"Both of you made the class a great experience through your patience, humor, support, encouragement and in how you delivered the information to me and my fellow classmates. The movement through illustration programs, to photo manipulation programs to animation and web development programs was obviously strategic in planning; every step proved to be a foundation for the next and as I moved through my self-doubts, a shift occurred for me and possibility came into view.
...My knowledge of graphic design and web design and development, along with [my new home office], provide me with an opportunity to explore a career in art while maintaining accessibility and involvement with my children. In addition, this move gradually leads me to fulfillment where I can have a more positive influence on them as an example of someone who has broken free from a dream of action to take action on a dream.
It is my hope that the CGWP course continues inspiring others to recognize their talents, believe in themselves and equip them with the tools and the power to walk through a door they would otherwise not open. Computer graphics and web design and development are more vital today in visual art, technology and communications than ever, and is growing. As our society relies more and more on computers and our world uses it as a universal instrument, opportunity in this field expands. I am grateful for you both as outstanding teachers and for the vehicle of the CGWP course as an access to art and opportunity. Imagination and knowledge have given me freedom..."
"I am a full time, working wife, and mother of two young children. Going to school at night was a huge sacrifice for my family, but the schedule of class times offered at Bridgewater made it very convenient…and possible for me to complete one of my long time goals. Added to that were two wonderful teachers who understood that we had lives, and created a curriculum that was not only achievable, but as I am finding in the real world, invaluable.
I came to the class with a desire to learn more about the principles of design, and to get “better” at a position I fell into at my job four years prior. Self-teaching graphic design had become a slow and painful process, and I was becoming frustrated with my lack of growth. What I learned in the CGWP, not only the increased my skill level, but more importantly, my confidence in my abilities.
The company I work for financially supported my going to school, and know now what a bargain they got in sending me to BSC...for half the cost of one ad done with a Boston design agency, in one year I saved them $250,000 in advertising and collateral materials. Almost instantly the VP of our Marketing Department, as well as the CEO of the Company saw an increase in both the quantity, and quality of my work. They were able to completely do away with an ad agency monthly retainer, and a separate web design retainer.
...I finally feel secure in my role as the “breadwinner” for my family thanks to my education at Bridgewater. I now feel that I have valuable skills that are in demand (I don’t think the internet is going away any time soon!), and should the need arise, I could find work elsewhere without difficulty. Technology has changed the design industry, and the slacking economy has changed the way companies are doing business. Companies don't have huge advertising budgets anymore, but still have the need to market their products; and more and more I’m seeing that the trend is to bring well rounded, graphic designers “in house...”
"I would like to offer some thoughts in comparing this program with others and to highlight BSC's CGWP unique qualities:
- I have participated in a 4 year program. That's a great way to end up doing projects for a grade and not for real world immersion. One can also lose their focus with unrelated required courses.
- Graphic and Web design principles in the CGWP program are presented very clearly and standards are high. Four year programs are not nearly as clear and practical.
- The instructors are devoted to each student and honest. The classes are small enough for everyone to get great individual attention. Karen Alves and Mike Cronin individually “walk” us to success in a short time. Tell me where you can find that.
- Even other well respected schools which offer certificate courses can take 2 ½ years to complete. That can be very discouraging to an adult, plus personally, I didn't need many of the basic courses that a course like this usually requires. This CGWP course is perfect for someone like me..."
"This course has given me a personal satisfaction, unlike anything else I have ever done to date. It was an intense course, I loved the challenge, I loved rising to your expectations, and then you setting new ones for me. I have grown exponentially. It is amazing what taking on a challenge can do for you. I have more confidence than I have ever had.
...Long ago, I was a computer programmer. Although I loved what I did, I didn’t always care for the people in the field. I am very much a people person, and the typical programmer is not. With my old computer skills to work off of, this course has sent me in a new direction, still working with computers, still programming (websites) in a sense, but I am having much more FUN! I love the new direction my career has taken!.."
"When I first entered CGWP, people often asked me to explain the difference between ths type of program and a one or two-day workshop that teaches a specific software package. I believe the difference is this:
- Any competent trainer can instruct a class on how to use a piece of software;
- It takes thoughtful teachers and carefully-designed curriculum to enable students to understand the many capabilities of various software. Furthermore, it takes excellence to help students understand and develop their own abilities to the point where the student is able to integrate each piece of software into creative products.
...[The results I've had] are not the result of curriculum alone. As professors, you took complicated concepts and broke them into manageable tasks. Effective teachers often do this, of course, but what makes your technique even more beneficial is that we learned both technical steps necessary to become proficient with the various software packages, plus we learned how to generate creative thoughts and imaginative results..."
"It was very exciting to see how I could combine my own art with computer programs such as Corel and Adobe Illustrator. Discovering what you can do with those programs and others was thrilling. Suddenly, I felt as though anything might be possible and I had you and Mike supporting and encouraging me.
I enjoyed the format of the class: labs, individual project work time and the one-on-one training. You geared your teaching toward all levels of experience and I never felt embarrassed or shy about asking questions or needing assistance with problems. Slowly, the vast amount of material covered in the class seemed manageable as time went by..."
"I am amazed at all the skills that I have acquired and techniques I have learned in a short amount of time. Who knew school could be so fun, I can't wait to learn more!
