James Downer - Monroe Community College, Rochester, NY

Professor: James Downer

Department: Graphic Arts

College: Monroe Community College, Rochester, NY

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: AAD205
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

He seems like a bully, but he is actually a super sweetheart. If you feel insulted, it's because his methods are trying to toughen you up for the real world and to learn. You get what you put into this class, and you learn by asking questions. The classes aren't hard, but they are aimed to create great portfolios. He likes hardworkers and gogetters

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: AAD104
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Jim Downer is very blunt and straightforward. He uses a lot of profanity and can say offensive things often. I didnt care for him at all the first couple months, but at the end I came around to like him and Id probably take him again. SO MUCH TACTILE WORK AND HOMEWORK. Its all hands on. Should be familiar w/ Mac and Illustrator.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: AAD104
• Grade Received: Not sure yet
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

When I first started in this class, I was worried about him being so tough with grading. I soon learned that if you put your full effort into your work, he really just pushes you to do your best, so make sure you put a lot of time into your work. Don't take this class if you don't have the time dedicate to work on things outside of class.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: AAD105
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Jim is by far the best professor I have ever encountered. I learned so much from him, not only about design but about real life and how important it is to do what you love. His techniques prepare you for the real world and unfortunately not everyone can handle that. I respect it and appreciate it. Thank you Jim for an excellent learning experience!

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: AAD256
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Best Professor in MCC.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: AAD104
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

hilarious and super experienced. shows awesome videos and gives cool assignments.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: AAD105
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

First thing he ever said to my class was, "you'll either love me or you'll hate me." I was on the hate scale. I was actually very successful in his class, because I bit my tongue. He treated my classmates like crap but was fine with me because he liked my work. I'm grateful for this but his venom towards other left me with a bad taste.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: AAD205
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

What a tough critic. Basically makes fun of your work if your it's not up to par with his liking. He has his own design preference. He is super rude at times. Avoid taking if you can.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: AAD105
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

He's a hard as but he's the most realist as it get. He won't help you when you ask and he sucks at clarifying things for you. He is a tough critic which I loved but he doesnt teach u different Technics

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: ALL
• 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:

I've taken all of his classes. THE most profound teacher I've ever had in my life. His classes teach you how to live a full life and be a great designer. Take at least one of his classes during your time at MCC. Work hard, be diligent, you will see the true Downer. He is incredible.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: AAD104
• 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:

I have taken all of Jim's classes at MCC and he is by far my favorite professor. You will not learn more about design, illustration, program use and life from any other design professor! One of the few professors who will push you to be your best without anyone's help but your own. Great guy and will go the extra mile for you if you are deserving.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: AAD112
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Jim is about as real as you're going to get. He isn't going to hold your hand, but he will treat you as an equal and tell you his honest opinion. Aside from Flack, easily my favorite professor here. Graphic design is a harsh field and if you can't handle Downer you likely can't handle it. Oh, and he's funny. That being said, he will help if asked.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: AADANY
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

He's a good teacher, a little odd at times but its funny. He is very open to help students, He is a bit of a **** but he gives the honest truth and is a great help, can be a bit boring sometimes. AND NOTE, you spend a lot of money for his class so be ready.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: AAD160
• 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 liked him. His personality takes some getting used to, but he makes learning comprehensible. He doesn't take excuses and he doesn't beat around the bush. He's straight to the point, and thus we managed to get through all of our lessons with time to spare!

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: AADANY
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

I don't have one bad thing to say about him. You either hate him or love him. He's hilarious & some idiots think hes rude but whatever. Best professor I've had. Be on time, don't text, don't email, don't cry, do your work, & have a desire to learn! He is very knowledged & passionate about graphic design & you will memorize his sayings by wk 15 haha

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: AAD105
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

I've had Downer for Typography, Graphic illustration and Motion graphics. And he is one of the best professors I HAVE ever had. Although his personality often rubs off as self-righteousness,but its just out of good fun. He's very helpful when you need help! And he gives 3 cover days! Which you're allowed to miss 3 classes total! Definitely recomme

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: COM203
• 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:

Jim is an GREAT teacher. Either you get it, and him, or you don't. If you do, you come out with a goldmine of education. If you don't, you whine, complain, lose arguments and eventually drop the course and waste money. His teaching in Motion Graphic and Animation got me a full ride to RISD, and I had no experience in animation before his classes.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: AAD105
• 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:

GREAT teacher! keeps students interested, AAD 105 is a 3 hour class and could be hard to sit through but not with him, assignments help improve skills, quite the character and either you will love him or hate him i loved him, if your the type to hate him you probably dont like to come to school or do work, or like to whine and not follow his rules

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: AAD256
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

The complaints people gave for why you shouldn't take classes with Downer are plain stupid. Downer tells you from day one EXACTLY what to expect. Don't email him, do your work and come to class on time. Simple really. He is very talented and helpful. He will criticize your work to help you improve. Don't be a baby, suck it up and do what's expected

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: AAD205
• 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:

This is my second course with Jim. He's a great teacher. He will push you as a designer. He allows you 3 cover days if you can't attend class. Don't be late. Do your work on time. He's talented, and always makes himself available to students. If you can't handle sarcasm, and the responsibilities of being a college student.. Don't waste his time.