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Motti's picture 7 pencils

How good is Miami Ad School?

Hello, I'm new here. I'm from São Paulo, Brazil.

I'm considering a change in career and advertising is one of the (most strong) possibilities. In case I decide to go that way, I considering attending a 2-year course at the Miami Ad School around here, which is actually a partnership with ESPM, probably the most respected marketing/advertisement school in Brazil.

The questions are:

(i) How good/respected/well-known is Miami Ad School? Is it something that would make a difference (other than a good portfolio, obviously) for someone trying to break into the market?

(ii) Is the course designed for people with experience with advertising? I'd prefer attending the art director course and I have no experience whatsoever in advertising, but I am a semipro photographer and I like to think I have some reasonable aesthetic taste.

Despite the fact I'll be attending the School in São Paulo, I'm not too concerned about knowing how good is the course here (people tell me it is good), but rather if the school is really as good as it seems.

Thanks a lot!

102 Comments

Pouts's picture 695 pencils

VCU ADcenter is the best

gmint7's picture 2679 pencils

:::J:::
thats what the media said
but i think it's overhyped.

miami is good. they won more awards

:::J:::

Guest commenter's picture

I agree with the first response to this. I think VCU is overhyped. MAS is much more hands on, real life experience. Almost any person will tell you that's what actually teaches you, not staying in a classroom for two years. (And yes, I know VCU people get to intern ONE summer). That hardly compares to MAS' ability to travel all over the world and intern multiple times. Not to mention their locations are in much more vibrant cities. Also, networking, networking, networking. MAS is a much larger school, thus it has a much larger network of graduates and industry pros.

abc123youandme's picture

I agree with the first response to this. I think VCU is overhyped. MAS is much more hands on, real life experience. Almost any person will tell you that's what actually teaches you, not staying in a classroom for two years. (And yes, I know VCU people get to intern ONE summer). That hardly compares to MAS' ability to travel all over the world and intern multiple times. Not to mention their locations are in much more vibrant cities. Also, networking, networking, networking. MAS is a much larger school, thus it has a much larger network of graduates and industry pros.

Motti's picture 7 pencils

Hmm, but is MAS actually good and well-known?
Pretty please? :)

ChuckNorris's picture 836 pencils

O curso é bom sim cara.

Mas é aquele negócio, ele é tão bom quanto o aluno.
Se você se esforçar, ralar, buscar referencias e tentar fazer um trabalho novo e diferente, vale muito a pena.

Outra coisa bacana é o quarter away.
DEpois de fazer um ano no Brasil, você pode passar o outro ano estagiando em agencias mundo afora, o que é um grande diferencial.

Agora, se vc tiver grana sobrando eu aconselho fazer a escola fora, mais precisamente em hamburgo.
A miami de lá é a melhor do mundo (basta ver os premios que seus alunos têm ganho.)

Motti's picture 7 pencils

Opa! Obrigado! :)

bfrosty's picture 102 pencils

MAS is a great school. A bit overpriced. But good nonetheless. You pay for connections in the industry.

The Miami location is going down hill though, as all the Crispin creatives have left for boulder.

Guest's picture

I agree Miami is going down hill...it's a one man show, no-one returns phone calls or even responds. The admissions director is either self important or too busy. For the price I would be afraid.

tinok's picture 4 pencils

I went to MAS 2000-2002, graduating from Miami. It was the key to my career. I referred 3 friends of mine, and they attended the program, all coming straight from Beirut (which is not easy). The pple you meet are priceless, and the exposure you get, you'll never get, and the chances to get hired are infinite.
When I joined, I didn't know anything abt advertising, nor photography..no worries.
After graduating I had a couple of internships/jobs that include, Saatchi london, BBH london, Leo Burnett Saudi Arabia,
TBWA\PARIS, Freelance NYC, and now JWT Casablanca...
It's all open..

Enas's picture 743 pencils

hay tinok r u from Morocco?,

u gave me a breath...I' m going to join MAS next Jan in art direction program and i was really worried about the job opportunity, coz i already have my good job here and a good experience but i was thinking I'm ganna sacrifice all that to start it right to ends by landing in a big multinational agency, but i was really worried about it,..thank u

i have a question: I'm from egypt and it doesn't matter to me where to start in Miami or San Francisco or where ever location for MAS all are theeeeere to me :) , but after your experience which location i could gain the most experience, exposure,good school's atmosphere, best teachers!!!,and chances...etc??

coz i want to take it to the extent .plz advice

and what is the weak point about MAS.?

cheeersssss :))

-----
Others have seen what is and asked why. I have seen what could be and asked why not.
Pablo Picasso

ivan's picture

Here are some ads from the students: http://adsoftheworld.com/taxonomy/agency/miami_ad_school

lauralou42's picture 6 pencils

@Motti: Thanks for your comment. I’m the Director of Creative Resources at Miami Ad School and would like to thank you for inquiring about MAS Sao Paulo. As 'tinok' mentioned, our students and graduates can gain experiences at "internships/jobs that include, Saatchi london, BBH london, Leo Burnett Saudi Arabia, TBWA\PARIS, Freelance NYC, and now JWT Casablanca... ".

