PNCA v. Lynda.com

Last year I started taking design classes through the arm of Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA). I enrolled in their continuing education program thinking I would work toward a certificate in graphic design.

The quality of the classes/instructors has been hit or miss, with a growing number in the misses column. They have, however, inspired me to work on my own, and I’m currently much more skilled than I was at the start. Plus I love to be around other creative adults who give me inspiration.

I’ve also recently used online tutorials at Lynda.com that give clear, explicit instruction for just about any software program (at $25/month). I can even learn more technical coding skills with their videos.

So I’m trying to decide if I should continue with the PNCA program or just do my own thing. I also wonder…does a certificate in graphic design mean anything to anyone?

Anyone have an opinion or advice?