I have to tell you that my boss and co-workers at Jordan Hospital are so impressed with my new talents that my job responsibilities have increased and expanded. I am excited at all the new challenges coming my way..."
"When I was working for an advertising agency back a few years ago we were looking for just this course for the designers and creative people to take to bring their skill levels up to the corporate level this millennium was taking us. A lot of the designers were not skilled in the graphics and web. Most of them only had graphics training and our clientele were looking for more graphic and web design packages. Our designers were very intimidated by what was expected of them and were looking to get the proper training this course offers. We were unable to find the right courses back then. I think if this program were available it would have helped us, and many other small agencies get up to speed to meet the growing demand in today's market. I think it is a huge benefit to them now.
I have found the CGWP course to be both challenging and enlightening. I look forward to coming to class to learn more, or to get the extra help perfecting what I am learning. I love having you as an instructor. You make it seem easy! You teach the class in a very professional but friendly way, you have a knack for knowing when someone is stuck, and you help us individually and as a group to overcome obstacles and to be more confident. Thank you for that..."
"The program went in depth in great detail with the various software programs I needed to use in the marketing world. I learned about the software I needed to keep current and on the cutting edge in an ever-changing business. I learned about the numerous tools available to create and design logos, business cards, flyers, and brochures that I make a living with today. The correct layout necessary to create attractive and eye catching designs that my clients become enthused about for their business.
I used to make a joke in the classroom all the time of how I could be your “poster child” for if “I can do it, anyone can”. Trust me, I am not kidding. Through ten months of on-going classes I learned from the bottom up graphic design and web development. Karen, your creative imagination, and Mike's incredible knowledge of software and hardware nurtured and supported me through all of this. This was a long and difficult process of working a full-time job, attending classes, and completing home assignments. Without your assistance, I would never have received the knowledge and inspiration that I had to become the small business owner that I am today.
More importantly, I know for a fact, had I gone to any other program I would never have received the patience and kindness that you not only showed me, but all of the students within my class..."
"... It was only after I started the BSC program that I realized that I enjoyed the BSC program so much more and that I was learning more than I did at the other program. The BSC program turned out to be a much better value and is now the one I recommend to others.
Several things made the BSC program stand head and shoulders above the other program and many other classes that I have taken during my life. First and foremost, from day one, it was apparent that the two of you really cared if I “got it”. I never felt uncomfortable asking a question. My class had a very diverse skill level. We ran the spectrum with some students having art degrees, real work experience while others were just learning their way around the keyboard. I fell somewhere in the middle. I think this disparity in skill level could have been a problem in the hands of an instructor less patient or someone who did not enjoy what they did. I always felt that each student got enough personal attention and a good amount of advice and tips that would be specific to their individual career goals..."
"This program has already met and exceeded my expectations since I entered in March. Karen and Mike are highly dedicated individuals with a passion for art, who are committed in helping others succeed at their own careers in graphic design and web development. I have and will continue to recommend this course to my peers and professional associates..."
"This class has proven to me that I am creative and that I just have to trust my creative instincts. If I believe that I can do it, then anything is possible for me to make happen. If I hadn’t taken a chance with graphic design, I would have never known how much I value this experience.
...I want to thank both you and Mike for instilling an incredible confidence in me, teaching me just about everything that I need to know in order to make it as a designer. When I look back on the very first days of class, I am astounded at my progress from that first week to today. Enrolling in your course was the best decision that I could have ever made for my career..."
"We have learned some very difficult programs in a short time, and yet I feel very confident about my abilities in them all. Certainly a testament to your teaching abilities.
...So all this is just to say thanks. Thanks for far exceeding the promotions of this program and living up to the word of mouth about you from previous students..."
"I have been to a lot of college classes and have a degree, and have not seen the kind of dedication and support that these two teachers have provided. I feel that they honestly want to see each one of us succeed and are willing to do whatever it takes to get us there. You don’t see that kind of dedication from teachers on a college level, no matter how small the class size..."
"...When I first started my Graphic Design Course, [the instructor] asked the class what would be your ideal job and I knew right away how to answer that. I told her that one day I would love to find a job at where I would love going to every morning, a job that would make me happy. And because of the CGWP course and positive support I accepted a position that I love..."
"...In the end, this class was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I had checked out other schools before deciding upon the CGWP program but their curriculum wasn't anywhere close to being as comprehensive as this one. I'm sure the program has grown leaps and bounds since I attended. It grew during my class after you identified the personality of the class. You made adjustments on-the-fly to meet everyone's needs, which was a delicate balancing act..."
"This program changed my life...I consider myself very fortunate to have received the specialized training that has changed my career path and life attitude.
The program gave me the confidence and the skills needed to apply for and obtain my current position. In my current job I am everything from the Chief Executive Officer to the secretary. In order to survive in the economic climate of today I have become a very versatile employee. I have proven myself invaluable to the small company I work for by putting in place a marketing program, designed and finalized mailings, redesigned our Website and in the process... I have used the skills that I have received at Bridgewater and have made myself a valuable asset to my company. I took a risk, found opportunity and have made a career choice that allows me to enjoy my job...:
"..[So far] we have covered a great deal of material in approximately fourteen weeks. The coursework is hands-on with frequent reference to real world projects and applications that the graphic designer may encounter. The required projects are demanding but relevant to the real life expectations and time frame of a graphic designer in the increasingly fast cycle of business and technology..."
