He loves looking at the women, pretty easy class.

Don't let not-so-serious students tell you differently -- Varland is one of the best profs at SCAD. So much passion and energy for art, and -- just keep an open mind, do your best work, and you'll learn so much. Very sensitive, will always help you out.

I highly recommend this teacher if you like someone to really teach you, He has his own style of teaching and I think it's great.

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he's a little strange sometimes but the way he looks at everyday life is amazing

Prof Varland is the man, he knows what hes talking about, he loves art, and loves to teach it. Not a slacker class - worth the work you put in.

Varland was an overall good teacher. He was a little unclear at times and a little hard on grading, but I learned a lot and he really makes you look at design in a whole new way.

Possibly the Scad equivalent of Chuck Norris. Taking his class is often a very eye-opening experience. He makes you /want/ to make portfolio worthy pieces. Fantastic projects and very engaging critiques - couldn't ask for more in a great teacher.

Great professor. You will not get anything for free from him though. Instructs on techniques, exercises in class and at home before any project is done. Just ask for extra help session and you got it. Very acceptant to various style of art, drawing...but you must work within given parameters.

Varland is a really great person--I really enjoyed his lectures and thought that he was very helpful. He was also very understanding when I had an illness and offered a lot of extra help in and outside of the class. His projects are VERY time-consuming and sometimes a bit difficult. YOU CANNOT SLACK OFF.

took 4 classes with him. very helpful, requires abstract thought, challenges students in assignments and discussions. never a blow off class no matter the subject. you need to be deeply invested in the class to shine. slackers and the apathetic will be ignored if not punished. be prepared to always take constructive criticism.

Joel is a good guy. He really cares about 3D. He seems to be a constant 3D recruiting commercial. Sometimes he contradicts himself.His projects were not hard, but very intense and involved. I spent most of my time on his projects and I a photo major. If you are looking for a class to challenge you, this is it.

Joel Varland is an excellent professor. He is honest,and gives great critiques. If you ask for it, he will give you all the help you need. If you don't put real effort into his class, you won't get anything out of it. He has a real knowledge of color and creativity, and has an amazing outlook. As far as color theory classes go... it seems like

Although vague, Varland is a great teacher. He's odd but interesting, and is very helpful when you have questions. The work is time consuming, and the book wasn't used all that much. You will be forced to attempt to think outside the box, and you are expected to participate in all class critiques. Overall, a somewhat challenging but fun teacher!

Joel Varland is extremely educated when it comes to color and its application; however, the amount of work that he gives is incredulous and I wouldn't suggest this teacher if you are a slow worker, are new to painting, and don't have a lot of spare time on your hands. If color theory is something you need a strong basis in, I would suggests him.

Varland is awesome! He knows quite a bit about a lot. The first half of the class was more structured and by the second half it was more free form. The projects are are fun specially towards the end. I learned a lot of random things and although color theory was not drilled into my head, I still somehow learned it through other ways.

Color Theory is a good class for him. He wears orange alligator boots and has red/ yellow glasses. Set your standards high for the first two projects. He'll think highly of you for the rest of the class. If you get a bad grade, just talk to him about it-he might bump it up.

Though he doesn't want to be called dude, he's one of the coolest yet most brilliant professors at scad and i was so lucky to have him this quarter,

One of my favorite profs. If you go into his class willing to put in tons of work, and with an open mind, you will do well. I learned so much from him, and he is so passionate about what he teaches. Critiques are very thorough and he often lets you work more on your project. He's a very interesting guy, and his classes are worthwhile.

One of the best teachers I've ever had

I had Varland for color theory and it's not that he's a bad teacher but the class in itself is very demanding and time consuming. The first few classes we went over basically all we needed to know and then it was working on projects that are a pain. Some are more fun than others, just make sure to turn it in on time. He's a nice teacher and helpful

Varland was one of the most inspiring teachers I've had. He is very passionate about 3D design. As a graphic designer, being forced to consider all sides of a structure was difficult. I struggled in the beginning, but Varland was extremely helpful. If you want to succeed, come to class. He is unorthodox as well, so be prepared to get off subject.