@bfrosty: Thanks for the “great school” shout out. It’s true there are cheaper options and you get what ya’ pay for. In today's advertising industry, “connections” do often matter. Miami Ad School is truly an investment in one’s future because our teachers rock.

Regarding the Crispin creative department, rest assured that the program and school in Miami remain full of energy and creativity regardless of the location of Crispin Porter + Bogusky's creative department. We view their location expansion as an opportunity to send many of our students to Boulder, CO for a most valuable quarter away experience.

Laura Anderson
Director of Crea

Director of Creative Resources
Miami Ad School

khalsain's picture 222 pencils

Are there any online courses in graphic design in the school?

lauralou42's picture 6 pencils

Hi khalsain! At this time, we do not offer any online courses through Miami Ad School. We have a wonderful graphic design program for full time students who have been accepted into the school. If you have any other questions, feel free to email info@miamiadschool.com or laura@miamiadschool.com

Thanks!
Laura Anderson

Director of Creative Resources
Miami Ad School

hard_core's picture 146 pencils

I friggin loved MAS. It was def one of those a-ha moments in my professional life. There is no way I would be where I am at today if it was not for MAS. The teachers they use and the resources they have are endless. Think about it. You learn from creatives in the industry young and old and if you are an OPEN MINDED individual you can learn a lot. I will say that if I was going to do it over again I would try to not go to the South Beach location. You can get into a lot of trouble.:) One of the teachers bailed my sorry butt out of jail once. If that tells you anything about the people there. You truly become part of a family. Good luck to ya!

Zohair's picture

Why you endup in jail?What happen?

Irmak ALTUNA's picture 4 pencils

can you pls inform me about the prices??????

and can we apply the art director or graphic design departments without any previous education on them???

lauralou42's picture 6 pencils

Hi Altuna,

Please feel free to shoot me an email at laura@miamiadschool.com and I'd be happy to talk to you more about the school. :)

Thanks, Laura

Director of Creative Resources
Miami Ad School

Guest commenter's picture

Hey there,

I am currently a first quarter student at MAS San Francisco in the art direction program, I have a lot to say about this program, despite having been here for a month or so. if you have any questions, please feel free to email me at sambruehl@yahoo.com. Good luck!

PoojaR's picture

hi ...I am planning to apply to miami ad school...are the jobs that you get offered only limited to ad agencies or are there any other media related jobs that one can also apply for after graduating from the art directors program...thanks

Guest common commenter's picture

Whilst a lot of the work from Miami ad school is good, I feel the course is pricing the people off the street out of the industry. Basically the industry is becoming more and more middle class, which means that agencies communications connect with the working class less and less.

Guest commenter's picture

I don't like courses like these, they are pricing the everyday creative out of the industry, the work produced can be good, but the creative department needs people that can talk to your 'average joe', and your 'average joe' can't afford MAS.

I don't want another Penelope Loise Smith in the creative dept

Enas's picture 743 pencils

mmmmm!!! interesting,... but what was that mean?? would u be more clear
-----
Others have seen what is and asked why. I have seen what could be and asked why not.

-----
Others have seen what is and asked why. I have seen what could be and asked why not.
Pablo Picasso

Guest commenter's picture

Basically MAS might be a good course, but its price excludes a lot of people from of the industry. And lets admit it, you are basically paying for a job in the industry. If you go to MAS you will get a job. How much of that is through actual talent? Or just from meeting the right people, because you paid thousands of dollars.

Guest's picture

I totally agree.

Guest's picture

I am in an advertising program in Canada, I have heard of MAS and am going to attend one of their locations(hopefully) upon completion of my program.
To the above comment; regardless of how much money you put into a school or program you only get out of it what you put into it. In creative advertising you MUST be creative and innovative; companies, agencies, and above all else the faculty of MAS are not stupid, and can see this difference between those with the talent, and those without. There is no way someone without talent would A) be accepted to the school in the first place B) be successful enough in the program to graduate and most importantly C) be hired by an agency, because their book would more than definitely not be up to par. Yes it is about WHO you know to start, but once you are there, you will not be successful/win awards/gain a good reputation without using WHAT you know.

Guest's picture

That's false, and you should learn this lesson now. There are a lot of shit creatives in top agencies that just play the game and get awards because they were in the room at the time the idea was cracked. They are cousins, nephews and clients daughters, but that is true of any business.

So you are telling me the school will turn people away even though they have the fee's. Get real, its a business. And I have worked with people from the school who are shit. Yet they can mac up an idea. If it was so selective why have they expanded around the world to accept more students? More money? Think about it.

Guest's picture

Hi I'm applying to MAS. I just wanted to know if you get a masters degree after graduating (and not just a diploma). Thats important to me.

