to talk, so my goal is to spread my energy to others that I encounter

during my time here.

What drives you to create?

Creating to me is just part of my everyday life. It is in what I do on a

day to day basis. From writing, to making music to making physical 2d

and 3d works, it is all around me. Other than being a way of

expression, creating is a way to speak in various forms. It is a way to

invoke change and ideals in yourself and the viewer. Creating enforces

an intimate connection between yourself and the physical work and

then again the work to the viewer and that relationship alone is

enough to make me want to create something new and challenge the

ideals of what a relationship can do.

Favorite thing about Campus?

Fine Art Junior and Senior Studios. Large spaces for us to work 24 hours. Great studio spaces with plenty of access of materials and machinery. Real life studio space experience. Other that that my favorite thing about the campus other than the facilities for our

use is the golden hour in the oval. On the Ford Campus there is a grass

oval that is filled with sculptures. When it is nice outside there are

always tons of people playing games, laying in hammocks, relaxing,

picnicking and so on. It is like a large community in a garden. But the

best part is at the golden hour. When the sun start to set everything

in that area falls under the gold shine created from the sun hitting the

buildings around us and it is one of the most beautiful things I have

ever seen. You can be stressed out but as soon as you see that golden

shine, almost everything stops for a moment and it almost feels like a

surreal moment.

Favorite thing about going to school here?

Small classes, better connections with professors. Treat us like artists in a profession rather than a student. Networking opportunities.  Detroit is a great scene for up and coming artists.

Must-sees in Detroit:

This is a hard one because Detroit is amazing and there are tons of

things to do here. But to name a few;

EVENTS: Noel Night, Dally in the Alley, Campus Martius Tree Lighting Ceremony,

Dlectricity, Eastern Market After Dark, Murals in the Market, Jazz Fest

PLACES TO GO: Baker’s Keyboard Lounge (Jazz Bar), DIA, Detroit Public

Library, Eastern Market (especially saturday mornings), Red Bull

House of Art, MOCAD, Detroit Artist Market, The Magic Stick (for

concert events and glow bowling), Detroit Symphony Orchestra, The

Little Caesars Arena (Hockey and basketball), Commerica Park

(baseball), Russell Industrial Center (CAVE openings), The Peacock

Room, Frida, Simone DeSusa Gallery, Belle Isle (beach and nature

reserve), Hamtramck Disney Land, The Jar House and the Power

House (in Hamtramck).

PLACES TO EAT: Ally Taco, Detroit Pizza Company, Common Pub, Hop

Cat, Stach International, Supino Pizzeria, Treat Dreams, Socratea,

Great Lakes Coffee, Seva, Cass Cafe, Jonny Noodle King, Kuzzos

Chicken & Waffles, Rose’s Fine Food, Detroit Vegan Soul, Avalon

International Breads, The Farmers Hand, Mudgie’s, Green Dot

Stables, Taqueria El Rey, The Bronx Bar.

ART GALLERIES: (openings every weekend) CAVE at the Russell, Simone Desusa Gallery, Public Pool, Holding House, Pops Packing, MOCAD, Detroit Artist Market, N’Namdi Gallery, Hidden Gate Gallery, DIA, Detroit Film Theatre 

[ccsambassadors]

2018-19 Student Ambassador Profile

Who are you, what is your anticipated graduation year at CCS, and what is your major?

My name is Paige and I’m majoring in illustration, anticipating graduation in 2021.

Why did you choose CCS?

I chose CCS because of the programs offered lining up with the trajectory I wanted for my career, as well as the scholarship opportunities offered.  

Why do you want to give tours?

I want to give tours because the transition from highschool to college can be a scary process, and taking away some of the mystery and educating prospective students on what campus life is like seems like a great way to make the transition a bit less daunting.

Favorite thing about Campus?

My favorite thing about campus is hands down the people I’ve met during my time here, being surrounded by people who want to make and create just as much as you do is extremely helpful with regards to motivation and inspiration.

