Thinking about taking Design Classes in Colorado

[DaaamnGina]

Hi everyone! I'm new to this forum and have been learning from many of the posts.

I'm interested in taking graphic design classes. I'm a web developer with a background in math and computers, and I'd like to improve my design skills. I have some experience in art (mostly from high school).

I live in the Denver area and I'm hoping to get feedback on some schools. I've already called some of the institutions, visited others, but I want feedback from the students. How well do they teach?

Art Institute of Colorado - Nice equipment, offers some cool sounding classes and programs. Expensive!
University of Colorado - Traditional school so not too many classes offered (that's what the school adviser said)
Metro State - Heard some good things about this one
Denver University - ?
Front Range Community College - ?
Red Rocks Community College - Heard they had a good graphics program a several years ago.
Thank you!

[daSnarf]

I cant speak for Colorado per se, but I am a graduate of an Art Institute. I agree with you on the equipment and some classes, but allow me to say at least partially...beware.

The Art Institute (least mine) really focused on PROGRAMS, which is great to a point. Any DESIGN skills you want will either be picked up by being around other creative people, or from your own drive and desire. The Cool sounding classes like "Digital Illustration" or "Advanced Photomanipulation" really just means classes on how to use Illustrator and Photoshop. If you choose to go the AI route, I think it can be a good thing (though EXPENSIVE!) and will give you a solid understanding of the design programs, but you will need to put extra effort into honing your design skills on your own.

Hope that helps!

[patkennedy78]

Hey Gina, I think I can help you out here. I went to the poor folks school myself (Community College of Denver) and got my Associates, but have friends still in school and known people who've graduated from the others. So...

Art Institue: Two things here, one the class credits don't transfer to a University, so make sure you know that going in. If you want to further your eductaion your kind of SOL. 2nd, they have a Portfolio Review for all progams at the Convention Center every December or so, I think you can check their online calendar. Personally I've never been impressed or blown away by anyone or anything I've seen in the GD realm. And I think I should for what they tout their program as. Also the 4 guys I knew that went there always had lots of homework.

Metro: Good Program, a lot of the guys I went to CCD with are going here now and are very happy.

DU & Uni of CO: I haven't heard good or bad here, so no comments.

FRCC & RRCC: I had people in my classes at CCD that took a few classes at these two, they were really dissapointed with them. They told me it was like tutorials and follow the book kind of stuff. But I have no first hand experience with either.

One you missed is Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design. I know a lot of good desigers have come out of there and they have a good reputation, but pricey like Art Institue. I'd definatly check it out. http://www.rmcad.edu/

I still know the Program Director at CCD, he's a really good guy, owned his own advertising agency, old school guy, but good none the less. I'm not sure how the instructors are anymore. I've been out for about 2 years, and I had some STELLAR teachers, but most have since moved on.

My advice would be to do 2 things: 1, find out if the schools have any public shows or portfolio reviews coming up, go to them, talk with the students about schools and classes. 2. All the schools teach you the programs, don't worry about learning those. Find the schools with teachers that teach you about design, communication, prepress, and real world client interaction. Ask about class projects and how they apply to your portfolio when you graduate. Ask about job placement and how EXACTLY that's handled.

So, I hope that helps. E-mail me if you have any questions, patkennedy78_AT_yahoodotcom

[DaaamnGina]

Thank you for the feedback! They're both very insightful.