I'm also applying to the Academy of Art University (in SF). Does anyone know if their program is better than the program at MAS. Thanks!
Would really appreciate a response - a little confused.
My email - jxd37@yahoo.com

Guest's picture

Hi there! I'm the Director of Creative Resources (I introduced myself much earlier via above post) and will be contacting you today via your email address to help answer some of your questions you have about Miami Ad School. A masters degree is important to many of people and we do offer that in Miami in collaboration with Florida International University. Let's talk and find out if that is the right path for you to go down, depending on your goals. Thanks!

Laura
laura@miamiadschool.com

Guest's picture

Hello,
i am from Vilnius, Lithuania. i'm planning to apply for a art direction course at miami ad school, however i don't have previous expierence in advertising, except small project of advertising in public transportation. Does it matter to show big knowledge in advertising to get accepted? I would be very grateful for any tips from you guys.

Thanks!

Guest's picture

dude even i m from india applying for the MAS.so we can work together if ur intrested

Guest's picture

for sure! :)

Guest's picture

u bet i am! :)

Guest's picture

hey...i m from Indis too n interested in the art direction program...wanted to know if the school is good....or should i go with NID (national institute of design) .plz help

Guest's picture

Hi,
I m from India.I've finished my graduation in B.SC Visual communication.I've also currently doing a Post graduation certificate course at the Mudra institute of communication.I also happen to own a small Advertising agency with a couple of my friends.I've been in the creative side of the agency since my schooling.As i planning to get back to heading my agency i thought it would be better if i know the management side of it too.SO i am planning to apply for the account planning course at MAS.I mailed Mrs.Laura twice but never got a response.SO it would be of great help if you help me understand if MAS is good for account/ communicatin planning

Regards
Sudharshan

Guest's picture

Hey everyone!

I'm still on the message board. :) I've been traveling quite a bit for business, so if you email me and don't receive a response as soon as you would like, please feel free to email info@miamiadschool.com as well. A staff member other than myself will get back to you asap. Thanks and keep the questions coming!

Cheers,
Laura

Guest's picture

Hey Dude My name is sampath I am doing my masters and thinking to apply for MAS. Can I have your phone number or mail address to contact you. Thank you.

Guest's picture

I attended MAS and I can tell you that it's a great school. I would attend all locations except one.

The director in San Francisco was snobby and not helpful at all. She almost ruined this school for me. Yes, Denise. I would recommend any location besides this one.

Guest's picture

Hi Everyone!

Just wanted to take a moment to thank those of you who have followed this forum and also to the ones whom I've had the honor of meeting at the AAF career fairs and colleges around the nation. It's nice to see the real faces behind the words! I'm still traveling quite a bit, so please introduce yourself if you hear that I'm coming to your school. If you would like us to visit your university or college, just email your Professor or Ad Club Adviser's contact info and I would be happy to get in touch with them.

Remember, if you have any questions about Miami Ad School, please visit our website at www.miamiadschool.com or feel free to contact any of the Directors. They are all very helpful and would love to hear from you.

Thanks!
Laura Anderson
Director of Creative Resources
Miami Ad School
laura@miamiadschool.com

Guest's picture

"I am in an advertising program in Canada, I have heard of MAS and am going to attend one of their locations(hopefully) upon completion of my program.
To the above comment; regardless of how much money you put into a school or program you only get out of it what you put into it. In creative advertising you MUST be creative and innovative; companies, agencies, and above all else the faculty of MAS are not stupid, and can see this difference between those with the talent, and those without. There is no way someone without talent would A) be accepted to the school in the first place B) be successful enough in the program to graduate and most importantly C) be hired by an agency, because their book would more than definitely not be up to par. Yes it is about WHO you know to start, but once you are there, you will not be successful/win awards/gain a good reputation without using WHAT you know."

As a response to this...MAS entry policy is not tough at all...based on what I ve seen you pay, you get in...no need for you to be even mildly talented...

Guest's picture

I am interested in applying to MAS.

I just had a few questions;

1) what is the average age of the student there?
2) do students usuallt attend straight out of high school/after college etc.
3) Is the school accredited?

Thanks so much!!

Guest's picture

I am studying in Madrid at the mo... the average age of students must be around 25-26... There's a bunch of very young people but most have at least attained a degree in advertising... Some of them also have some industry experience but are there hoping to put together a nice portfolio to have a better career prospect...

Personally, I think Miami is ok but VERY expensive for what you get...some teachers dont give a damn, some are really good... If you do your homework and you are talented you should manage to have a nice portfolio at the end... somehow though, you ll feel like you did it all on your own!!

Good luck and make the right choice!!

;)

Guest's picture

Hi,

In a few weeks, I'll be graduating with my undergraduate degree in fine arts. I know that for the next chapter of my life, I want to focus on advertising. I'm highly considering MAS, but I'm not sure yet about which base location I'd like to study at.

I wanted to ask you something about what you said: "If you do your homework and you are talented you should manage to have a nice portfolio at the end... somehow though, you ll feel like you did it all on your own!!"

Having said this, do you think it'd be better and more worth it to just try to put together a portfolio independently, or is it helpful to be enrolled in a portfolio development program like MAS?

Thanks! :)

PS: Are you fluent in Spanish? I'm considering Madrid, but my Spanish is around the intermediate level.

