Nicole is an inspiring and dedicated force in the classroom. She encouraged me to continuously challenge my creativity, allowing me the freedom to develop a unique artistic voice through the coursework. Her criticism was constructive and honest, grounded in industry standards. This earnest dialog fostered an extremely high caliber of work from the student body, along with a focused and driven work ethic. She is engaging, supportive, and nurturing, truly one of the best professors I have ever had.
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Nicole is a creative and supportive teacher. The classes I had with her were some of the most influential of my college career. The most important thing I learned was that it is not the tool or program you learn that makes you successful it is how you use them. She always pushed each one of us to do the best work we could, in our own unique style. I found her class enjoyable and so helpful in all areas of my study that in my final semester, when I was at my maximum credit load, I chose to audit her class and complete the work for no credit.
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Professor Nicole DiDio Johnson was one of my most influential professors at Parsons the New School for Design.
Professor Johnson also valued creativity in her classroom. As we learned the practical application of the tools, she emphasized an aesthetic sensibility. Work was expected to be technically flawless as well as beautifully designed. This kept me always working hard and pushing myself. It taught me how to be my own critic while creating work at a professional level.
Throughout the semester I built a body of work to start a career on. It was my final project for her class that got me my first job at a top-level post-production studio here in New York City. Professor Johnson gave me the foundation for an incredibly successful career.
Rihanna’s “Rude Boy” music video, which I art directed and animated, is currently the 16th most viewed video on YouTube. I am also responsible for all the graphics of MTV’s new hit show, The Vice Guide to Everything. I do, indeed, contribute my successes to my experience in Professor Johnson’s class.
Professor Johnson gave me a comprehensive understanding of the technology. Her method of teaching gave me the skills to leave her class with confidence and have a successful career in the motion graphics industry.
Gabriel Tick / Illustration /motion / design / gabrieltick.com
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Motion Graphics 1, under Nicole DiDio Johnson, really pushed me to think in different ways about my work. The class was a valuable and rigorous entry into how I can apply myself to using digital media. Nicole really provided an intense and productive atmosphere for the class that was at same time a lot of fun!
Paula Searing / Illustration BFA Candidate, Parsons / www.paulasearing.com
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In the beginning I’d say I was pretty good in After Effects, until I met Nicole. She taught me not only the proper and formal uses of the tools within the program but also taught me the basic requirements of what is to be expected from a professional within the industry. Her critiques were honest and never half hearted, she loves teaching and focuses not only on the program itself but also makes sure that, as practicing artists, we also focus on our bodies and well-being. She has taught me a few health and wellness techniques that have really helped me learn to relax and work well within a stressful environment. Overall, Nicole is a great teacher who not only teaches a very complex program, but also makes sure that we must remember, as artists, our health and well being are very important as we grow in avery stressful field.
Amin Roozitalab / Photography BFA Candidate, Parsons / http://aminroozitalab.com
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Motion Graphics with Professor DiDio was both challenging and enjoyable. She didn’t compare work. Instead, she set project requirements based on what I could improve whether it was in my actual designs or work process. This encouraged me to go beyond my comfort zone. I was surprised because not a lot of professors take the time to listen, and it inspired me not to only work harder but be better as an artist.
Zuri Chung / Communication Design BFA Candidate, Parsons / www.zuri-chung.com
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I couldn’t have been luckier to have Nicole as my first motion graphics professor at Parsons. She has been exceptionally helpful and I value her critiques after every project. She is passionate about her work and for her students. She has been so giving with her time and is always quick to respond to my questions. Her incredible high energy made the classroom a super fun experience!
Christina Lu / Design and Technology BFA Candidate, Parsons / http://ChristinaLu.com
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I was so happy that I was in Nicole’s Motion Graphics class, because unlike so many other teachers, she doesn’t teach to the program, she teaches how to use the program as a tool for doing the things you want artistically. The classroom environment was positive and fun, but directed and constructive, so it always felt like a place where you could focus on learning, and trying new things.
Evan Turk / Illustration BFA Candidate, Parsons / http://evanturk.com
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