Photo by Stefano Principato
It’s official: Craft Your Image is on.
I wasn't sure up until this point whether I would continue to teach “Craft Your Image”, a course I designed and launched in the spring of 2013, to photography graduate students at the Newhouse School, Syracuse University.
The course is designed to do just some of the following:
- Help students feel more comfortable and confident entering the freelance world
- Educate the basics of managing finances (personal and professional)
- Create a website presence
- Get more clarity of their brand
- Zero in on their niche and specialized topics
- Wrap their heads around social media tools and its value
There's more!
Outcomes
I’ve only taught this course for two semesters now and I took the feedback from the first class to apply to the spring 2014 class.
So, last spring, a few undergraduate design majors joined us. I'm proud to share that at least one photographer/picture editor and designer collaboration has turned into a more long-term partnership. It's an outcome that makes me giddy.
And, I also brought in more speakers and more lectures on contracts, pricing, legal matters.
Guest Speakers
I was also able to bring in a few professionals to help fill in with their expertise:
- Seth Resnick, D-65 (Thank you Nikon, B&H. Seth also gave a talk on creativity to a larger crowd at night.)
- Matt Slaby, LUCEO
- Jen Lombardi, Kiwi Creative
- Alexis Lambert, Office of Mayor Alvin Brown
Next year I hope to bring in more great talent into the classroom via Skype.
Reviews
Not everyone in the class felt the class was a success or that I was good at teaching. It’s never easy to hear that someone doesn’t like you or the way you do things (I’ve shared the more negative review below, too) but I was pleased to learn that most were extremely satisfied and felt it was worth their time and money.
Below are what the students had to say.
On the beneficial aspects of the course:
“This course is crucial for any creative venturing into business. Unlike a typical business class, this class doesn’t just talk about business but guides you through the introspective process of determining at your core who you are, what your values are, where your passions lie, and then critically evaluating your business dreams to shape a plan to align your values and passions into a viable business plan.”
“I was able to learn skills and tools that will allow me to move forward in my branding and identity journey independently and from a more informed place.”
On whether the course made one think:
“It definitely has made me think, I never really realized all the work that goes into design and how hard it is. I have a whole new appreciation for design and designers.”
“This course has definitely made me think. It really helped me get a direction to reach for in the future... Ie what where I want to go, what I want to do. It helped me focus where I should be focusing. But it made me really think about how I want my brand to be perceived and how everything fits together to create an image and brand. It also made me think more with design amongst other things to make the brand the most effective it can be.”
On whether the course would be recommended:
“I would definitely recommend this course to a friend. This course covered such valuable material that I think any creative type should be required to take in Newhouse.”
“Yes, it gets you to research not only the photography industry, but who you yourself are as a person. It forces you to question what will make you happy and how to do it. It”
On my strengths as a teacher:
“She is passionate and knowledgeable about her field, She can work with designer/filmmakers/photographers interchangeably. She provide a framework and knowledge base for students to look for the path to a rewarding career. She facilitates open discussion and asks important questions.”
“Debs greatest strengths is that she knows her stuff and the business. She has real life experience. She is also super helpful, kind, supportive. Deb is a great teacher. She pushes you to do better work and improve your branding. She also gives feedback that is constructive and helpful. She teaches in a very clear way while showing us real life examples”
“The teacher’s greatest strengths are her clear, concise presentation style, her enthusiasm for the subject matter and her compassion for students.”
From what seems like the one person who didn't like me, my teaching style or what I had to offer:
“The teaching style, the delivery can be overbearing at times. It can be a drawback.. Not to be as harsh. It’s honesty off-putting and makes us feel less wanting to be engaged, compared to other professors who make the learning environment more welcoming. I really would encourage her to be more welcoming in the classroom environment. If this could be improved, I would recommend this class without hesitation.”
Future Plans
- Offer a similar course geared specifically for MPD (Multimedia Photography & Design) Design majors
- An online course for professionals, recent grads or recent freelancers
Interested in any of my future plans? Please let me know in the comments so I can go to the powers that be and show them real interest!
No Comments.