Do I need a Degree?

**SallyJackson** · November 27th, 2009, 05:13 PM

I am currently studying a degree in Illustration. I am really not enjoying my course at all; in fact it is killing my passion for art. I feel as though the tutors are trying to make us become fine artists rather than illustrators. I am considering dropping out but I am worried it will be a big mistake. Is a degree really necessary in order to become a successful illustrator? I would really appreciate some advice

Thanks.

**Hyskoa** · November 27th, 2009, 05:37 PM

Is a degree necessary? No. Your portfolio is what people will judge and give you jobs for.
But if you already have several years done in a school and just need a little bit more for a degree, finish it, at the very least it will show potential cliënts that you have the willpower to finish something.

**Elwell** · November 27th, 2009, 05:46 PM

http://www.conceptart.org/forums/sho...d.php?t=102315

**SallyJackson** · November 27th, 2009, 06:00 PM

Thanks so much for the replies thus far. I am only in my 1st year, but the reason I am jumping to such hasty decisions is because if I do drop out before Christmas I get my money refunded.

Thanks so much for the link also, it was very encouraging

**Pennyj** · November 27th, 2009, 06:58 PM

10. Art school recruiters will say anything they think you want to hear in order to get you to go. The best way to find out the truth about where you are going to study is to visit the school.

11. Ask to see the faculty work of those whom you will study under. If you blindly attend because of reputation you may find that you have instructors who cannot do anything of the sort that you wish to learn yourself. ie if your instructor is a fine artist who makes everything out of balls of rice, you are going to have a very hard time learning composition and color theory from them. Find out who you are studying under before you spend six figures on an education...that even applies to the more affordable solutions at the state or community level.

Personally these are the things I needed to know before going to art school. I would drop out tomorrow if I hadn't already done over half of the course. Also, in my experiences with employers, the people who ask about your degree are usually from the pokey non-creative end of things.