Bill First - Columbia College Chicago, Chicago, IL

Professor: Bill First

Department: Fine Arts

College: Columbia College Chicago, Chicago, IL

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: 454544
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

I took Bill's furniture class last semester, and it was a wonderful experience! His clear passion for woodworking makes the class fun and engaging, and he will absolutely go above and beyond to help you master your project! He's on your side, and is a great teacher!

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: 232310
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Super nice and funny. Always gives positive critiques for the most part which is nice but sometimes not very helpful. Class critiques are dull because he will end up talking to just the artist and not share his opinions with the class. If you want honest critiques and ask for them you wil get it. Helpful with assignments

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: STUD3
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Bill First, one of the best teachers at columbia, if you get the opportunity TAKE HIM. Don't doubt for a minute! He might not b organized and he might trail off, but don't under estimate him. He knows his Sh*t. This is from a student that took him twice in a row. He has pushed me to pump out some amazing portfolio quality work.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: STUDI1
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

bill is great. period. he knows his stuff, is super sweet, and is quirky funny. he will defintitely talk a lot, but if you interupt politely it's not difficult to get him moving.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: STUDI1
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Bill obviously knows what he is talking about and is very helpful! he really wants to make sure everyone understands studio and also touches on the quality of prints and presenting yourself and your work professionally. he critiques and grades honestly, but works to make students improve their work. HE IS IN LOVE WITH DIGITAL!

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: STUDI04
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Really one of the best Studio II teachers in my opinion! I learned a ton. Bill was helpful, friendly, and flexible. He really knew his stuff and was always ready to help. Truth be told, the class is really heavy on tech. The midterm and the final are where you get to show YOUR style. Great learning experience.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: STUDI2
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

I've taken View Camera and Studio II w/ Bill, and must say that he has been the best teacher I've had at Columbia. He is extremely knowledgeable with large format cameras, studio lighting, and is easy to deal with. What I also found very helpful was that he taught us real life contract situations and how not to get screwed over in the business worl

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: STUDI2
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

I love love LOVED Bill First. He is very personable and helpful. Very clear, he still helps me out with anything I ask. He puts so much into helping his students. He does go on tangents sometimes but its worth it for such a great teacher.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: STUDIO2
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

you guys are all crazy! Bill is one of the best teachers i have had at columbia. Always explains assignments clearly and is avail. to help at the drop of a hat. a great teacher to have as a senior...full of helpful information about the professional world of photography.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: STUDIO
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

bring your daydreams to class, because this guy will talk about anything, especially calumet. practical advice, but doesn't motivate or inspire creativity.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: STUDIO1
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

VERY boring teacher. Unwilling to work with students. Gives poor criteques and grades harshly. Avoid this teacher if possible.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: STUDIO1
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

terrible instructor. you have to draw the information out of him, otherwise he will spend all class off on some totally irrelevant tangent. gives no helpful criticism in class, only on the grade sheet he hands back a week or two later. nice guy, but poor teacher.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: STUDIO1
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

He is a great instructor. Fairly informal, likes to talk with students, but grades harder based on quality of print, not ideas. I would recoment to take his class. Lots to learn from him.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: STUDIO
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

He is such a great Photo instructor. He knows what he is talking about and offers great advice and help whenever you need it. I would tell anyone to take his class, he is awesome!