The metro Atlanta area is the third largest area in the American southeast. It is home to some of the world’s largest company headquarters like Coca-Cola, The Home Depot, Turner Broadcasting, Delta Airlines, AT&T Mobility and UPS. The metropolis also boasts the world’s busiest airport.
Atlanta has a deep history as a major hub for organization during the Civil Rights movement. It is also the hometown of an endless list of creative people, such as Margaret Mitchell, write of “Gone with the Wind,” country music band “Sugarland,” and R&B acts Usher and TLC.
All that basically means that the city of Atlanta is a hub of connections to the professional art world. SCAD Atlanta students have even obtained internships at organizations like CNN and Cartoon Network. Not only that, but the city is stuffed with inspiring and diverse neighborhoods with speciality eateries like local favorites Mary Mac’s Tea Room, Arden’s Garden and The Vortex, and has a thriving nightlife year round. It is a unique blend of southern traditions mixed with big city living.
The Connector spoke to students about why they live in Atlanta. Many students actually admitted that they didn’t like Atlanta. “I don’t like anything about it,” said Evan Martin, first-year illustration student. This answer, and similar ones, were not followed by specific reasons, but it wasn’t the only one of its kind. The second most popular response was the obvious satisfaction with city living. “My favorite part about living in Atlanta is being so close to everything,” said Hayley Francise, first-year fashion design student. “And the pace is much faster than the suburbs.”
Among the mixed bag of feelings about the city, second-year interior design student Francesca Roque had a specific, but complicated sentiment. “After high school I was deciding between two schools in Australia, an art school in London and SCAD,” said Roque. “I chose SCAD because I heard about the interior design program, and they just caught my eye. I’m not a fan of Atlanta — it can get boring, but I just remember that I’m here to learn.”
For other students, Atlanta possesses a mystery that they have yet to put their finger on. But they are drawn to what they think is one of the most exciting cities in the south. “I can’t put my finger on it exactly. There’s just something about this city,” said Danielle McCoy, second-year advertising student. With the eclectic subcultures and the city’s pride in the Atlanta Braves, Falcons and the Hawks, Atlanta holds a place as one of the south’s most important and exciting cities.