Creativity is an oft-mythologized trait in the United States, presented as if it is something purely innate to an individual—often uniquely so. This is not the case; creativity is more than talent and can be nurtured and developed with practice and study as surely as any physical muscle group. No successful artist, musician, or writer has found greatness through mere innate talent; these figures, who studied under prior greats, practiced and experimented with new techniques and put in the work to grow their skills.

Schools and colleges of the arts exist to help fledgling artists pursue the creative careers they desire. By giving these art students access to a repository of generational knowledge via arts education and providing digital resources and virtual practice spaces along with physical materials or rooms, these institutions shepherd and empower the next generations of creatives. However, like any largely for-profit enterprise, the quality of these schools can vary.

The Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design (RMCAD) sets a high bar of quality and student care. The Denver-based school is a leading institution dedicated to nurturing creative talent through a rigorously innovative educational approach. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), RMCAD offers on-campus and online undergraduate degree programs in fields including, but not limited to, interior design, illustration, graphic design, and animation. RMCAD reviews consistently highlight the school’s commitment to excellence and its ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of art and design.

Founding, Mission, and Core Values

The Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design was founded in 1963 by Philip J. Steele, a well-known illustrator and educator. Steele founded the private, for-profit institution to develop an art training program based on the traditional, academic method of drawing and painting dating back to the Renaissance period. Through the school, Steele aimed to nurture students’ individual talents, infuse critical thinking and analysis into their developing skill sets, and contribute to local, global, and professional communities in a socially responsible way.

RMCAD’s mission is to be an innovative, rigorous, and community-oriented global learning environment that inspires a passion for critical thinking and prepares students to be forces of change in their industries, communities, and the world at large. The school’s pursuit of that mission is guided by ten core value statements that prioritize the student body and empower individuality, enable experimentation, and embrace a culture of leadership, trust, and communication.

The school is also dedicated to optimally striking the balance between prioritizing and enabling its students and fulfilling their obligations as a for-profit institution with consistent business processes and systems. RMCAD works hard to create a financially sustainable model of higher education that considers the interests of its multiple stakeholders, which include its student body and staff.

As the only art and design college in Colorado, RMCAD offers a unique blend of traditional techniques and cutting-edge technology to prepare students for successful careers in the creative industries. The college provides Bachelor of Fine Arts programs in 11 distinct artistic fields, allowing students to explore various creative paths and find their niche in the art world. This diversity of programs is often praised, with students appreciating the opportunity to discover and develop their artistic voices across different mediums and disciplines.

Social Responsibility and Diversity

The Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design carries its founder’s passion for social responsibility forward by maintaining a policy of inclusivity and diversity on and off campus. Through its Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) policy, RMCAD fosters an environment where individuals are exposed to new perspectives, differences are respected and valued, and everyone is enabled to succeed in the academic environment. RMCAD believes that diversity is an integral part of the academic and professional community, and not fostering it would be a disservice to both the students and the broader community.

While RMCAD does not prescribe students curricular requirements in alignment with the school’s diversity initiatives, the school does expect students to engage in a variety of academic disciplines to build the strong foundation needed for informed and meaningful critical thinking and development. The college fosters a dynamic learning and working environment that encourages multiple perspectives and the free exchange of ideas across dimensions of race, culture, ethnicity, religion, and more, all to build an inclusive community of diverse vision, talents, and skills.

This commitment to diversity and inclusion is frequently referenced by students and alumni praising the inclusive atmosphere that not only enriches the learning experience, but also prepares them for the diverse and global nature of the creative industries. The college’s efforts in this area reflect a broader understanding of the importance of diverse perspectives in fostering innovation and creativity in the arts.

The Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design’s commitment to social responsibility doesn’t end with its strong focus on creating a diverse creative institution. In addition to supporting student organizations and clubs like the LGBTQ+ PRISM space, the school hosts chapters of the American Society of Interior Designers and the American Institute of Graphic Arts, all with a strong hybrid model of participation (in-person and online). Outside of school activities, RMCAD is involved with several community initiatives, including but not limited to:

• Partnering with the 40 West Arts District, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that develops and progresses art installations and venues
• Regularly hosting teachers from the Jefferson County Public Schools District for professional development lectures and workshops
• Hosting National Portfolio Day on campus every year, where participants have the opportunity to meet with representatives from a variety of National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredited colleges to have their portfolios reviewed by professionals.
• Working with the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts to advance the state’s creative economy by connecting business and the arts
• Serving as a member of Cumulus, the International Association of Universities and Colleges of Art, Design, and Media—the only global association to serve art and design education and research.

These initiatives not only benefit the local community, but also provide RMCAD students with valuable opportunities to engage with the broader art world and gain real-world experience. Many RMCAD reviews from students and alumni highlight these community connections as a significant advantage of studying at the college.

Planning for Future Success

The Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design’s vision is to become a major university known for attracting a diverse student body with a global impact. As such, RMCAD’s strategic plan, RISE (Reflect, Innovate, Serve, and Evolve), outlines a five-year roadmap to advance educational excellence, student success, and community engagement. By prioritizing educational innovation, student services, career readiness, and fostering a supportive employee culture, RMCAD continues to reinforce its position as a powerhouse of art education.

This forward-thinking approach is evident in the college’s state-of-the-art facilities and curriculum that evolve with industry trends. RMCAD regularly updates its programs to ensure students are equipped with the latest tools and techniques used in professional settings. This commitment to staying current with industry developments is often mentioned in positive reviews from both students and industry professionals.

The faculty at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design consists of experienced artists, designers, and educators who bring real-world expertise to the classroom. Several RMCAD reviews highlight the quality of instruction and the mentorship provided by these industry veterans. The professors at RMCAD are not just teachers; they are working professionals who provide students with valuable insights into what it takes to succeed in the competitive art and design world.

RMCAD’s alumni and career services department plays a crucial role in helping students transition from the classroom to the professional world. Through portfolio reviews, internship opportunities, resume and interview critiques, and networking events, the college ensures that graduates are well-prepared to launch their careers. Many alumni credit the school’s career support for helping them land their first jobs and continue to support them throughout their careers in the creative industries.

One of the key strengths of Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design is its flexible learning options. Students can choose to study on the picturesque Denver campus or opt for online programs, making quality art education accessible to aspiring artists around the world. This hybrid model has been particularly praised, with many students appreciating the ability to balance their creative pursuits with other life commitments.

The college’s values, which include putting students first, welcoming individuality, and fostering a culture of innovation, are more than just words on paper. These principles are woven into every aspect of the RMCAD experience, from the curriculum design to campus events and community outreach programs. This holistic approach to education has garnered praise, with students feeling supported and empowered throughout their academic journey.

As the creative economy continues to grow and evolve, RMCAD remains at the forefront of art and design education. The college’s strategic plan ensures that it will continue to produce graduates who are not just skilled artists and designers but also critical thinkers and problem solvers ready to tackle the challenges of the 21st century. For those looking to pursue a future in artistic expression, Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design stands ready to help design that future, one creative mind at a time.