“Enjoy every minute. The school can completely change your life if you take advantage of everything it has to offer. And never forget where you are! New York City is booming with inspiration, go out and find it whenever you need to.” – Christina Faraj (BFA 2016 Computer Art, Computer Animation and Visual Effects)

“Work your butt off from day/year one! Impress your teachers to the point that they won’t hesitate to help you in any way you ask. And be kind and helpful to your fellow peers—they will probably be your co-workers. And have FUN!” – Liron Ashkenazi (BFA 2016 Design)

“There’s so much that I was taught that I want to pass down to the incoming classes, from Allison Strejlau’s Cartoon Allies visit emphasizing how important it is to find enjoyment in every project to Rebecca Sugar suggesting at an alumni panel that focusing your assignments on your weaker skills, such as perspective, gives you a chance to practice more and tackle your typical struggles.

The best thing I learned freshman year was to say ‘yes’ to invitations more often and to take advantage of events happening on campus and around the city, even if I was nervous or didn’t have anyone to accompany me. Even if you’re just out for an hour, you never know, the experience could inspire your next project. I think Tom Woodruff even said at my SVA Open House something along the lines of, ‘You write based off your life experiences, but you’ll have no writing material if you don’t live your own life.’" – Alex Graudins (BFA 2015 Cartooning)

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