Guest's picture

Hi.I am keen on knowing more about the MAS, SF location. Why is everyone so against this particular location?

Guest's picture

could someone comment on this -

Hi.I am keen on knowing more about the MAS, SF location. Why is everyone so against this particular location?

Guest's picture

"Hi.I am keen on knowing more about the MAS, SF location. Why is everyone so against this particular location?"

I can field this one, seeing as I am completing my first year of MAS in the SF location.

The atmosphere of SF as a city just screams "creative" and "daring" and "free," BUT the school itself is bogged down in the same bureaucratic nonsense that plagues other schools: the occasional incompetent teacher, the school director who can only do so much, a few talentless students who are just buying more time to fool around before joining the real world (and thus wasting YOUR time if you are a serious student)...

It happens. In fact, it happen at any institution at any location, not just portfolio schools. But it sucks, because SF is supposed to be this creative haven, and you're stuck dealing with a school system (or rather, business money-making bonanza) that sometimes can be disappointing.

So. What do you do?

Surround yourself with the students who ARE there to learn and push and pull and knock the socks off the advertising world. Walk in with your long-term goals set, and stick to them. Don't expect the director or coordinator to drop everything to fix all your problems (you can, however, go to them and belly-ache about it in a mutually-satisfying trash-talk session. Natural frustration is fine. Demanding or forcing change is sort of overstepping your bounds). Talk with your teachers. Talk with guest speakers. Ignore the ones that are there for a power trip. Work with people outside of class assignments. Focus on what you want to walk out of school with.

And all will be fine.

(P.S. I see you, Sam. I didn't know you were on this forum. What up?)

Guest's picture

tem algum brasileiro aqui que tenha feito MAS no exterior?
Se sim, gostaria de saber se vale mesmo a pena pagar esse preço e se tem muita diferença o MAS daqui e o de lá. No momento estou fazendo publicidade e propaganda na FAAP e estou estagiando em uma agência em direção de arte. Me formo em julho de 2010 e gostaria de ir pra miami mas nao sei se vale mto o preço e o tempo.

Obrigado.

Guest's picture

Hi everyone,

I'm considering the MAS in Madrid as an opportunity for my future. I have a degree in Advertising - Art Direction and I've been working in an AD agency for 1 year.

I have some questions about the school:

- Which kind of diploma does the school provide after the 2 years?
- Is it required, or suggested, to have already a diploma or a degree in an advertisement area?
- Are the lessons in the Madrid school teached in English or in Spanish?
- What is the average age (and experience) of the students there?

Thanks to everyone who will answer me back!

Guest's picture

How tough is it to get into Miami Ad School,Hamburg?

I am not an advertising/design major in college.I have had very little work experience in the field of design and no experience whatsoever in the field of advertising.However,I do have a large number of creative samples,some look very professional and others that look not so polished.

I really want to get into the school at Hamburg.The schools in the USA are my second option.

Guest's picture

Hey everyone!

You guys all have some great questions about Miami Ad School and it has been really great to receive so many emails from readers on this site! I would encourage any of you who are interested in applying to take a look at our website, which can help answer a lot of your questions and then click on 'request info' about the location you are interested in. Once you fill out that information, one of our Admissions Directors will be in contact with you. You may also write me an email and I would be happy to put you in touch with an Admissions Director. They have lots of answers to your questions! :)

www.miamiadschool.com

Laura Anderson
Director of Creative Resources
Miami Ad School Minneapolis
laura@miamiadschool.com

Guest's picture

Cara, seguinte

Se você quiser fazer miami fora do Brasil, não pensa duas vezes e se manda pra Hamburgo.
Vale o tempo, vale o dinheiro.

Acabei de me formar la..do caralho..

Guest's picture

hey ppl,

I m a student of graphic designing from India. I still have a year to graduate, and I am currently looking up on post graduation opportunities. How is MAS for creative advertising? If not MAS which college would you guys recommend?
The other thing is it more advisable to directly do a job and build on a career from there or is post graduation a necessity?

thankx :)

Guest's picture

Hey,
Im from India too..frm Chennai. Going to complete visual communications nxt year..am in final year now. Planning to apply to MAS as well for the Art Direction course as well..

Guest's picture

Hi, I am from Chennai too, i have also done vis com. I am looking at MAS as an option. I f u r interested pls let me know.

Ph; 98409 17710
apccs1@hotmail.com

Regards,
Arvindh Lochan.

Guest's picture

Do you think it's possible to get a scholarship from such an expensive school? Or is it hard to afford expenses other than school fee, like accomodation and food.

Guest's picture

Denise of MAS SF is extremely snobby and is only helpful if she thinks she can get something out of you...like professors emails from your college, or another tuition check.

Guest's picture

The best advertising school in the world right now is Berghs School of Communication in Stockholm, Sweden. They also have a school in Oslo, Norway, called Westerdals School of Communication.

Berghs won the school of the year in Cannes Lions. Was the Most Awarded school in One Show. Won student of the year in D&AD. Westerdals was the most awarded school in Clio this year.

