 At art school, Ocampo constructed papier mache figures for floats, altars, and ornaments that were used during carnival parades and other festivals.In high school, Ocampo painted murals for the Preparatory School and the City Hall of Celaya.Ruth Rivera, daughter of artist and muralist Diego Rivera, and Maria Luisa Mendoza encouraged him to attend the School of Painting and Sculpture of the National Fine Art Institute.