She doesn't teach with the traditional teaching methods. She's a designer/artist. Follow all directions and pay attention to all details in class. She loves it when students do that. Pretty easy if you're creative.

Great teacher. She is truely an artist. light-heatred and entertaining. Just give her respect and follow her VERY specific instructions for all projects and you will definately get an A. Highly recommended.

love her, and still think about all the wonderful things she taught me

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I loved Mrs. Cottingham! I don't know why everyone doesn't. She is a little cooky but she has such a passion for the subject she is teaching that how can not be a great teacher.

Mixed feelings on this. As much as I hated this class, hated the projects (I felt like I was in kindergarten and they took forever) and as much as I hated getting C's and B's on them, I just couldn't bring myself to hate her. She's just a cute little old lady! It'd be like hating your grandma.

....she is old and knows what she wants*** She has great passion for art, and wants you to learn and feel the passion behind art as well. Most people don't understand her, but I think she is great, and knows what she is talking about~~

shes fun and you get to do alot of different art but she gives alot of hw!!! she also wants it PERFECT!grades hard but she knows her stuff.

WArning: If u dont intend to work SHe will make a fool of you IN front of class! I saw it happen to others. She is a character and eccentric but grades too hard, she wants Perfection! and even if that means one dot missplaced. and she grades unfairly ( depending on what she favors) and is unclear.

She's a really good teacher, you learn a lot in her class. Only problem, it's very time consuming.

cottingham has a lot to teach, you just have to be willingly to learn. she is a hard grader but i learned a lot from her. if you actually want to learn then take her class but don't if you intend on being a slacker.

So I will be the first to say...Ms. Cottingham has frustrated me to the point of wanting to drop the class. BUT, she is a great teacher and you learn a lot from her. Those who have a genuine interest will benefit. Do not expect an easy A, attendance is mandatory and the projects are time consuming! She is also a tough grader.

If you're very creative, Just follow her instructions and you'll get an easy A... If you're not creative, dont take her... She taught me about a lot of Artists, Im a VCOM major and she helped me understand colors more...

True, Miss Cottingham is a bit odd. Yes, she does say woo hoo a lot and tells a story about a placenta rainbow. She can be a little unclear about assignments. But she does knows a great deal about art and is very, very passionate about it. Take her class if you have a strong interest in art and art technique. Otherwise, you'll be miserable.

She's a little cooky because of her age which is literally 75, but she is still teaching becuase she is so passionate about art and teaching us about it. i've had her for color and design and seminar of the arts and i loved her both times. easy classes. she will open up your mind!! you won't regret taking her class.

I respect her, caz her lecture was extremely wonderful ! If you can take her class, you can get high grade ! Even though she is strict, she always give high students !!

I've had Ms. Cottingham for two classes, Color Theory and then Seminar in the Arts. She may seem strange, strict, and repeats herself a lot. But the really wonderful thing about this teacher is that she is there to TEACH you something and her life stories are wonderful and full of life!

Those students who dont like Ms Cottingham are those who arent serious about their edu. Ms Cottingham is a teacher that inspires you to do better at what you're doing and to express yourself through your creativity. Shes always happy&its contagious, whether or not you think she is strange. Shes a strong passionate women and I admire her a lot.

She is great! Will always learn something new from her everyday =) Word of advice to those who slack off, we're paying over 50 grand to be at FIDM. Get your $'s worth! do all your h/w and always right down her notes on the board so you dont say "i dnt know this was due today" to her. shes one of those teachers that is worth the time learn from.

WONDERFUL TEACHER ALTHOUGH, She doesnt own a computer or cell phone,but if you're a student who wants to learn, you work with her.all you have to do is drop off your assignments in her box at fidm if absent.it's not like you dont go to fidm all week so it shouldnt be a problem. you want to get an A, work for it.That's how it is in the real world.

One in a million teacher!

great teacher, full of personality, great to learn from. although assigns more homework than usual, its a college course class, what do you expect?? you'll always learn something new from her =)

Very sweet lady! College is hard so suck it up. If you work hard you do Well. I loved the videos she showed. Even though I did the same projects in highschool, I liked the teacher.

I'm surprised at how bad the comments on here are! This is not a difficult class at all, and Miss Cottingham is actually really nice and gives good advice. She talks a lot about herself, but I think what she says is very interesting. The class is really, really easy but there is time-consuming homework every week. And I hope you like abstract art.

I actually liked her class! She's always happy, smiling, and clearly she loves to teach! yes she's kooky but she's an artist so... Her projects are VERY time consuming but you learn alot! If you're lazy then don't take her class!!!

She's a stickler w/ her rubric. She spells it out pretty clearly - but if you don't read it very clearly, with attention to detail (i.e. make sure you have a museum employee sign your receipt) you'll be docked points left and right. She's an old lady who has seen every trick in the book, and doesn't let anything slide. Yet, she's very kooky.

Cottingham is old school; she is a REAL teacher. She believes in her students, invites everyone's opinions to discussions, and really cares. A lot of class discussions may seem irrelevant to some; however, if you engage in them, they are one of the most beneficial things for your education. keep an open mind, and take the privilege of her class!

Everyone hated her, but if you are able to relate to and understand a passionate and creative mind, you'll love Ms Cottingham. She can ramble a bit and doesn't hand out easy A's, but she's a woman with more love for art and color than anyone I've ever met. If observing and learning from eccentric creatives is something you like, take her class.

Miss Cottingham is a passionate but very strict teacher + has high expectations of her students. She can be unclear at times, so it is important to ask questions if youre unsure about something. Directions for projects must be followed EXACTLY. This class is not for slackers! The work is time-consuming but I learned a LOT from Miss Cottingham.

Im not sure why there are so many negative reviews but I genuinely enjoyed her class. Sure, she gives a lot of work and criticizes your work in front of the class, but its if prepares you for the negativity youre bound to receive from the industry. I learned a lot and honestly, this class is not for slackers. Follow the rubric and be creative.