Compared to many other advertising schools, Berghs has only 40 ad students - and still won all this. Westerdals is about 60 ad students.

It sounds pretty far away, but it is truly two amazing schools, who beats Miami Ad School any day.

Former students here is now working in the best agencies around the world.

Check it out!

Guest's picture

hm. berghs is great in that way that your almost garantied to get a job after graduation.
but berghs isn't really that well known worldwide. so you'll probably have to stick to Sweden.
also, I think that alot of the students at berghs are snobbish and powerhungry.

and only 40 students isn't really the truth. there are alot of advertising related programs that arent actually called advertising. those groups also win awards. i'm not entierly sure about the exact number but i am absolutely positivt that there are well above a hundred (i think actualy over 200) fulltime, daytime students. and that's only in the swedish location.

with that said, berghs is a great school if you are prepared to endure some crazyness from the people around you. i wouldn't choose berghs over mas, but that's just my opinion, different things matter to different kinds of people.

Guest's picture

Well, now Berghs won the best school of the year in Cannes, second year running.

Also Hyper Island is worth looking at. The students from here work now at Droga5, RGA, Wieden Kennedy, Goodby, Crispin and all those other hot shops.

There is no reason to go to MAS. It is a rip off, and the general level on talent is not very high... sadly. I have seen hundreds of books from students the last few years, and the Berghs kids and Hyper Island is far superior.

www.berghs.se
www.hyperisland.com
www.westerdals.no

Guest's picture

Hello guys,

I am currently searching for a scholarship to do a master's in Art Direction at VCU Brandcentre. I am Sudanese/British. Can someone help me please?

I really want to do this course, I graduated from Digital Media Production from London College of Communication. I think a master's from VCU would really help me widen my chances of getting a job as an AD. So, please help me!

Kind regards,

Guest's picture

Still... nobody has answered which of the MAS locations is considered to be the best location!

Any comments on this. Please... this would be very helpful to me.

thank you.

Guest's picture

Nobody has answered which MAS location is considered to be the best location.
Would someone please comment on this. It would be very helpful to me.

Thanks

Guest's picture

Supposedly, Hamburg is the best, especially if you are an Art Director.

Guest's picture

I am a Canadian thinking about attending miami ad school in april. I keep reading how expensive this school is, i am familiar with the tuition costs but are there extra costs for living and fees for studying in the U.S?

CGilb09's picture 577 pencils

MAS is insanely expensive compared to a normal American college education. Normally when you're going for a higher level of education in the states, colleges pay you to teach undergrad classes and to be a graduate assistant. This is not the case with ad schools, so it really does make it a free for all for the rich only...or those with the kind of amazingly great credit for a big stinking loan. I couldn't even go to MAS because I couldn't take out a big enough loan...that's how expensive it is. It kind of makes me angry that the CD's who are currently in power didn't have to jump through all of these hoops, but now they expect us to at our own financial demise.

Tweet tweet: @ThisAbility

Guest's picture

hey, I'm a student interested in creative advertising, especially copyright. I've been looking into MAS @ San Francisco. I see that some are not fond of the director there... why? What is the better MAS location? Also, those in the field... would you say its a bad thing to go ahead with MAS or should I pursue a degree vs the 2 year diploma? If anyone has information email me: justonian@cavtel.net

Guest's picture

I am also very interested in that question, whether it's better to pursue a master degree in Advertising, or to attend a portfolio school, such as Miami Ad school. Anyone attending MAS or a master program in Advertising, please advice..

Guest's picture

MAS (and I am a current student there) sucks. It really overall sucks.
The owners Ron and Pippa are in it for the cash. The school is yes, very liberal, but constant talk at the school is among students how lame the programs are.
The photo program is a joke, and a rip off, the account planning program is meh, and so-so, and the school really is only good for AD's.

I would look elsewhere for that kind of money. Dont go to the Miami branch if you go at all. Save your money and a lot of headaches.
The one thing they do have is internships, but I suspect you could get those on your own if you actually have any skill.

Saddened to say, MAS is a rip off in my eyes.
Better to spend 2 years in the field and travel, as well as network, than to waste a lot of time and money on empathy classes, and flawed programs that they run.

- Chris

Guest's picture

Thank you for your input, Chris. If you do come back to this thread, would you mind elaborating on your statements or maybe share any personal experiences? I was considering going to MAS for a degree in Art Direction. I also happen to live in Florida and was considering the Miami branch.

Do you speak from experience when you suggest not to go to MAS in Miami? May I ask what program you are enrolled in? Also, please feel free to share any thoughts on instructors or specific classes.

Regarding the fees, I was taken aback when I read that the tuition cost would be $34,800 (USD) — that is not including tools, possible printing costs, and any required schoolbooks. Mind you that from my reading, this is a two year program. The last degree I received was four years and had a similar price tag. Yes, there were a handful of general education classes, but I found them to be beneficial. Maybe the internship experience is part of the tuition fee? On the other hand, maybe that option is only available to those who have the money to pay for housing and food while away.

