In the last week before I decided to drop out of the Graphic Design program, I asked around the GD Department for advice to see what others thought about the idea of being in total control, and "going my own route"
Among the people I asked was Francis (I don't know his last name) a second year Graphic Design student at Red River College. After having gone through a similar situation in his previous year of study, where grades in one particular class wasn't up to par with his best expectations, he was able to relate with me much more than any other student I had asked regarding my situation. All in all, his explanations were fair. Tackling it from both sides of the coin, he layed out the pros and cons of staying and going, but at the end of his inspirational speech, I still wasn't convinced that Red River was where I wanted to be. After listening to what his reasons for being in the course were, I left the conversation, under the impression that he was just as lost as many others who were enrolled in the course. That however, is not to say that his reasons for being in the course were pointless or had no meaning or purpose. My argument was simply that, it is possible to achieve equal or even greater success in the design world without a degree from a specialized graphic design institution.
It is my belief that the meaning of success" can be defined in so many different ways, by so many different people, therefore it's true meaning essentially belongs to the individuals who seek it, and not the body of common knowledge who tells us that only through college and university can one reach such a great level of achievement and fulfillment in life.
Among the people I asked was Francis (I don't know his last name) a second year Graphic Design student at Red River College. After having gone through a similar situation in his previous year of study, where grades in one particular class wasn't up to par with his best expectations, he was able to relate with me much more than any other student I had asked regarding my situation. All in all, his explanations were fair. Tackling it from both sides of the coin, he layed out the pros and cons of staying and going, but at the end of his inspirational speech, I still wasn't convinced that Red River was where I wanted to be. After listening to what his reasons for being in the course were, I left the conversation, under the impression that he was just as lost as many others who were enrolled in the course. That however, is not to say that his reasons for being in the course were pointless or had no meaning or purpose. My argument was simply that, it is possible to achieve equal or even greater success in the design world without a degree from a specialized graphic design institution.
It is my belief that the meaning of success" can be defined in so many different ways, by so many different people, therefore it's true meaning essentially belongs to the individuals who seek it, and not the body of common knowledge who tells us that only through college and university can one reach such a great level of achievement and fulfillment in life.
...
After listening to the opinions of other students, I decided to ask what the Instructors thought of the of whole 'creative independence movement' thang and all the possibilities of obtaining a respected level of professionalism...without the college education. Surpirsingly, two of my instructors were supportive of the idea that a strong portfolio takes precedence over the importance of a diploma when looking for work. Of course, that all depends on what type of work it is. In my case, '(the aspiring illustrators' case), it was excactly what I wanted to hear.
Neil Mcinnes (as shown above), is the bald headed man with the 411 on the Basics of Form. His assignments inspired this "fEARS" piece in such that, the lines represent structure, and movement holds a very similar format to one of the assignments he issued out to us months back. Only difference in this case, is that there is meaning behind this one. The lines painted in this piece represent directions, while the Ear with the big belly-looking figure represents "the body of common knowledge". All the lines move in different directions, but atleast one line connects Francis to the ear, and the ear to Mcinnes. I am not in the picture, simply because I prefer to be outside the box.
Looking ahead,2 or 3 years from where I was then, I saw myself sitting in an office chair glued to a computer screen, internally screaming the words "shoot me now" while designing brochures, and 3 fold pamphlets for some randumb travel agency while reminiscing of all the things I "could have been" if only I applied myself in a different way. I didn't want to be creatively drained after an 8 hour work day, coming home with nothing inspiring to give to the blank canvas sitting at home. Of course, these were all speculative thoughts on the future, but the stories of depressed designers surrounding my big dreams and aspiratoins doomed me and my expecations of its typical work environment. Not long after, did I come to the realization, I would rather work for my art, than let my Art work me. I believe my excact words were " I don't want to sleep on my art, I want to sleep with it, make love to it, and give birth to more creations, without pressure, without fear, and without someone looking for my shoulder to tell me what I am worth.
I wouldn't say that enrolling was a waste of time, and neither would I boast about the claim that school is nothing but bullshit. Like most things in this world, it has its ups and downs. I will say that what I learned for those three months while I was there was well worth it. Had I not been there, I probably would have continued on, parading around, bragging about how I am a designer (look at me!!), when infact, the more I look at my strengths and qualities as someone who creates...I would say that I am a fine artist more than anything. The principles of design have stuck with me, but not fully, and to be quite honest, I like it that way.
Looking ahead,2 or 3 years from where I was then, I saw myself sitting in an office chair glued to a computer screen, internally screaming the words "shoot me now" while designing brochures, and 3 fold pamphlets for some randumb travel agency while reminiscing of all the things I "could have been" if only I applied myself in a different way. I didn't want to be creatively drained after an 8 hour work day, coming home with nothing inspiring to give to the blank canvas sitting at home. Of course, these were all speculative thoughts on the future, but the stories of depressed designers surrounding my big dreams and aspiratoins doomed me and my expecations of its typical work environment. Not long after, did I come to the realization, I would rather work for my art, than let my Art work me. I believe my excact words were " I don't want to sleep on my art, I want to sleep with it, make love to it, and give birth to more creations, without pressure, without fear, and without someone looking for my shoulder to tell me what I am worth.
I wouldn't say that enrolling was a waste of time, and neither would I boast about the claim that school is nothing but bullshit. Like most things in this world, it has its ups and downs. I will say that what I learned for those three months while I was there was well worth it. Had I not been there, I probably would have continued on, parading around, bragging about how I am a designer (look at me!!), when infact, the more I look at my strengths and qualities as someone who creates...I would say that I am a fine artist more than anything. The principles of design have stuck with me, but not fully, and to be quite honest, I like it that way.
In conclusion..At the end of the day, (in this Box we live in) it's about how much money you make to get by with, but at the end of this precious, precious lifetime, it has nothing to do with money, but rather everything to do with heart. Balance is Key, as I will continue to say from this day forth. Therefore I SHALL PROCEED. (yes indeed!) to find the fine line between designer and fine artist, combining sharp technical precision with the finesse passion and creativity to create this beautiful path ahead of me. Both are essential, but ultimately, for me, it is the voice in the heart that speaks louder than the voices in the mind.
"...without fEAR...
listen to your heart"
With New years around the corner, people have been waiting eagerly to begin their resolutions for the upcomming 2009 year. I say, "why wait?". Who needs a holiday to tell you how to celebrate, or set goals to re-evaluate your lifestyle and integrate new strategies on how to live a more promising one .It's best to just get started already.
