Student Stories

Candice Rollerson learned how to push beyond the boundaries at the Academy of Art University. She shares her story of becoming a professional with the support of her peers and mentors during her career as a photography student. For her MFA Thesis project, 'Life Constructed: A Journey', Rollerson exhibits her artwork at the Sutter Street Gallery.

School of Fine Art Sculpture MFA graduate, Yuqing (Max) Luo learned to expand her abilities by trying new things at the Academy of Art University. Luo chose to study at the Academy for its emphasis on practical skills, top-notch facilities, and supportive instructors. In her first ever gallery show, Border Lands, Max displays her unique perspective and the story of her distant feelings towards reality.

Online Visual Development student Caleb Montoya wanted to attend a school that would "kick him in the pants". Caleb chose the Academy of Art University based on the strong graduate portfolios. With the aid of his instructors and his own determination, Caleb Montoya is now paving a better path as an employee at Serenity Forge while completing his degree.

Photography graduate Greg Beams completed his MFA in the Academy of Art University's online program and his work was featured at the Sutter gallery in San Francisco. Beams talks about the program's influence on his art and how he has used what he's learned to build a successful career as a photographer.

Fine art painter, Abigail Gomez, explores her vibrant past and her family's Cuban roots in the journey towards her first gallery showing in San Francisco.

See how Yenifer Ubiera went back to school to earn a second bachelor's degree in Fashion Styling. Yenifer lives and works in NYC while raising her daughter, all while taking online classes at the Academy.

Nina studied real estate in her home country of Nigeria, but what she really wanted to do was paint. After painting as a hobby for years, she was commissioned to do a series of paintings in Lagos, earning enough money to relocate to San Francisco and pursue her MFA in Fine Art - Painting. Today, her cultural portraits and landscapes sell to art enthusiasts across the country.