Favorite thing about going to school here?

My favorite thing about going to school here is the instructors, the vast majority of them genuinely want to see you succeed and are willing to work with you, as long as you are willing to work with them.

Your ‘must see’ venue or event for out of towners visiting the ‘D’?

John K. King Used & Rare Books, they have an insane selection and it’s easy to spend a couple hours there.

[ccsambassadors]

2018-19 Student Ambassador Profile

My name is Cristina Rose and my pronouns are she/her. I am a Junior in Entertainment Arts: Animation! I plan to graduate in May 2020. My main focus is 2D Animation and Story Art.

☆I give tours because I love to meet new artists and encourage young talent. I was lucky to have a creative supporting mother, so I try to be that support for others as often as I can. I want people to pursue their dreams and lead a fun life!

☆My favorite thing about campus is how close it is to the Detroit Institute of Arts. I love going there on Friday nights and sitting in the Kresge Cafe to draw and listen to the live music echo through the museum!

☆My favorite thing about attending CCS is all of my wonderfully creative friends that I can express myself freely with. The community we’re a part of is so welcoming and encouraging as a young artist.

☆My must see places and events for out-of-towners is the summertime live music in Beacon Park, Avalon Bakery, and Greektown!

[ccsambassadors]

2018-19 SA Maya!

Who are you, what is your anticipated graduation year at CCS, and what is your major?

I’m Maya Davis, my graduating year is class of 2021 and I’m a Fine Art - Art Education major.

Why did you choose CCS?

I chose CCS because of it’s amazing faculty and large spectrum of facilities.

Why do you want to give tours?

I enjoy public speaking and am always happy to share information about CCS as well as learn about other developments on campus that I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to through giving tours.

Favorite thing about Campus?

My favorite thing about campus is the ability walk into a building at almost any hour and you will find students all working passionately and to be surrounded by that kind of dedication and hard working atmosphere is inspiring to me.

Favorite thing about going to school here?

One of my favorite things about CCS is the ability to be a part of the restoration of beautiful and soulful city and having the opportunity to make work for that restoration as well as being able to see the growth of a city and a community around me.

Your 'must see' venue or event for out of towners visiting the 'D'

My must see event is the bi annual Dlectricity event that literally lights up the town.

Welcome to the team, Maya! 

[ccsambassadors]

Do you have as much fun as we do? Come check all the student ambassadors out at CCS!! #ccs #studentambassadors #havingfun #zorbballs @ccs_detroit https://www.instagram.com/p/BnJaJnCguwg/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=lkkj6u8391bm

[ccsambassadors]

2018-2019 Student Ambassador Profile

Emma Randall

Illustration// Class of 2020

Why CCS?

What drew me to CCS in the first place was its reputation in Detroit and across the midwest. I was comforted to learn about all of the internship, job-preparation, and networking opportunities, as many art schools and departments at larger colleges or universities don’t always have to connections to help students entering their field of work after graduation. After visiting several colleges in the US, my dad asked me which visit was my favorite. For a while I was overthinking it, and then my dad told me I looked like I was the most excited, having the most fun, and seemed the most comfortable while we were touring at CCS. He was right, and here I am. It’s easy to forget that when you’re making a big decision that involves a big move, your personal comfort and happiness can play a large part in your success. Don’t forget it.

Why Tours?

A freshman at the time, I wanted to be better informed about my school, and I tend to be quite a friendly and loud person anyway, so when I came across the Student Ambassadors while looking for an on-campus job, I knew it would be a perfect fit.

Favorite thing about Campus? 

Living at the ACB (Arts Center Building) for two years, the two minute walk to the W.B. Ford Building for class in the morning, with a quick stop at the coffee shop in the Kresge Ford building was vital if I was going to feel awake at all.

Favorite thing about going to school here?

