About Us
U.S. Arts and Design Academy is southern California's Premier Art Institution, established in 2000 in Rowland Heights, the U.S. Arts and Design Academy has grown into a leading professional art institution in Southern California, well-known for its 100% college admission portfolio program. Today, we serve over 1,000 students across multiple locations, including Diamond Bar, Irvine, and Hacienda Heights.
Our team of experienced and passionate staff members is committed to nurturing the artistic talents of our students, guiding them towards successful careers in the arts. Join us at the U.S. Arts and Design Academy and embark on your journey towards a bright artistic future with our renowned college admission portfolio program.
MEET OUR TEAM
Nancy Shen
Director
Portfolio • Studio • Digital
Our Studio Art, Digital Art, and Portfolio Faculty comprises skilled and experienced instructors who excel in various art disciplines. With a focus on personalized mentorship, they provide expert guidance in studio art techniques, digital art mastery, and creating outstanding portfolios. Dedicated to nurturing each student's unique talents, our faculty members ensure a well-rounded and successful artistic journey. Learn from the best and unleash your creative potential with our exceptional team of instructors.
Shirin Rastin
Portfolio Advisor
Education
Washington University St. Louis, CSUF -MFA Fine Arts
Nikita Vishnevskiy
Portfolio Advisor
Education
School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Parsons New School for Design, BFA -Fine Arts,
MFA -Studio Art
Sam Juan
Portfolio/Fine Arts
Instructor
Education
Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art -Fine Arts
Teaching Specializations
Pre-Portfolio Program
Studio Art
Brian Kinnaman
Portfolio/Fine Arts
Instructor
Education
CSULB, RISD, LCAD, PASCA-France, L'Accademia di Belle Art de Firenze-Italy -
Drawing & Painting
Teaching Specializations
Studio Art
Ray Zhou
Architecture Design Instructor
Education
Shanghai Art & Design Academy, CSULB - Environment & Industrial Design
Teaching Specializations
Studio Art
Architecture Design
Kalie Ortiz
Illustration/Fine Arts Instructor
Education
Laguna College of Art and Design - Fine Art
Teaching Specializations
Studio Art
Jennifer Park
Fashion Design
Instructor
Education
Fashion Institute of Technology
Specializations
Fashion Design
Max Stern
Graphic Design
Instructor
Specializations
Graphic Design
Truffles
Entertainment Design Instructor
Education
ArtCenter College of Design - Illustration
Specializations
Figure Drawing
Entertainment Design
Character Design
Taylor
Digital Illustration
Instructor
Education
OTIS College of Art and Design - BFA, Illustration
Specializations
Digital Art
iPad Art
MIQ • JMAP
Our Kids Art Programs Faculty features a team of accomplished artists and professional art educators, dedicated to nurturing the creativity of young students. With their diverse artistic backgrounds and passion for teaching, our instructors provide a supportive and engaging learning environment for children to explore various art forms and techniques. Experience the joy of artistic growth with our Kids Art Programs Faculty, inspiring the next generation of creative minds.
Kalie Ortiz
Teacher
Education
Laguna College of Art and Design - Fine Art
Michelle Emami
Teacher
Education
Claremont University
MFA Fine Arts
Tony Gonzalez
Teacher
Education
Cal State Fullerton - Animation & Entertainment
Monica Martinez
Teacher
Education
Cal State Long Beach - Illustration
Sage Carmona
Teacher
Education
California State University Fullerton (CSUF) - BFA Entertainment Arts
Ricky Liu
Teacher
