John Kane is a Fine Arts professor at Northeastern University rated 3.17/5 by 241 students, with 3.52/5 difficulty and 47.0% who would take them again (TRACE + RateMyProfessors + Reddit, updated July 2026).
John Kane professor reviews and ratings: 3.17/5 from 241 student reviews at Northeastern (47.0% would take again). TRACE + RateMyProfessor + Reddit.
Actually might be evil. RunARTG2252 2026-01-27 04:06:08 +0000 UTC
Grades by 2 assignments due on the last day of class. Picks hella favorites and prefers girls. No helpful design feedback from him either. Pick a different classTYPE 2025-04-23 14:13:42 +0000 UTC
either everyone here is a softie or i had john kane while he was feeling particularly kind. hes a wealth of knowledge, and gives feedback thats not just specific to each project but the practice of design as a whole. he treats you like an adult and you will grow as a designer during his class. thick skin is good for you!ARTG2250 2023-08-03 19:27:47 +0000 UTC
John gets a bad rap from a lot of first and second years that aren't ready for his blunt and transparent crits. However, as a third, fourth, or fifth year, you really appreciate how real he is. He cuts all the BS and treats you like an adult. The man is full of funny stories and great convos, and truly rock-solid design feedback.TYPEIII 2022-04-27 15:46:36 +0000 UTC
He is arrogant, condescending, and downright disrespectful. I don't think he was harsh as others have said, just not constructive. He refused to admit to anything being his fault, at all. If we all messed up an assignment, which happened, he blamed us for "not assuming the education" but really he did not clearly explain the concept expectations.ARTF1122 2021-11-04 19:49:21 +0000 UTC
Rly a bad prof. He is very knowledgable in class but you can never access him outside of class. Never reply email. You won't know any grade until all the grades come up after the final week. No syllable. No criteria for grading. He just makes me feel like he can give any grade as long as he likes.ARTG1250 2019-06-22 12:04:09 +0000 UTC
Incredibly knowledgeable. I learned a lot from him. He's brutally honest but in the design profession you need that. You never want to put out bad work.GD1 2018-04-11 12:27:18 +0000 UTC
Kane is hands down the best teacher for typography at NEU, especially for fundamentals. I've taken all Type classes with him--Type1 to Type3. He knows what he's talking about. He has a rep for being "mean", but that's just not true. He's blunt with his critique, and he won't baby you, and will treat you like a designer. You get out what you put in.ARTG3450 2016-12-26 14:52:43 +0000 UTC
No CommentsARTU334 2008-10-31 12:38:55 +0000 UTC
This is a real professor.PDSGN 2008-05-05 12:32:38 +0000 UTC
The man is tough--he'll eat your work and**** it out, but he'll make you a better designer and you'll realize that before the end of your class. He's a brilliant man, and he knows what he's talking about. if you're scared of him, catch him after a smoking break, then he tends to be in a better mood. Do all your work, and pay attention during critsPRINCDESI 2007-04-05 02:31:46 +0000 UTC
John Kane comes off as a scary intimidating man at first- then you get to know him and he's absolutely ****ing hilarious. He's extremely knowledgeable in the subject and will actually EXPLAIN to you WHY your design sucks and what you can do to fix it to make it work. This class is not to be taken by those who can't take criticism- :) Deal with itART1 2006-12-13 01:50:33 +0000 UTC
John Kane is amazing prof and I owe so much to him because I am a better designer after suffering through 4 of his classes. Everyone is scared of him and sure he makes ppl cry, but he is amazing! Just go in w/ an open mind and work really hard and I promise you will thank him later as I have.TYPE400 2006-10-26 16:46:30 +0000 UTC
As a graduate now working in the field, i have the respect for John Kane that i should have had as his student. Remeber what he teaches you and take it seriously.ALL 2005-08-31 10:56:28 +0000 UTC
Arg. The man's a little crazy and super harsh (but in a way most people like.) Dont take his class if youre a whiner or slacker. He's not nice to those types and you def cant get by with a decent grade. Otherwise, if you do your work, youll be fine. He wont be too nice unless youre top of the class. He smells bad-dont get too close when he talks.ART332 2005-08-05 02:55:48 +0000 UTC
John Kane has an average rating of 3.17/5 from 241 student reviews. 47.0% of students said they would take them again.
John Kane's classes have a difficulty rating of 3.52/5 based on student reviews.
John Kane has taught ARTG3350, ARTG4550, ARTG4554, ARTG2252, ARTG2250, ARTF1122, ARTG4551, ARTG1250 at Northeastern.
Data updated July 2026.