You bring up a good point in regards to seeking an alternate route in hopes of fulfilling one's dream of working in an agency. With the right discipline and dedication, one could possibly build a book on their own, network, and be given that starting chance. Do you feel though that a degree from MAS may become a norm or that having studied at MAS would make you an elegible job candidate as opposed to those juniors who did not?

- Tony

klux's picture 14 pencils

With all due respect , i think chris is wrong. if Ron was in it for the money he would have retired a long time ago. i graduated from mas several years ago and i think it remains to be a great school. what you get out of this school, is only equal to what you put in. the sky is the limit. they provide the right tools, connections, internships, but the rest is up to you.
a lot of students nowadays days don't make the effort and end up blaming the school.
if you're talented and hard working, MAS is the right school to get into any top agency.
It happened with me. I did one quarter away, then i got hired in my first internship.
hope this helps.

Guest's picture

I was wondering if you are an A.D. or Copywriter. Thanks.

Guest's picture

I would vote for Miami Ad School! Lots of friends of mine have attended Miami Ad School, and have been more successful than their professional peers from VCU or Creative Circus. It is just a more hands on learning experience!

Guest's picture

I am a big advocate of Miami Ad School. I met one of their staff members (from San Francisco, I think?) in 2005. She came to speak at my school, and gave me a lot of information. I tried for two years after getting my bach. degree in advertising to get into an agency, and I couldn't. My book was pretty good, but the creatives I talked to at agencies kept telling me to "go to portfolio school". MAS was highly suggested to me by several creatives too. If you have doubts about MAS, try doing what I did and see what happens. I wanted to be a creative right away, so I went MAS. It is the best. You do have to try really hard though, it is tough work, but well worth it. I don't know why Chris feels the way he does, I did not have that experience, and neither had any of my classmates.
Look further into the school yourself, if you don't you could be missing a great opportunity. That's the best advice I have for you.

Guest's picture

Thank you for your insight and for sharing your experiences with more favorable outcomes. I was actually a bit bummed for not attending Portfolio Night earlier this year in order to get feedback on my book, but maybe I was better off. Especially since most, if not all, of the work in my book is print.

While that is great and wonderful ideas are still executed on ads, billboards, and posters, I am starting to see agencies want for people to expand their ideas to various medias. I feel that aside from making my book stronger, MAS could help gear me towards working in that direction.

I was looking at the courses at MAS for Art Directing and while I raised my eyebrow at a few of the classes (i.e. video storytelling and gaming concepts), I feel that the program provides you with the stepping stones to success. How much effort the student is willing to put in their climb is up to them, which is what I assume might be the case with Chris.

Right now, with financial obligations, I may not jump in right away, but if I will continue looking into this thread and coming up with my own findings in order to make a final decision. I may especially look into the greenhousing program if given the opportunity once enrolled and a year in. Since their FAQ says "all of our students rent apartments..." I guess that the student eats the cost, but it's still an experience many would love while only a dozen or so live each quarter.

On a final note, while on the subject of greenhousing and interning through MAS, I was reading a blog post by a Miami Ad School student posted in February of 2009. He posted how hard it was for him and other students to even receive internships. I believe he stated that two of his classmates were supposed to intern in Dubai, but then later received an e-mail stating that they wouldn’t be going there. If this is indeed true to this date, may it all get better in time.

Thanks again!

Guest's picture

i read a blog about this guy who wrote Miami Ad School in Hamburg and got one of ten available scholarships. Does Miami Ad School still do this?

Guest's picture

I am just wondering if one goes to Miami Adschool and comes back to the real world of advertising where you can't push real creative/award winning work will he or she she feel disillusioned?
laks

Emanresu's picture 1563 pencils

@ Guest 2010-06-01 21:09

I believe that the student you speak of was one of ten that were accepted to Miami Ad School in Hamburg that quarter, but he was the one student given the scholarship. I know that the Miami Ad School website has some information about scholarships that current students can receive. There are also some blog postings from time to time about scholarships up for grabs, but it would not hurt to write one of the admission advisors and ask how often an opportunity such as that is available to those interested in enrolling to MAS.

@ Guest | Wed, 2010-06-09 00:38

I am certain that you are asking a question that can apply to graphic designers, copywrtiers, art directors, and quiet a few others in the creative field. During schooling, you are given freedom with what is your product, who is your audience and how you choose to deliver your message. Once you graduate, you encounter all types of clients such as the one that will shoot down every one of your ideas in exchange for a photo of smiling people, their logo taking up 1/4 of the page, and an unenthusiastic headline.

However, I do not know if I would use the word "disillusioned." Miami Ad School students may simply be preparing for the darker/nastier side of the Advertising profession. Have you been following the 2010 Cannes and how often you visit this site? The issue of work that leaps creative bounds just for the sake of winning awards is brought up quiet often. Aside from that, Menno Kluin, Pablo Jimenez, and Kevin Koller seem to be doing well for themselves.

Guest's picture

Which MAS offers a Master Program? Does anyone know about how much housing living expense is in Miami, FL ?

