Online Classroom Rant-Sesh

I've mentioned that I'm working towards my Bachelor's in Graphic Design with the Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online Division (AIPOD), and that takes up a major part of my time between Julian's bedtime and my bedtime. I spend a huge amount of time working on assignments and commenting on discussion posts- even while I'm at work (sshhh...). I don't think conventional schooling is not for me for lots of reasons, but online school definitely gives me a run for my money. I would give anything to be able to sit in a room with other students, raise my hand to answer a question, participate in a live, meaningful discussion and leave feeling like I'm a tiny bit smarter than when I came. It's frustrating to keep up on deadlines, especially when they fall on a Friday and Monday for assignments and Sunday and Wednesday for commenting on my peers' work.

I wish I could say "end rant" and say that I'm grateful that our technological advancements allow me to even be able to call a web address my classroom. BUT there's more.

My problem with those deadlines and the shortness of my classes is this: how do they expect me to produce quality, portfolio-ready pieces of art when I have about 3 days in between assignments? And another life before and after "school"! To anyone seeking a review of AIPOD, my official opinion is that it's great if you already know how to do a lot of the things you're seeking your degree in, and you have the ability to teach yourself what you need to know. It's not for you if you need more guidance and serious honing of your skills. I consider myself to be a somewhat skilled designer for being a beginner, and the work that other students are producing often make me wonder if someone is playing a joke on me.

Ok, that was mean.

Now I sound like this egotistical bitch that thinks she's some artist sent from God to reform all the untalented artists. No. But I do wish a "professor" would be a little stricter with their criticism and say something other than "you're going in the right direction, but...".

I wish there were good art schools for me to go to in my area, and that I actually had the time/ability to go to a tangible school with real, serious people. I just wonder how much value my hard work will pay off once I have my degree from AIPOD and am trying to get my first job as a designer.

So, what started out as a post titled "Lately" and was going to be a little update on some things and some vague feelings about some things in my life just turned into a rant about school. I'll probably do that post later today.

At least I have some pictures of what I'm working on right now in my Typography class! I can't wait until the class is over and I can tweak the piece to be something worthwhile for my portfolio. I'm hating all of the restrictions and rigidness of these assignments. I just want to create beautiful things that reflect my style and the direction of my work!