The instructors and faculty members at CCS are all current, professional, working artists in their field, and somehow they all seem to have time to really care about and help their students. The members of the Illustration Department especially look out for each other and their students even after they graduate. They become more than just your professor, they become your mentors and friends.

Things to see in Detroit 

My favorite spots to work and relax are:

Ashe Supply Co.

Kresge Court in the DIA

Beacon Park

Belle Isle

But you must see gems:

Lincoln Street Art Park

Eastern Market

The Heidelburg Project

[ccsambassadors]

2018-2019 Student Ambassador Profile:

Name: Olliver (Olli) Postill

Junior: Entertainment Arts: Animation Why CCS?

Back in my Junior year of high school I was torn between apprenticing with a local taxidermist and going to school to pursue animation, I had always planned on pursuing art in some fashion, but I wasn’t positive about what appealed to me most. It changed when one of the admission counselors from CCS visited my AP Studio Art class and talked in depth about the school. I had known CCS existed but I didn’t realize what kind of atmosphere it offered and I was hooked on the prospect of art school immediately. I did a ton of research and had huge lists of the pros and cons of each school I could go to taped up on my walls, and ultimately decided CCS was the right choice, and it was convenient that it was still in Michigan! I’m so glad I made the choice and I feel like CCS has allowed me to experiment with and pursue interests I wouldn’t have been able to at another school.

Why Tours?

Being a Student Ambassador allows me to share my passion about the school and my department with incoming students. I have a tendency to “fun fact share,” with everyone who visits me anyways and I’ve always thought it would be fun to be a tour guide for a museum or even the city, so this is the closest thing available for me right now.

Favorite thing about Campus? I’m probably biased towards liking the basement of the WB just because most of my classes are there. I just generally like how quiet it can be especially at night when there’s only a couple people working, you can turn the classroom lights off and just turn a lamp on and things feel super cozy and easy to work in! Otherwise I just like all the little odd nooks and crannies around campus, especially if there’s pigeons (!!!) around.

Favorite thing about going to school here?

I love how encouraging the school is and how much freedom they allow with scheduling! What I want to do for a career doesn’t fit into the standard CCS curriculum but I’ve felt like I’ve had no issues trying to forge my own schedule into something that fits my career goals and my department has been extremely supportive about it. EA has three paths; Film, Game Design, and Animation; however I want to graduate into creating 3D assets for CG Films (props, character models, and creatures)! So I’m taking lots of digital modeling and sculpting classes from Game, but making sure I keep my focus on the animation industry and still taking CG animation classes to balance things out. So far everything has been going super smooth and I adore it! I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to discover my love for CG or have access to the resources I need to improve if I hadn’t come to CCS.

Things to see in Detroit Really the whole city is gorgeous, I don’t know if I have a favorite spot so much as I just enjoy walking around and seeing everything there is to see! Every time my roommates and I go somewhere we make an effort to go drive by or visit a historic place we haven’t seen yet or find a new hidden and beautiful street art mural. I love how historical Detroit has and every single street you pass or building you see on the way you can just imagine what it must have been like seventy years ago in the city’s prime or even two-hundred years ago when the city was first founded, it’s a really powerful feeling knowing you’re walking through a place with a heavy history on its back, and that you’re in someway contributing to, or at least living through, the city’s legacy yourself.

[ccsambassadors]

STUDENT EXHIBITION OPENS MAY 11TH, 2018!

Gallery opening event 7:00-10:00pm --- GA tickets are $50

Open public (free admission) days begin May 12-25, 2018

The gallery is located in the A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education at 460 W. Baltimore in Detroit’s New Center Area. Come support friends, family, future peers, and new industry folk, while also viewing thousands of pieces from every class, every major!

See you there!

[girlshaveablog]

Artists You Should Know: GIRLS HAVE A BLOG’s Sarah Bollinger & Tara Kurtzhals on how they collaborate to make you laugh (and cry)

Dive into the creative process and inspirations for the creators of Girls Have a Blog and Knight & Beard, two of the brightest young talents in comics today.

