Michel Balasis - Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL

Professor: Michel Balasis

Department: Fine Arts

College: Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: FNAR233
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

If you are looking to learn the very basics of the Adobe programs, go for this class. As someone who has experience in them, I did not learn much. He is good at explaining the tools, but only wants you to fulfill his requirements rather than make your art actually look good. Is also very touchy-feely, would stay away if possible.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: FNAR233
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Clearly Balasis takes no pleasure in teaching. He looks at the clock more than the students and always leaves early. If this wasn't a requirement for my major I would never take it. The only thing I learned in this class was to avoid Balasis.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: FNAR233
• Grade Received: C+
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I will never do art again.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: FNAR334
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

While this was a great class from a design perspective, don't take it if you're looking to learn the ins and outs of the actual Adobe programs. We learned 2-3 tools and then he was done teaching. Didn't learn any new tools past week 3 of the semester. He's also very repetitive and can be condescending.

Rating # 5

Overview:

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

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

Comment:

he takes design seriously and grades fairly based on skill and ability. ive taken him twice and loved both classes. he rarely gives out A's; you have to really earn it. take this class if you are serious about design, its not an easy A

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: VECTOR
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

I honestly loved his class. He's a tough grader, so don't expect and easy A. However, the actual class was really enjoyable and he's a nice guy. I looked forward to going, it's a relaxing class and you learn a lot. Work hard, be on time, and you will get a lot out of this class.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: FNAR233
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Honestly, I learned nothing new about photoshop and illustrator. I had to do all the works based on what I already knew. He doesn't teach very well. He always let the class out early, and it seems clear that he doesn't like anyone who stays longer. Also, he's a big creeper. If you're a girl, try to avoid him as much as possible.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: FNAR233
• 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:

Michel is the bomb! If you do your homework and listen to his advice, not only will you get an A but you will learn how to design. Simply put: go into class not knowing a thing about Adobe and leave with the ability to use Adobe software he didn't even teach you about. Wouldn't have gotten the internship I did without this class.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: FNAR233
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Kind of a weird guy, and he might pick on you all semester, but he's a great teacher. He's lenient with his grading and you learn an awful lot. The class isn't a lot of work, and it's tons of fun.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: FNAR333
• 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:

Had him twice now- fantastic teacher. Balasis is interesting, helpful, and supportive. He wants you to do well and appreciates individual design styles. DONT BE LATE- he hates it.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: FNAR233
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Two words: Plays Favorites. He is also a creeper... The projects are fun, but if he doesn't like your style or you in general, good luck getting an A on any of them. I guess he teaches the programs ok, but I've used the programs before and I didn't really learn anything new.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: FNAR233
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I'm not really sure why everyone loves this guy so much. He is pretty full of himself, and he doesn't take the time to teach the programs very well. Your grade pretty much depends on whether or not he likes your artistic style. I don't recommend taking this class.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: COMPGRAP
• 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:

Tough, but fair. He does teach, but it's not like he can teach 3 entire programs in one semester. He expects you to do your part learning, but if you have ANY questions he's willing to help you out. He has a sense of humor, but I wouldn't say he's full of himself. Show him you put a lot of thought and effort into your projects for an A.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: FNAR233
• 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:

This class was awesome. He works hard so everyone knows each other. I got really close with a lot of people in class. The assignments were all VERY applicable to a job. He won't hold your hand through the adobe programs, its very good if you like to learn on your own with someone there to guide you if you need it. Hardly any written work. Awesome!

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: FNAR233
• 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:

He's kind of oblivious at times, but I think Balasis is awesome. He knows his stuff, and though he tries to get you to learn some on your own, if you reach out to him for help, he's cool about it. He often talks about his lame paintings that he works on when he's not teaching, which is annoying. Also, he's a former kicker for the MSU football team!

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: FNAR233
• 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:

Michel Balasis is a rockstar. Take him if you have the chance!

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: VISIII
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

It was a fun class but I didnt get my money's worth. This is from Viscom III & IV. Balasis is still a fun teacher, however I think Dale Shidler that taught Viscom before Michel was a better teacher. At least he taugh this students how to utilize the software/hardware.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: FNAR112
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Greatest teacher I have ever had. Design is not really my area but he addressed any questions or concerns I had.He is tough but it is for your benefit and you will get so much out of his class. His art work is awesome even though it is different then mine but he respects everyones styles and encourages them and he is certainly not a creeper.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: FNAR112
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Not a good teacher, very full of himself and only likes your art if you have his style. Try not to miss a class because going to visit him during office is hours is a waste of time! All he will do is talk about himself and his own art, which is basically cartoons. Try to take another teacher if possible, especially if you are a girl. creeper!

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: FNAR333
• 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:

I had Michel for both computer graphics I and II and I definitely plan on taking him for III. He's an AWESOME professor. Funny, knows his stuff for sure. He usually has you figure out the programs on your own, and definitely doesn't do your work for you. Easily my favorite professor at loyola. Kind of tough grader though, don't expect an easy A.