Also, people should steer clear of the Art Institute chains of schools. Same situation, different name.

Brooks College in Long Beach is also a similar situation, but fortunately they’re being closed down.

It should also be noted that for students looking to stay in Omaha, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) has a very solid design program. They share a lot of the design curriculum with Metro Community College, but the additional years of education within UNO’s exemplary art department are creating a very useful and effective design education for their students. I should know, I’ve got one of their award-winning alum working right here in my studio.

I went to this school. Graduated right around the time it started falling apart.

Where to start…

Well, if you aspire to create semi-lifelike watercolors of Tupac (nothing against Tupac), this is definitely the school (school? I don’t know about that) for you!!! Go get ‘em tiger!

The curriculum is straight out of 1984, which is approximately the same year that Dotler Studio created their last produced piece I think. The school touts having instructors that work in “the real world”…but really, they all work in the back room (just past the indoor batting cage that students aren’t allowed to use) formerly known as Dotzler Studio. So really, they are full-time instructors with dated real world experience.

They will accept anybody that can get approved for a student loan. There was a day (I’ve heard) when they would select people based on portfolios of good work…now they just select EVERYBODY. Come one, come all. I mean, after all, Ray Dotzler needs to make his Lexus payments, right?

There are far better schools in the Omaha area: like Metro or UNO. Shit, just go to Kearney, I know that town is podunk, but deal with it while you get a good well-rounded education.

I could go on for HOURS… I don’t feel bad saying any of this because, ONE: its true TWO: they did it to themselves.

I went to an AIGA event hosted at the Creative Center in the Fall. I also got the impression that it was like the Art Institutes.

As a senior in highschool, I wanted to go to the Art Institute so I didn’t have to take all those “worthless” classes at a state school, but I didn’t have the money to front for it. Now I am extremely glad I went to a state school. At the risk of sounding cliche, a well rounded education is priceless.

Well, would you look at that. Someone is ripping TCC…nothing new there.

Where does Linder stand on this subject…tough to tell. Was I happy with the school while attending? No. Am I satisfied with that school selection after the fact? Not really. Do I love the huge debt? Hell no. Was the experimental 3rd year worth it? Absolutely not. Am I super retarded for biting not once…but twice? Absolutely so. Would I do it all over again? Wouldn’t surprise me.

Regardless…I will try to note some positives (sort of):

1]: The 2 year program…although not great…wasn’t THAT bad. Could you get better? Of course…but it was a decent setting…assuming you were able to and knew how to take advantage of it.

2]: I don’t see any of these other so called “better options” really digging out to the small town rural areas for kids. This is a difficult field to get good information about in high school. I’m certain that for a lot of us…we wouldn’t have even attempted this had the cash mongering TCC not headed our gravel road ways.

3]: They know they suck already. They are extremely open to feedback and suggestions. Does it take a few times to pound something through their skulls? Definitely so…but you know…it works. A few flaming blog posts only worsen the situation. Contribute to cause making the place better…instead of hiding behind a blog. (Counter Flame!…OOOOOOooooo!) (p.s. - Not intended for everyone…I’m just a jerk sometimes) :D

4]: Networking. Without being a member of OFA, AIGA, AFL…anything…I have a ridiculous network of people from going to that school and being there 8-5 everyday. I’m willing to bet you don’t get that from those other schools either. At least not on that kind of level…without simply being that kind of person. I could be wrong.

5]: Not really a positive…..but at this point…I already forgot why I was making a list. I agree that it’s all upon the students…and only a handful or so every year actually “get it” or “have it” …however you want to word that. The majority of them…all the instruction in the world won’t save them. In my opinion…if they bought into the used car salesman aspect of that school and gave them their money for more than one year…well, tough rocks…survival of the fittest…only the strong survive…etc. Deal with it. The only thing you can do is try and help them see the light. If the refuse to put in the effort…that’s their problem.

6]: Meh…it exhausts me to talk about this junk. I don’t really mean to defend the place…I’ve mentioned to many of you my dislikes as well. I’ll just place this cardboard stand-up of myself here and you kids can feel free to take stabs at that instead of me…I have work to do.

~That Linder Guy

Typos and Grammatical errors brought to you by: Starbucks…4 expresso shots of jittery since 9am.

Matt and Shannon, You make some valid points and that is the beauty of the blog. The author’s thoughts are not the only ones presented.

