Russell Pensyl is a Graphic Design professor at Northeastern University rated 2.1/5 by 8 students, with 1.8/5 difficulty and 33.0% who would take them again (TRACE + RateMyProfessors + Reddit, updated July 2026).
Russell Pensyl professor reviews and ratings: 2.1/5 from 8 student reviews at Northeastern (33.0% would take again). TRACE + RateMyProfessor + Reddit.
By far, the biggest JOKE of a professor and class I have ever experienced. I head he can be okay for other classes, but for the love of EVERYTHING... do not take ARTH1100. I learned less than nothing. I think this class actually made me stupider. The only good thing about this class is how lax he is with grading.ARTH1100 2021-11-09 18:24:10 +0000 UTC
Yes he used the entire studio and yes sometimes this class was the bane of my existence, but fundamentally I actually got alot out of what he taught us, moreso from office hours than actual studio. He is actually very knowledgeable and I added some pretty cool pieces to my portfolio in the end. Theres a nice balance of UX and UI too.ARTF2223 2021-01-18 22:11:35 +0000 UTC
I took his class and I have no idea what is going on but I still managed an A. I wouldn't say I learned anything though. He's not very clear and unless you play World of Warcraft you probably wont get half of his references.1110 2014-11-20 12:29:00 +0000 UTC
I wouldn't say he's the best professor, but he really does try and I did learn some things in his class. It should not be and is not a hard class, it can be interesting at times and the final projectpaper is very interesting! He is actually pretty legit, but yeah, as a professor I would give him a 3.7 or so.IM1110 2014-11-19 19:25:38 +0000 UTC
Probably my least favorite prof I have ever had. Class is easy, don't get me wrong, but it feels so useless. Prof spends class time telling pointless stories and teaching vocab you will probably never use again. Nothing about this class felt structured or informative. Kind of just feels like busy work. I regret taking this class.ARTH1100 2021-04-12 18:17:50 +0000 UTC
Out of all my years as a student. In high school and college, I have never taken a more useless class. This is the kind of class that asks you to look up at the sky and reflect on how the sky can be perceived as blue. Its terrible, Pencil is terrible. If you take the class just make sure your papers are the right length. Good luck.ARTH1100 2021-01-08 16:27:53 +0000 UTC
I am just happy he gives relaxed deadlines for most assignments. He's a nice professor and wants his students to succeed, and is always ready to help if it's needed.ARTH1100 2020-04-19 01:17:59 +0000 UTC
He self proclaims himself as a misanthrope: someone who "dislikes humankind & avoids human society". His lectures are incredibly long and incredibly boring. His slides and entire blackboard page are disorganized and confusing. I learned absolutely nothing in this class. Complete waste of time, would highly recommend against taking it.ARTH1100 2019-11-20 17:19:56 +0000 UTC
Russell Pensyl has an average rating of 2.1/5 from 8 student reviews. 33.0% of students said they would take them again.
Russell Pensyl's classes have a difficulty rating of 1.8/5 based on student reviews.
Data updated July 2026.