What's it like to study at Sessions?
Four mid-program students discuss putting in the hours,
taking the critiques, and what it's like to finally
delve into the serious design projects.
You've entered the hands-on part
of your studies. How are you fitting the
increased workload into your schedule?
Doing the exercises is not just sitting
in front of the computer. I work up ideas
in my head long before I finish them.
How do you feel you are benefiting
from the critique and revision process?
The critique process is essential. You are
given the chance to make changes the instructor
feels are essential to making your project
work. They know that each piece has the
potential for being a portfolio piece and
therefore want you to produce your best
effort.
About how many hours per week do
you spend on Sessions.edu classwork?
On average, I would say maybe 15-20 hours.
That includes going through design books,
tutorials, magazines and so on that inspire
me and help me realize my ideas. I am still
somewhat new to the technical side, so some
things take longer than they would someone
more experienced. On the other hand, discovering
what different computer programs let you
do is an exciting adventure.
Some students take their time earning
their certificates, while others push through
as quickly as possible. What works for you?
I actually like to push through as quickly
as possible, but I try to stop myself and
take sometime to play with the software
and refine my skills. I know that just making
a good design is not enough. In real life
I have to be as efficient as people who
have used the software for years. I have
to know the shortcuts and the only way to
gain speed and efficiency is practice.
