Russell Taylor - Simon Fraser University Surrey, Surrey, BC

Professor: Russell Taylor

Department: Graphic Arts

College: Simon Fraser University Surrey, Surrey, BC

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: IAT233
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

I learnt so much in this class, Russell has a fantastic mindset and is very rational. Show up, do your part, and learn the material and you'll do fine. He's tough in 233, but he gives praise when due and is actually really nice. Despite some claims, taking the class with your friends won't guarantee a good mark. Your group still has to earn it.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: IAT233
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

As someone who originally wanted to be an architect, Russ was amazing, inspirational, and I learned a ton about design in general. BUT I also blacked out on the train one day after pulling an all-nighter for this class. Typically, listen to Russ' feedback, but if you have a valid, strong reason to ignore him and take a risk, please take the risk!

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: IAT233
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Didn't give me any feedback

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: IAT233
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Hands down best SIAT prof ever. Clear, intense, pushes you to work hard in whatever you do. All SIAT courses should be structured like his. Even though I am not strong in design, I learned so much.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: IAT233
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

And I couldn't fit: Xiaolongbao The little man Gotta have the skillz Diverge & converge Cut off the roller wheels Show dont tell Dont design in your head No space planning No handwaving during presentations Never make a diagram of a map Design is in the form

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: IAT233
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

REMEMBER: Eliminate visual distractions Know the grammar French opinion soup Stay on the project road or you'll be in a ditch w/ your wheels spinning Quality control management (QCM) If you put lipstick on a pig, it's still a pig Gotta have a high batting average Don't play find the pony No SIAT sandwich Its in the form or it isnt YOU GOTTA CARE!

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: IAT233
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Take this course and become a better designer. The man has built a reputation in this faculty, and for good reason. He'll make you do a ton of work, but I guarantee you it will be some of your best work so far.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: IAT233
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

He is one of the best prof in SIAT and he is the reason I am in design. The course load is heavy but try to enjoy and you will learn a lot. Be prepared for sleepless nights especially in Seattle. Some people don't like his personality but I found him super inspiring.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: IAT233
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

You will learn a lot in his class.. amazing teacher

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: IAT438
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Took 233 and 438 and yes he's tough, especially in 233. But it's tough love b/c he wants you to know the stuff, do it well+start getting a gist of the professional world asap. If you're avoiding him/438 b/c of rumors or stuff back in 233, you're missing out big time. And fyi, much nicer in 438. Still lots of work, but trust me you'll WANT to do it

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: IAT233
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Russell is probably the greatest instructor in SIAT, hands down. Knows his stuff and really communicates it well, and tries to clarify through email whenever possible. Great knowledge on subject material and gives good feedback -- I've learned more from him alone than all from all of first & second semester combined. All in all, funny and cool guy.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: IAT233
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Can't say enough about Russell. He's great and VERY passionate about design, he can be intimidating at first but once he warms up to the class he's really fun to be around. The assignments can be tough but not impossible. He's great with his critiques, gives really good feedback for work. I'd take him as prof for every class if I could.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: 233438
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

If you want to succeed in SIAT, or in real life, take his classes. NOW.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: IAT233
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Anyone who hates this Prof is an idiot. I learned more from this one class then 2 years of university and its carried over to everything I do in my life. The class takes away your life, but you learn so god dam much. Groups can be a problem sometimes, expect all nighters, but everything he does is fair and for a reason. He will always give reasons

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: IAT233
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Russell's famous at SIAT, and for a good reason: he is a phenomenal instructor. I recommend working with ambitious, calm, and considerate people. Try to minimize drama in your group, because there most likely will be some. Special shoutout to Maryam for being the most dedicated TA I've ever had the pleasure of meeting.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: IAT233
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

He is passionate and intense. His briefs are long and complicated. DO NOT TAKE MORE THAN 2 COURSES during your semester with him. Maybe 3 if you dont work. He does teach but you have to learn a LOT by yourself. I would advise gaining technical Indesignsketchup skills beforehand. It's a TON of work but you do learn a lot from the experience.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: IAT233
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

It's basically the architect design class. You will do more research and concept than design. Not like IAT102 at all. I always can't the brief(lec notes) . way too long and not straight to the point. you will do most his work everyday like hell. Max 2 courses i will suggest to take in a term. Enjoy his hell lec! good luck! but you will learn a lot

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: IAT233
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

He really really needs to calm down. He treats you like you are a grade 1 student. Makes you feel like "How dare you not do this homework assignment properly? I don't care you had no clue what to do because I didn't teach that". His 50 pages briefs that have instructions all in capitals and don't dare to miss any point or you are screwed.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: IAT233
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

He is the best prof. that I have never seen before!! Try to enjoy this hell then you will like it!!! :D

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: IAT233
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

He's definitely a passionate professor. The project levels increase in difficulty as the course progresses so we can learn as much as possible. So far however, all of his weekly assignments are cryptic; how he wants the assignment done - is for some reason - only made clear the day it is due. He's intimidating at first, but has a soft side.