Guest's picture

masE is great. but its really just miami ad school europe (hamburg). if you want to work hard and learn a hell of a lot of great shit you should go there.
the teachers are all working in agencies and have excellent work. in miami most of the teachers are not working in the business "anymore" (... i wonder why).
after you did 1 year in hamburg you can maybe do a quarter away in san fran or miami location just to see how much better hamburg is ;)
otherwise ill suggest you do some great internships around the world as hamburg can open you every door in the industry!

mtwmind's picture 33 pencils

What about Minneapolis ? is it good bad? something ? I don't know it has concerned me a tad ... Cause I enrolled to it in the fall ...

Guest's picture

Exactly what I wanted to hear about Hamburg. I'm a swedish communication student, who applied for Berghs (top advertisement school) but didn't get accepted. It's sad that the SF location gets a lot of shit, but at the same time; you can always go there later and try to get an internship.

How should you get prepared in the goal in being accepted to MAS?

Chris

Guest's picture

Which school is best? Hamburg or San Francisco? I'd like to attend SFO, but as it seems to have a lot of bad reputation i just don't know. Maybe that woman (who some of you really seem to dislike) doesn't work there anymore? Location-wise, SFO wins!

Guest's picture

hey guys, I'm brazillian and I'd would like to know if there's someone here who can give me some tips about MAS MADRID, I'm gonna study there in january and I'm looking for housing and some place that i might get some work.
Can somebody help me?

Guest's picture

This is to Laura at Miami Ad School: WHY does Denise in SF MAS still have her job? Do you not see the horrible remarks about her here in this forum from numerous people? If Miamai Ad School was a good school it would listen to the students who pay them money and learn about who isn't doing their job. Denise Esterkyn (the director of MAS SF) is known by all SF students as a total slacker and only wants a check. Very disappointing to reflect on a school this way and even more disappointing that MAS does nothing about it!

Guest's picture

Where does Art Center of Pasadena fall into the mix?

ivan's picture

Miami Ad School and Ads of the World created Creative Pro together: http://www.mediabistro.com/creative-pro

Guest's picture

Hey everyone.
I'm a 19 year old aspiring designer in Southern California.
I'm probably the youngest here and it'd be awesome if some of you here could give me some direction.

I found out about Miami Ad School by pure luck, to be honest. After I graduated high school 2 years ago, I'd try to do research on what sort of 'art school' I wanted to get into. Before I graduated, I only applied to art schools : (Otis, California College of the Arts, and Woodbury University). I got into all of them, but couldn't go because I couldn't afford it. So I wound up in a local community college (here in LA, California) and I was sure that my major was graphic design, until I took a class in Advertising and Marketing and my entire world was rocked. I decided that my major had to involve one of those two, or just that spectrum of the more business aspect of design in general. Over the past couple of months, I've been on so many sites and college-search-engines to try to find a school that combined graphic design, advertising/marketing and communications within one school with equal emphasis in every area.

I couldn't find anything at first and I kept running into brick walls.
And those brick walls were either I had to go to a normal university and get a degree in one thing I wanted and pray to God that that school emphasizes that major, or I go to art school and try my luck at scavenging the earth for food as a freelancer after graduation.

But I kept seeing "Miami Ad School" popping up everywhere, or most places I looked. It was a bit "WTF?" for me and once I researched it, I was completely blown away by the creativity that seemed to pour out of that school. The more I found out about it..everything from statistics, to reviews, ads produced from graduates, etc, everything inside of me screamed that this HAD to be the school for me. And it still pulses to this day.

I'm preparing to start applying soon and I'm in the midst of trying to gain as much insight about MAS as possible. Truth be told, I feel like a baby crawling along the outskirts of whatever this school is. I've been told from all sorts of art directors, creative professionals, etc that have worked in the industry from my school and from mere observation that I have talent. And I'm a person who's entirely self taught. I don't have a degree in anything, but I know that my creative innovation tends to get me places. So, I'm going to follow my instincts and apply to MAS as soon as they accept applications for the quarter I'm applying to.

But I'm curious..So many of you guys (from what I gather) have degrees in art direction, communications, etc and have university experience under your belts. My other application option is sending my stuff into the Academy of Art in San Francisco, because they also have a variety of things that I like. But it has never been a school that grabbed me. Being here in California has so many artistic outlets, but I'm an intuitive person and I refuse to go to a school just for the sake of following the trend or making other people happy. MAS is a school that I feel as though is right for me. But still, do you think that it's wise for me to just apply to MAS, even though I technically don't have any industry experience?

I may not have the experience in that regard, but I practically live in photoshop.
Every week, I'm trying to pop out something that's like a controversial ad or design piece just for the sake of creating it. That's really all I do and it's one of the few things that actually makes me happy.

Also, is it easy or hard to get accepted into MAS?
What are each of the locations like? I really want to spend my first quarter in Hamburg, second in New York, then jump from Miami to near home in San Francisco.

I'm not afraid of taking risks. Well, I might be a little shaken at first, but I'm naturally attune to dealing with extremes.