The main thing I care about is having a place where high school prospects can read comments and opinions about this school before jumping in head first. This school has had plenty of time to change, but they haven’t (didn’t one class actually sue them?). If it takes this post reaching a #1 google search ranking for “The Creative Center” to create some change, then so be it. I’m sorry if this post puts a blight on your resume, but I’m more interested in helping future students make informed decisions.

If the school plans to change, then lets see some evidence.

If someone ask me if I regret going to TCC I would have to say no. I think my story maybe a little different. I graduated in 2000 and from my experiences and what I learned while attending was well worth it. The friends, the network, the competition and the excellent teachers made me a proud graduate of The Creative Center.

but…

When I look at TCC now and where it stands on teaching I am not as proud. I do feel it needs help. It needs to be more focused. They are still having the students do the exact same projects I did when I attended but I don’t want to go on and bash something. We should focus on how to improve like Shannon said.

My suggestion for the school would be go back to the basics. Pick a field of study, Graphic Design. Don’t try to through a sprinkle of web, dash of video editing, a spoon full of illustration, and a sprinkle of 3D. Everyone has heard the saying “Jack of all trades, master of none”. I now strongly believe in this and I think the school should too. Make a new curriculum. If you want to teach web then make a whole separate 2 year program that does have some inter-wind classes that teaches the design side but don’t have someone that wants to do just graphic/print design learn Dreamweaver. That’s a waste of the students time and money.

Maybe let the student switch focus. What if they take a couple general courses in each of the field of areas the first year and then let them choose if the second year and third year they want to join the the web designer 2 year program or the print designer 2 year program. So there isn’t really a 3rd year bachelor. The first year is the generals and from there you decide the field of area you want topursue the following 2 years at the school.

If your the student that doesn’t have the passion, the commitment, you are not going to make it and I am not just talking about TCC, that’s anywhere.

First, not really hiding behind a blog, just speading the word through it. discusing it with you. I’d rather chat with you than talk to a brick wall or the tcc staff (same thing) I’ve gotten all my rants out pretty frankly, yes. I think exposing the schools’ weaknesses on this blog might be good for the school…nothing like a point blank shot to the head to wake someone up. I’d love to see tcc become less of a laughing stock too. I hate being ashamed of where I went to school and how much i’m still paying for it. Will it happen, probably not.

The Creative Center is not a perfect school. Few are. There are some things I am critical of the school for, but overall, I do not regret my decision to attend.

I think it is unfair that the original poster didn’t go to the school, and is basing their comments on friend’s gossip. There are plenty of bitter people who couldn’t cut it in the design world and will blame the school for “not making them good enough.” It is not the school’s responsibility to make the students apply themselves or to make natural talent magically appear.

TCC is guilty of not filtering students, as you say. That is fair. I think there is an ethics issue there and the school should ask itself some tough questions about if they want to be known for leaving trails of dropouts in their wake. However, potential students should evaluate how dedicated they truly are before committing to a costly endeavor. The school and the field are not always as glamorous as the tour guides make it out to be. They benefit greatly if you choose to attend- remember that. Don’t be naive. Think it over before you sign. My class lost nearly half of the original students in the first year.

I chose TCC as a good value, not as the “best school in existence”. I have my own drive and natural talent. I think people like me will do very well at the school.

The original post doesn’t apply much perspective. You went to Concordia and call TCC extremely expensive? According to the Concordia website, full time yearly tuition is $20,580 x 4 years= 130ish credits and roughly $80,000 debt. TCC costs about the same per year= 100ish credits, a top-of-the line MacBook and $40,000 debt. See what I mean? You could easily complete a Bachelor’s somewhere else in rapid time.

I think comparing TCC to your other 2-year schools is kind of silly. I highly doubt a community college would have near the quality of education as a specialized art school, despite its flaws.

I secured a very nice job before even graduating, but I fear much of my class might not be so lucky.

The experience is what you make of it, but TCC could definitely use some improvements. I hope they read this and take note.

btw - i’m just giving you shit…if i were a current student…i wouldn’t say my name either…and thats sad.

Yes, I’m being anonymous, and for good reason. There’s no reason for me to burn bridges on any level and I’d like to help the school even after I’m out of here. I think that motive deserves respect.

I think the original poster was irresponsible. If you were using true journalistic standards you would have quoted sources. Just outright saying it is “a horrible choice” is simply not true. It may be a bad choice for many, but not for everyone, as I explained.