Varland is the professor you will remember till your dying day. Extremely knowledgable and has great taste. he is laid-back as a person but really teaches well. Alot of fun and interesting discussion and very thorough critiques. if you want to learn and make work youll be proud of then take him. well worth your parents' $.

I really learned a lot in this class. You have a project assigned every last class before the weekend, then have critique the first day of the following week. His crits are very thorough, and you have the chance to take the project home and fix it before next class afterwards. Oh and get your gallery and lectures in & keep up with your sketchbook!

I have taken him multiple times and I am entranced by his vast knowledge of art & design. He'll work you to death and he demands excellence from you. He will not settle for decent work he wants your absolute best. And by best your actual BEST. Blow everyone out of the water on your first project and he'll have respect for you.

This is by far one of my favorite classes I have ever taken. Varland will make you work hard and exhaust you, but if you do the work and appreciate what he is trying to teach, this class will change you. I have learned so much and woke up wanting to go to his class. I definitely recommend him as a professor.

Took him for all my foundations. You don't realize how much you learned until after the class and it really sticks with you. If you are lazy don't take him - he wants your BEST. I can't even explain how much I learned by taking him 4 times. Awesome professor. Don't waste your money on easy foundation professors take varland.

Varland is can be strict and tough but he takes a personal interest in every students growth as an artist. He will push you to do your best work. You will get your moneys worth out of this class. I will remember what he has taught me until my dying day. He is incredible. Be open to learning & trying new things & soak up his knowledge while you can.

Very good. Not much more can be said, he is open to ideas and concepts that are further away from the norm than others might be. He cares more about teaching and the student's learning than just about anything, very caring guy. I have taken him 4 times now and would recommend him to anyone.

Varland is a great professor!

Varland is deeply inspiring and a very unique teacher. If you care, take him. If you don't, do not. He has awesome lectures and keen insights.

Varland is literally Bob Ross. He is all about emotions and feelings provoked by art. He sticks to the book, though and shows no mercy for underdeveloped work. Very hard to keep track of your grade in his class, but it motivates you to do your best on everything just in case. Well worth the time and gouache spent.

Varland was the best professor I had my freshman year. I took him all three quarters and would keep taking him if I could. He really tries to personally get to know each and every one of his students and is genuinely interested in you as a person. He can be a tough grader but he will always respect your opinion on things and take it into account.

He is open minded to people who actually TRY and show what they're capable of. If you aren't willing to give your all then go back to high school and stop complaining about teachers that actually challenge you.

He knows telekinesis and will push you so hard until you physically explode. Beware that you will master the art of procrastination trying to go through the atrociously detailed textbook. Overall, tough and will force you to learn charcoal. FAST. "Failed drawing an egg with Charcoal? Try this complicated still life!" that quick. It worked though!

Clear and inspirational lectures.

He has a system and it's easy to pass once you understand what his expectations are.

Tons of work, tough critiques. Your designs will be turned inside out. He's also one of the most compassionate professors I've had, and is clearly passionate about teaching. I worked my ass off in his class, but had trouble at the end and he bailed me out, as well as left me with some incredibly kind parting words. He made me a better artist.

There's a project every weekend, but there really interesting and he pushes you to become better. His lectures are interesting and you learn a lot from his class, by far one of the best professors I've had. He's there to help if you need any further information on the project or critique. Your grade is how much you put into the class pretty much.

My favorite teacher! Yes, he is hard and will push you but you will create your best work in his class! He goes out of his way for his students and is very passionate!I would take him again!

He is passionate and cares deeply about his students. He wants you to explore Savannah and take full advantage of the college experience. Your enthusiasm can affect your grade so if you convince him that your project has a meaning and that you pushed yourself he will give you the grade you want regardless of your skill level.