So, do you think that a 19 year old that's allegedly skilled or talented has a chance to get into MAS? Where else would you recommend that I apply to? I'm on the email list at MAS and I get their updates. I've just received their "sticker book" and I look at it everyday and it inspires me to want to start working on my application.

Any information you provide will be a large help for me :)
feel free to email me at : eriselite@aol.com as well.
I'm looking forward to receiving advice, critique, recommendations, etc.

Hope you guys have a lovely holiday season!

~Kami

MASSFdenise's picture 10 pencils

Hi, I am Denise, the Director of the Miami Ad School, San Francisco.

When deciding which school is best for you think about these things:

-Which school provides the best training?
-Which school will allow me to make the most industry contacts?
-Which school will allow me to gain real world experience?
-Where will I be most inspired? What city have I always wanted to live in? (my personal favorite)
-What is the advertising industry like in that city? (Keep in mind, that at Miami Ad School you can experience several different cities and advertising industries. You don't have to just pick one.)

When you answer these questions, you will be able to gauge what your resources will be.

In San Francisco, we have many creatively driven agencies such as Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, Venables, Bell & Partners, AKQA just to name a few. We are also next door to the leaders in technology and social media like Twitter, Facebook, Apple and Google. These agencies and companies are where our instructors, guest speakers, internships and job opportunities come from.

All of the Miami Ad School locations offer the same curriculum, you just have to decide which location is right for you.

If anyone has any questions, feel free to contact me at denise@miamiadschool.com. Or stop by for a visit. It's always fun to show people around the school and we often have guest speakers and events that you can attend to get a better idea of what our culture is all about.

Martijn's picture 1883 pencils

Hi Denise, thank you for being part of this conversation!
I have a question: are there many people from companies like Twitter, Facebook, Google and Apple that hire people from your school? What kind of jobs do they apply for?

MASSFdenise's picture 10 pencils

Hi Martijn,

Actually, those companies would be more in the "where we get instructors and guest speakers from category".

But, coincidentally, one of our recent grads got hired on by Twitter to work with their turkish support group, and, I also know of MAS grads who went on to work with Apple's in house creative department. So, it does happen and being in San Francisco exposes you to these types of job opportunities.

Both Apple and Yahoo have been clients for the Bootcamp for Account Planning. This opportunity allowed our students in SF to work on a live brief and present to the ECD's of each company. It was a really unique and cool experience!

Hammad S's picture 461 pencils

So I've read the majority of comments here and I'm really unsure.

I've really wanted to be in the advertising industry for years now and recently learned about the Miami Ad School. I'm reading comments about MAS being over-priced and not being the best school to go (I'm assuming in terms of education). I'm wondering if these bits of information have changed?

Also, is MAS in the States effected by the recent nuclear explosions of Japan?

Hammad S's picture 461 pencils

Also, are there any extensions into Canada?? I'm unsure of the ad schools in Canada.

MASSFdenise's picture 10 pencils

Hi Hammad,

I am impressed when I see people using ads of the world to research our program! Hopefully, you have also spent some time on the Miami Ad School website to learn about the various programs and enjoyed the blog.

From what I understand, our program is priced below many of the competitors and our resources extend globally. However, we do not have a base school in Canada at the moment.

I would suggest you also utilize www.linkedin.com for your research. Conduct a search for our grads to see where they work.

We are also more than happy to connect you with current students or recent grads so you can ask them about their experience with the program.

Please email me if you have any further questions at denise@miamiadschool.com

Best of luck!
Denise : )

beginner's picture 2 pencils

Hi

I am from India and working with an IT firm.I have no prior experience in Design and want to persue a Digital Design course.I am good in sketching and drawing.
My frnd told me about VCU, MAS , CPS ..How are they to start as a carrier?
Fee and living expenses??How can I apply if i have no prior experience other tha some of my sketches.

bingshubert's picture 2 pencils

I heard many good stories about Miami Ad School. It is supposed to be one of the better ones.

MASSFdenise's picture 10 pencils

Hi Beginner ( and Bing!)

Miami Ad School does offer a comprehensive program for those starting from scratch. The level of experience of a beginning student can vary widely. We allow more senior people to test out of classes and move ahead and have fundamental courses, for the beginner. Our main requirement is that you have a strong passion for advertising and ideas!

On our website you can go to the application section and see that we have all of the assignments outlined for you. You do not have to submit prior work, if you do not have it.

Please email me for further information about fees, living expenses and the different locations.

Take care,
Denise@miamiadschool.com

www.miamiadschool.com

Miami Ad School's picture 4 pencils

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Miami Ad School's picture 4 pencils

Miadscol

Marley's picture 2 pencils

Hello everyone

Im going to graduate next year from high school. so i was wondering if miami ad school accept's high school grads ? do i have to be a college grad to attend their courses ?

Thank u :)

yamen888's picture 9 pencils

Does anyone know about how much housing living expense is in Miami, FL ?

TR415's picture 2 pencils

Hi,

I am looking into a masters in creative advertising. Does anyone know if they offer masters program in San Francisco or Washington DC area?

LMK

Thanks

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