You miss the point of value. The school, despite its problems, is still a good value for many people and there is some major talent here. The most prevalent problem I see here isn’t in instruction as much as it is in motivation by students. This says more about desperation in admissions than anything. I believe if you surround yourself with people who are better than you, you’ll be more inclined to try, whereas here the bar is set low because of lack of filtering by admissions. Only self-motivators will rise to the top here. I think this is the main problem.

Yes, the curriculum needs an overhaul, but it’s not “horrible”, as you say. There is room here for a talented and driven person to grow.

You have to realize you are weakening resumes across the state by doing this. Do we really want employers discounting a good majority of Omaha portfolios before they even look at them? Maybe you should have had an open forum where actual students could speak about their feelings, or held interviews if you wanted to create a true piece of journalism.

TCC Student - “It may be a BAD choice for many…”

This is the reason for the post. The percentage of students who don’t succeed after attending TCC is unacceptable.

Concordia, UNK, and UNO are GOOD choices for many, not just some.

HA! I’d never work for them in this state. They’d need a major overhaul.

Anyway, I said what I wanted to say. I agree that there is a problem. No one here has said there aren’t problems, I just think some of it was a little exaggerated and baseless.

Does anyone have the completion rate for all of the mentioned schools? Placement statistics? Did anyone mention actual prices before I did? I’m not saying TCC would be benefited by this information, but it would give a sense of perspective instead of “my friends say…”; “the majority of professional designers…” That’s not journalism.

Anyway, I think we should make something positive out of this instead of bashing them relentlessly. Or do you really think it’s too late? Is their greed higher than their passion to make a consistently great school with consistently great graduates?

We know they’ll eventually find this if they haven’t already. For those of us alum- what realistic suggestions could we suggest?

Hold the phone! The Creative Center is a great place to meet your spouse and/or business partner.

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

I’m currently showing my senior show at he University of Nebraska at Kearney. I have one more semester to fulfill of general requirements and a couple of art electives. I feel that when I graduate there will be a number of job opportunities waiting for me, which is a good feeling. While the education I was able to take advantage of here has really taught me a great deal, I have to say that it’s been extremely difficult to get along with some of my professors. They can be incredibly vindictive and self-righteous. They walk all over their students and shoot down all their ideas, claiming to be doing them a favor in light of what the “real world” can do. I’ve had over a year of solid design internships at all sorts of places, and I know what the real world is like. It’s not hard to make it in this field unless your just lazy. Go ahead and call me naive, but I know what I’m talking about and my portfolio can back it up. My best friend graduated from teh creative center a year ago, and is now pulling down $40,000 a year working in Omaha doing web design in-house for a relatively small company. The BEST designers from last years graduating class at UNK aren’t making that much money. I think your education is what you make of it. I think the professors at UNK are total megalomaniacs, though, and lie through their teeth on a constant basis.

But remember kids, this is about Creative Center, not UNK. Come to think of it, all schools are overrated. I call for an industry-wide return to unpaid apprenticeships! From the age of ten, kids need to be hand setting type, cleaning ink, and cutting rubylith separations. THAT’S how you make a good designer.

micahmax is 100% dead on, and one handsome, but taken, man.

Let’s lead the blind to water…ohh, they don’t want water?

I think people have made many valid points on this thread, and it’s all a waste of good thought, because there is no telling this school that their students’ portfolios and their curriculum are subpar at best.

TCC, everything you do is perfect, please don’t take into consideration any of the above comments.

Students decide their own fate. If they are below par than they won’t be successful. If they are creative, driven and passionate than they will be successful regardless of which school he/she attends.

The only aspect of TCC that I don’t care for is the admission rate. They except anyone and everyone with a pencil. Some students are given false hope and just need some tough love. I have witnessed students improve during their time at the TCC, but some students obviously lack the spark needed to be successful. It’s not the teachers or the program’s fault. It’s the own students fault. Although, some people have better connections than others, but than you could argue that the student didn’t network enough.

Every parent is going to say his/her kid’s work is good. It’s TCC’s responsibility to inform the student that he/she is below par without being discouraging.

Some students just need to stop being in denial unless they are truly unaware that they lack a certain spark or talent. In my opinion I don’t think that graphic design is a profession that one can learn as easily as an accountant for example. There are formulas and consistent procedures involved in accounting and with graphic design it’s all subjective.

Some people are illustrators and some are designers and some are both. I think TCC touches on both, but in the end it’s a designer’s school. I don’t think it’s the best option for a full blown illustrator.

TCC provides what it takes to get a job as a graphic designer, but it’s what the student does with his/her time while attending the school that decides where they end up.