We were interviewed by Alexander Lu on Comics Beat! 

Check it out!

[ccsambassadors]

A great interview of two alumni and local comic artists!!!

[ccsambassadors]

!!!Happy Graduation Class of 2018!!!

We’re so excited to welcome all the new students accepted into CCS this Fall!

Finals and Review Week have ended, and summer is upon us. Whether you’ve graduated from high school, college, or are just on any ol’ regular summer vacay, let’s all take a big DEEP breath and realize our accomplishments so far in 2018!

As artists, we’re always growing and striving to do our best, so lets set some summertime goals!

☆ RELAX, take breaks, and enjoy the sunlight

☆ Life Studies, Life Studies, Life Studies! Sketch everything from your dog to that coffee mug sitting beside you

☆ Explore and express yourself - push the boundaries of art and create a statement! Stand tall and be outspoken!

Enjoy the break, and keep in touch!

insta: ccs_connect

fb: CCS Connect

[mcodywiley]

Some more background designs I’ve been working on lately! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #illustration #cartoon #cartoonist #animation #artistsoninstagram #illustrator #cartooning #characterdesign #character #design #visdev #detroit #michigan #michiganartist #goofy #comics #comicartist #comicstrip #dailycomic #inking #dailydoodle #propdesign #backgrounddesign #thewhimsicaladventuresofellaandvirgil

[ccsambassadors]

Check out these awesome background designs from Senior Ambassador Cody! Make sure to check out his instagram page for more of his fun work!

[peroroh]

finished this last night! playing around in sai since i haven’t painted something in forever

[ccsambassadors]

CCS Alumn and former Student Ambassador, Kellye is always making such beautiful work! 

[ccsambassadors]

2017-18 Student Ambassador Social Media Bio:

Name: M. Cody Wiley

Major: Illustration Minor: Animation

Why did you choose CCS?

Over all, I chose CCS for the amazing reputation that the school has. It had been recommended to me by previous teachers and I felt that it was the right fit for me to be able to push myself and my art to the next level.

Why do you give tours?

I give tours because I love my school and am extremely proud to be a part of the CCS community! It’s such a satisfying feeling being able to talk with perspective student who are just as excited about starting here as I was.

What drives you to create? I create because I honestly can’t imagine doing anything else. Being able to create an image that makes someone laugh or feel nostalgic over is one of the best feelings!

Favorite things about campus: The WB Ford campus is such a beautiful place, especially in the fall when the trees start to change colors. I also love being able to look out onto campus from the Ford building when the sun hits on all of the other buildings. Must-sees in Detroit: MOCAD The DIA The Red Bull House of Art Eastern Market Belle Isle

[ccsambassadors]

2017-18 Student Ambassador Social Media Bio:

Name: Jigyasa Tuli

Major: Communication Design

Why did you choose CCS?

I was interested in doing graphic design, but not just print media, I also wanted some UI/US because i’ve always found that really interesting. So,when I read about communication design, my choice was made

(Also, no application fee)

Why do you give tours?

Because I love CCS and I love to talk about how wonderful it is

It's a tight knit community of creative people and I am just really happy to be a part of it!

What drives you to create?

Everytime I do something creative, I feel like I slowly find and get to know myself a bit more

Favorite things about campus:

 1)Free pizza everywhere

2) the Kresge ford because it's so confusing but all the art displayed is so interesting that even if you're lost, you like it Must-sees in Detroit:

1.Campus Martius!!! (Ice skating!!)

