School of Creative Arts, Entertainment and Design Student Experiences
No matter where these current or former students are in the process of reaching their goals, we salute them.
They have dared to turn dreams into reality through education in the School of Creative Arts, Entertainment and Design.
Could you be next?
Jeremy Freeze
Freelance Fashion Designer
New York City
“What I appreciate most about my education from El Centro are the technical aspects of the trade that I learned there; they’ve helped me tremendously. I’ve met people who went to other fashion design schools and I’d put what I know against what they know any day.”
Fashion
Ira Thomas
CGI Artist
“Being able to pursue my dreams and passions with other people that had that same feeling was a great experience. It also helped that I had great professors that saw my efforts and helped me reach my goals and keep challenging and pushing me beyond my limits.”
Digital Art and Design
Herman Cardona
Library Associate, Dallas Public Library
“As an Exhibitions Coordinator, Herman recruits local professional artists to exhibit their work in the library's art gallery, the Lillian Bradshaw Gallery. With this and other duties held at the library, Herman's mission is always to expand access to the arts for all members of the community.”
Art
Greg J. Lakloufi
Chief Creative Officer and Executive Creative Director
HW Creative
“My Visual Communications professors were all outstanding, real-life professionals, very knowledgeable about the trends of the industry at the time. I developed strong artistic affinities with my illustration professor Ray-Mel Cornelius rather quickly.”
Digital Art and Design
Grace H. Lee
Video Editor
AMS Production Group
“I would recommend this program: it’s affordable and it’s really hands-on. The teachers are eager to help you achieve and learn what the video world and industry are all about. If you’re serious about video and want to get your hands on some real experience, this is the place to go.”
Video Technology
Glenda Williams
Owner/Designer/Artist, Glenda Williams Art & Design
“When my company began asking me to do print layouts, it was time to get some training. The Visual Communications program at Brookhaven was a perfect fit because I was able to take one or two courses per semester while still keeping my full-time job.”
Digital Art and Design
Fiorella Teodista
Media Relations and Communications Specialist
Florida's Turnpike Enterprise in Florida
“I would recommend this program to other students who want to get into the world of film and video. The Video Technology program has a lot of equipment and staff available to students so they can learn and make good use of it.”
Video Technology
Debby Chiang
Junior Designer
Brand Agent
“The best part of the program was having instructors who were open-minded about our work. They encouraged peer critiques and offered constructive criticism in class. It always helped to get different opinions on our work since we all see things differently.”
Digital Art and Design
David A. Small
Entertainment Attorney,
Law Offices of David A. Small
“When you understand basic recording techniques, it really increases your value as a musician, producer or songwriter. You understand how to write what will work well, and you learn to use your time in the studio efficiently. That recording technology education that you can get at Cedar Valley is invaluable knowledge and the best music education for the money that I’ve ever heard of.”
Commercial Music
Dave Koss
Owner
Kossome Media
“The most important things about North Lake’s Video Technology program are the hands-on aspect of it and the great instructors. You can learn what it takes to produce videos, but the hands-on skills are what it comes down to and what people are looking for in the job market.”
Video Technology
Craig Miles
Founder and President,
Soundtrack Radio Promotions
“At Cedar Valley, I learned skills for improving my singing and performance quality, as well as the recording technology skills I needed to be an engineer in the industry.”
Commercial Music
Christine Fox
Graphic Designer and Customer Service Representative
Solara Lighting Inc.
“I was nervous about trying to sell myself in the job market at my age. However, I found that armed with my portfolio and the knowledge base provided by Brookhaven, prospective employers were very eager to see my work, and it didn’t take long for me to find my place.”
Digital Art and Design
Chad Chance
Owner
Sound Chances
“As far as skills go, I had been doing audio for so long that the point for me in class was to find out what goes on in film crews, and how team members work together. Andy Chiles’ classes were good for that.”
Video Technology
Becky Erdek
Owner
Kreative Images Photography
Forney
“The most important things I learned were the various techniques of the camera and lighting, and the practical use of the computer to manipulate photos. All of the principles that I developed at Eastfield are used every day in the photography industry.”
Multimedia Technology
Audrey Priest
Corporate Management Training Program, Grand Hyatt DFW
“I was taking five, six classes a semester because I wanted my last year to be focused just on the apprenticeship because there's a lot of stuff that went into that. So I took the regular associate degree plan, but then there were extra classes I had to take.”
Culinary and Pastry Arts
Anthony "Rusty" Stogner
Student, University of Texas-Pan American
“I loved my experience at Dallas College — I had nothing but great teachers and courses there. “I got a great background in graphic design in the Computer Graphics program — from Photoshop to 3-D design to Web-based knowledge.”
Digital Art and Design
Andrew Gonzales
Showroom Manager
Gracie Studio
“El Centro is so centrally located, so close to the design district. There are other schools that are more remote — we’re so fortunate to be in the middle of everything here.”
Interior Design
Nolan Brett
Mastering Engineer,
Crystal Clear Sound
“It’s really invaluable to be able to learn from professionals who are a part of the industry. I also really like that it’s an accredited institution of higher learning, not a fly-by-night group of people trying to make a buck.”
Commercial Music
Georgina “Gina” Maldonado
Owner, SMPTE Studio
Freelance actor, singer, model and recording engineer
“My education gave me experience. Now I know what I’m talking about in the music industry, and I’m not just a performer. I have knowledge that nobody’s going to take away from me.”
Commercial Music
Sri Guru Keerthi Purini
Junior Designer
Belo Interactive
“This program helped me build a strong foundation. The thorough curriculum, well-thought-out assignments and hands-on training offered by the faculty have given me all the experience I needed to step into the professional world with confidence.”
Digital Art and Design
Unleash Your Creativity at the School of Creative Arts, Entertainment and Design
Step into a world where imagination meets opportunity. At the School of Creative Arts, Entertainment and Design, Dallas College empowers aspiring artists, performers, and innovators to turn their passion into a profession.
Whether you're pursuing a career in visual arts, music, film, theater, or design, our programs are built to inspire and equip you with the skills needed to thrive in today’s creative industries. With hands-on learning, expert faculty, and access to cutting-edge technology, you’ll gain real-world experience that sets you apart.