Opinions are opinions and your opinion means nothing. It appears you didn’t attend the school and didn’t personally interview any students from TCC so you’re just spreading ignorance.

P.S. I checked out your website and portfolio and it made me laugh out loud. You’re going to have to explain in detail what sets your portfolio apart from everyone at TCC. Until you produce some jaw-dropping work keep your own mouth shut.

Jan, I’m a professional with 20+ years experience in the field. I’ve done portfolio reviews at Meet the Pros on countless occasions. I’ve seen maybe three TCC students that I’d hire out of all the many, many, many TCC portfolios that I’ve personally reviewed. These are (more than likely) the innately-talented students who would be good no matter where they went to school. I agree with Bennett. If a student were to ask me where to go to design school in the area, TCC wouldn’t even be on my list.

Rather than threatening to sue Bennett for his opinions (opinions shared by many working and hiring designers in the area), perhaps you should take some of these posts to heart. Look at what might be done to help the remaining 90% of your student body who could benefit from better curriculum.

It does the students, and TCC, no good to sit back and shout, “We’re good! We’re really really good!” if that’s not the perception of you widely-shared in the design community. I’m sure there are many designers in town passionate enough about the future of the profession who would love the opportunity to sit with you and offer constructive advice — professionals not on your PACs.

These are MY opinions.

anonymous. cause I can… You should get back to learning or teaching at TCC, because it’s not 3:30 yet. You also need to calm down, you seem a little worked up.

P.S. Really? Was your P.S. for me? Are you going to go there? If you can’t tell what sets my “work apart” from TCC students then things are worse than I imagined at TCC

P.S.S. You would learn a lot if you hand set some type.

Is there no work out there at the moment? Do you really have the time to sit here and slash at a school that you didn’t attend? Sure, you had “friends” who went there, but most people take things out of context and exaggerate situations so they can have pity thrown upon them…

Your portfolio doesn’t impress me much, thanks. I’m not one to go around and brag about my own work (and I’m not) BUT you don’t really stand out from what I’ve seen at this school. Maybe this was just a great way to get you’re portfolio reviewed by other students/professionals/fellow designers, in which case, GREAT JOB! I’m still not impressed, mind you.

I agree with that anon. kid. Your type does need some work. Re-read what you write before sending it off so you don’t make yourself sound like more of a jerk.

Stop worrying about what everyone else is learning and go get a job so you can pay off your debts you got yourself into after you got out of school.

(Oh, it’s P.P.S, fyi…or at least in the context that you were coming off as using post script.)

anonymous. cause I can..

Wow. You obviously are here to bash and not discuss.

I felt you had some valid points until you started talking about the portfolio of the author. Honestly if you are unable to see the difference between the quality of his portfolio vs. an average TCC student portfolio then in my opinion you are either saying it to push back at the author or don’t know what your talking about. Enough said. This is not a discussion, nor has it ever been about the portfolio of the author. Please quit attacking and bring only valid arguments to the table.

When you talk of ignorance and his research, please take a look at previous comments, there are quite a few comments from TCC alum. Alot with constructive critiques about how the school is failing and how it could be better. Again I feel you had some decent discussion points. But please keep it civil.

Potato… Again same as the the other poster. Its so easy to attack the author here for putting out a topic like this. But seriously look at the rest of the posts from alum, even the ones that were upset about the post agreed there are many areas to improve in.

“Stop worrying about what everyone else is learning and go get a job so you can pay off your debts you got yourself into after you got out of school.”

Personally I think this is pretty lame to say. A. Bennett has a job and a respectable one. B. He cares as many of us do about the state of our industry and the future of it. C. Personally being an alum. I like to see what others have to say.

I guess the whole point here is not to come to the aid of Bennett or anyone else. But to try and bring light to the fact that something positive can come out of this, but won’t if the comments keep going in this direction. If this is a current student or teacher you really aren’t helping you case by being belligerent

I’m here to bash? This thread is a bash. Calling TCC horrible isn’t a bash?

I made my points and so far nobody has acknowledged them except ‘Seriously?’ ..If you guys are annoyed about my less than nice adjectives I used about his portfolio than ignore that part of the post.

Bennett and Hand Type Guy do you think that every other school besides TCC can take in any random Joe and turn them into an award-winning graphic designer? That’s what you make it seem like.

“Honestly if you are unable to see the difference between the quality of his portfolio vs. an average TCC student portfolio” - That’s his portfolio now. He graduated eight years ago and although some of the design is good it’s not eight years experience good, twelve years if you count the time during college.