2.Avalon Bakery

3.The DIA

4.Desert oasis coffee roasters

5.Third Man records

[ccsambassadors]

2017-18 Student Ambassador Social Media Bio:

Name: Allison Runyan Nick Name: Allie Major: Fine Art and Art Edu. Why did you choose CCS? I chose CCS because of the environment. First of all I like that the campus is in the heart of Midtown, Detroit. It is a great place for the uprise in Detroit and I find it easy for aspiring artists to get involved with the art community. I also personally enjoy the tight-knit community that CCS has to offer. The school is small and therefore it makes it really easy to get to know everyone around and make a lot of connections. Because the school is on the smaller size, the class sizes are also rather small, making the one on one access from teacher to student easily accessible. Lastly the facilities are intriguing. In fine Art especially, we have access to printmaking facilities that are not common for most schools. We also have our own senior and junior studio spaces that are granted specifically to us, another aspect that is not generally received at most colleges.

Why do you give tours? When I first was deciding to come to CCS, I went on a personal tour myself. The student tour guide was very inspiring and exciting and overall was a large reason that made me seriously consider the school. She had helped me feel comfortable and welcome here at the school and that id my goal when giving tours to prospective students. I am a very involved student in many aspects of the school and I love

to talk, so my goal is to spread my energy to others that I encounter during my time here.

What drives you to create? Creating to me is just part of my everyday life. It is in what I do on a day to day basis. From writing, to making music to making physical 2d and 3d works, it is all around me. Other than being a way of expression, creating is a way to speak in various forms. It is a way to invoke change and ideals in yourself and the viewer. Creating enforces an intimate connection between yourself and the physical work and then again the work to the viewer and that relationship alone is enough to make me want to create something new and challenge the ideals of what a relationship can do.

Favorite things about campus: My favorite thing about the campus other than the facilities for our use is the golden hour in the oval. On the Ford Campus there is a grass oval that is filled with sculptures. When it is nice outside there are always tons of people playing games, laying in hammocks, relaxing, picnicking and so on. It is like a large community in a garden. But the best part is at the golden hour. When the sun start to set everything in that area falls under the gold shine cerated from the sun hitting the buildings around us and it is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. You can be stressed out but as soon as you see that golden shine, almost everything stops for a moment and it almost feels like a surreal moment.

Must-sees in Detroit: This is a hard one because Detroit is amazing and there are tons of things to do here. But to name a few;

EVENTS: Noel Night, Dally in the Alley, Campus Martius Tree Lighting, Dlectricity, Eastern Market After Dark, Murals in the Market, any gallery opening in Midtown and Downtown. PLACES TO GO: Baker’s Keyboard Lounge (Jazz Bar), DIA, Detroit Public Library, Eastern Market (especially saturday mornings), Red Bull House of Art, MOCAD, Detroit Artist Market, The Magic Stick (for concert events and glow bowling), Detroit Symphony Orchestra, The Little Caesars Arena (Hockey and basketball), Commerica Park (baseball), Russell Industrial Center (CAVE openings), The Peacock Room, Frida, Simone DeSusa Gallery, Belle Isle (beach and nature reserve), Hamtramck Disney Land, The Jar House and the Power House (in Hamtramck). PLACES TO EAT: Ally Taco, Detroit Pizza Company, Common Pub, Hop Cat, Stach International, Supino Pizzeria, Treat Dreams, Socratea, Great Lakes Coffee, Seva, Cass Cafe, Jonny Noodle King, Kuzzo's Chicken & Waffles, Rose's Fine Food, Detroit Vegan Soul, Avalon International Breads, The Farmer's Hand, Mudgie’s, Green Dot Stables, Taqueria El Rey, The Bronx Bar.

[ccsambassadors]

Winter is Here

Just a friendly reminder to everyone on some things to keep in mind now that winter is upon us:

Bundle up and wear layers - a good way to avoid getting sick in the brisk weather is to avoid drastic temperature changes.

Be careful on the roads - slow down when driving, snow is can be more slippery than you think at first glance, not to mention there could be a layer of ice underneath all the fluffy goodness.

Lastly, enjoy your time on winter break with some well deserved rest and relaxation - binge watch Netflix, drink hot coco, and spend entire days in your pajamas! You’ve earned it.

[ccsambassadors]

Congratulations to you all for making it through the semester!