Had his color theory class for my first quarter at SCAD and couldnt be happier with the class. Yes he is a tough grader but if you are enthusiastic about his class and are willing to put in the work and time it is an easy A. I dont really understand why he has such a bad rap but if you are at SCAD to work the hardest possible, I recommend him!!

I definitely worked my butt off in this class, but it was so worth it. Varland is extremely passionate about color theory and hes such a cool teacher to listen to and talk to. The homework load is heavy, but if you put in the work and time manage you will be ok. The projects are fun and he really lets you explore and just have fun with color!

Definitely got off to a rough start, but prof Varland is a great guy who has a strong passion for teaching design, and color specifically,loves what he does with all his heart, allows a lot of creative freedom, but does give quite a bit of homework/studies outside of class. Aside from the textbook work(which still baffles me)his projects r very fun

Hes a hippie, low key guy who is funny and strong minded. He has NO filter, and will speak his opinions about your art openly. He makes you work for your grade, but isnt harsh about it. Down to earth guy, I'd love to have him as a teacher again

Joel can tell when students don't put much effort into their projects and he calls them out on it. Do the work, put in effort, and you will learn a lot. I enjoyed him and have taken a second class with him on purpose!

This is one of my harder classes but it is my best class. He is so inspirational and he pushes you to be the best artist you can. I have taken his class twice now and hope to take it again. He really makes you think, your art will make loops.

Very unpredictable. There was rarely any test in his class. In my opinion he gives Excellent constructive criticism. Do not be intimidated or embarrassed if he rips you're artwork up, he means well and just tries to open your mind up more to think outside the box.

great guy, has well organised classes

I preferred having Professor Varland for either 2D Design or Color Theory. This was my least favorite class he taught. However, I did learn a lot and have newfound love for working with my hands. The projects were pretty interesting and I always love the self directed project option for the final :)

Honestly, I don't know where Joel Varland gets his bad rep. He's a very solid professor, and he goes out of his way to help his students succeed. If there's an issue with your grade, talk to him. He's very understanding. He will push you to do better and better, and it may seem overwhelming, but he's doing it to help you. Awesome professor!

I found Varland to be an interesting guy. He's one of few professors I've had that actually gives solid critique rather than just hand out compliments. He may seem a bit rough around the edges and odd at first, but he has a good sense of humor and is really passionate about art. I learned so much from him and my drawing technique really improved.

He is sometimes unclear with project explanations but he provides briefs on blackboard. He really makes you think and he views the world in an interesting way, which helps with inspiration for his projects. Communication is important with him and he is honest.

Joel clearly has a lot of passion for what he's teaching but he can be really harsh if you don't work hard. The students that did best in this class connected with him at the beginning and made an effort to have a friendly relationship. If you're one of his class favorites he'll let you get away with putting in less effort.

Straightforward projects: knew exactly the skills I needed to apply but directions are sometimes unclear. Interesting guy with passion, sometimes out-of-pocket, values participation- not for everyone. Only class I stayed up for; thought I was a workaholic but it was just his class... A LOT (!!!) of work but definitely made me a better designer.

I loved prof varland. so funny and loved his lectures. I took him fall 2022 and really enjoyed and grew in his class.

Ahh, Varland. I think the biggest thing is that he is very harsh during critics. He loves to give positive feedback, but he doesn't hesitate to tell you how it is. If you slack off he will call you out for it, and if you do well he will praise you for it. We had three projects this quarter and each one was very straightforward. Follow the rubric!

If you have an open mind and are ready to work hard then you will love him. Gives amazing feedback about your work as well as career/life advice. Definitely in my top 5 favorite teachers! He does assign a lot of homework but in the end, it does help so much and makes your craftsmanship skills better. Only take him if you're willing to put in time

I liked him a lot. He's just how you would expect a Professor at art school to act, pretentious but he is incredibly knowledgeable. If you listen to him you will learn. The only thing he has a very clear vision of what he wants from you and it's often not very creative. He often rewards mediocre work vs really good work that took a few risks.