Yes, I’ve read all the previous posts along with my alum. More than once it’s been posted that it’s about the student’s drive that determines his/her outcome, which is my main point.

Yes, it would be a decent idea to make branches available to hone ones skills towards more print or web(web specifically), because I think the print aspect is adequate. This is a good suggestion.

The students are taught the programs and what good type looks likes. If the student can’t look at his/her portfolio and compare it to an ad in a magazine for example and notice they suck than that’s his/her own fault, not the schools.

Regarding the price of the college, I don’t think that plays a role in this argument when compared to other colleges with the exception of some. College costs money. That’s just a fun lil’ fact. Your welcome.

Bennett can you specifically list what Concordia provided that TCC didn’t? Keep in mind you were in school two years longer than the two year program at TCC. And please don’t talk about your Math and Women’s Studies classes as it’s irrelevant to a student’s portfolio. Try and gather up as much opinions as you can before answering this question please.

Eric - Regarding the Comm. Arts post. That’s a sweet starburst. Way to fill up the dead space. I also noticed you have access to screen printing. o_O. Eric I bet you think his pen tool skills on the STEP cover are pretty epic and innovative as well.

P.S. Sweet gif cube on your website. Did you make that in ImageReady?

I agree with the last post. This thread has been an endless well of amusement for the last couple of weeks! However, I’m starting to get a bit bored of it all. I suggest we all meet at a bar, get drunk, and remember that there is more to life than “DESIGN.”

Anonymous, I DO think that is a sweet “starburst” on those posters. And so does Communication Arts, HOW, AIGA, and the ADDY’s.

I know this is a futile request, but how about you stopping hiding behind your anonymity and show us your work? I’m certainly welcome the chance to see the work of someone who talks this much shit!

You show me yours, I’ll show you mine? ;)

a.c.i.c … If you want to read about what is better about Concordia, UNK, etc… just read the comments about what is wrong with TCC from former grads. The proof is in the pudding. The portfolios aren’t up to what the profession is demanding. I don’t need to tell you what they are doing wrong, just that there is something wrong and it needs to be fixed. I have seen the results in portfolios and design show entries. You don’t need to know everything about a car to know that there is something wrong when it won’t start and smoke is coming from the engine. I’m just making everyone aware of the smoke I see and I think my friends (former TCC grads) are filling in what needs to be fixed.

Actually, I did see average students turn into good designers at Concordia. These students worked and worked for four years, had harsh and honest critiques and pushed until they were good. If the students weren’t motivated, then there is nothing anyone can do, but tell them to shape up or get out. If the Professors see that a student doesn’t have what it takes to make it in the design world, then it is their responsibility to inform them and push them.

“TCC accepts too many people, that’s their only problem.” This is a huge and fundamental problem. Competition and collaboration are so important to development as a designer. How can you expect to grow and learn when you are surrounded by people that should be somewhere else?

“and please don’t talk about your Math and Women’s Studies classes as it’s irrelevant to a student’s portfolio.” A portfolio has a good deal to do with the things you deem “irrelevant”. Those business, history, speech, writing and math classes are all important. Maybe if we were only communicating with designers, then only design classes would be necessary. We are working with clients from diverse backgrounds and communicating with audiences of even more diversity. There is so much more to design than learning the “programs and what good type looks likes”. I worked my butt off for 4 years and more than anything, school taught me that I always need to grow and keep learning. Read, paint, discover, listen to music, set some lead type, discuss with friends (or enemies) … just keep learning and pushing yourself.

C’mon, Anonymous! Show us your work!

Don’t be afraid of stepping on toes, either. You go to the Creative Center, it’s not like anyone’s going to hire you anyway.

Eric, don’t consider this an insult or criticism or an attempt to defend the Creative Center, but good design work isn’t necessarily defined by awards or praise from peers. Consider this piece, which actually won an Addy. (Please forgive the hastily taken photo)

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r317/der_smashinator/HPIM1373.jpg?t=1208974747

Good design is defined by its effectiveness to convey the intended message to the intended audience. If a designer wins an award for a marketing campaign but that campaign fails to sell the intended product, is the design truly good? The client wouldn’t think so (and most often they’re the people you need to please).

It’s easy for a graphic designer’s work to be approved by other designers; they’re looking a the type, layout, color use, illustration, copywriting, etc.. They see the piece as a design, not a means of selling something.