if you have the money and desire, keep going to school.
But leave before it gets too cozy.

hhp

Ling go to RISD, its close and outstanding. Plus visit this site often lots of creative experts here. Dan

One reason I might consider going on (continuing) with education, would be those with whom I would be learning and those from which I would be learning. Consider, peers and educators. Which schools offer leaders/teachers that would inspire you to push yourself? Post-graduate and Graduate shouldn't be about enhancing your portfolio, so much as expanding and engaging your mind.

I have hooked on this site and speak up. I got so much valuable insights. The sense of sharing feels so great.

I have read some info on the grad programs, each school has a very different vison. Some are very theoretical-based, ie RISD. I assume a student will gain lots of exploratory pleasure in those programs. But, as I read more about Portfolio Center, the program is very pratical and fun. This might help if I want to launch a better career. mh...I donno...just confused...

Ling, I went to RISD for undergraduate school and had an amazing experience. However, my opinion of the grad students was not as good. My freshman year most of them seemed very intelligent and dedicated, however; by the time I was a senior, the new crop of them seemed uninterested in doing any work or learning anything, only in getting a degree (not all of them, if they are reading this and know where I live. Seriously). Overall, my opinion of the grad program there is mixed. If you're very dedicated to learning, and look for the teachers who will give you the best education, then it might be worth it. I hear Tom Ockerse is a great guy to work with. But I've heard that Yale has a better reputation as a grad school for graphic design and is very similar to the RISD undergraduate program.

Yes, RISD is conceptual and will help you with your execution. But it really depends on how much you're willing to push yourself. The more practical stuff - such as learning computer programs, collaborating with clients and printers - isn't what they teach. At least, they didn't teach stuff like that for more than a day when I was there. There were seminars, but we were so overloaded with homework no one had time to go. But that kind of stuff is the kind of thing you learn with experience - the experience you probably already have.

Providence is a fantastic city with a great arts scene. I love Boston more, but I still miss little Rhody.

I hope this helps.

If you can possibly afford it, go to the place and talk to students and teachers. Your face to face intuition tells you so much that is important that you can't get from brochures.

If you are thinking of European schools, that might be more difficult, but actually flying to Europe is probably no more expensive than to California from Boston.

A school is only as good as the instructors that are there at the time you attend. Do you have a specialty you wish to pursue, e.g., illustration, or typography? I'd shop around for people that are exceptional teachers in your specialty. A Masters degree would allow you to teach, but I'm not sure if that's what you're after.

There's a book out you might check out called "The Education of a Graphic Designer" by Steven Heller.

Art schools focus more on concept in upper division classes. But that assumes you have the prerequisites of being able to draw well, have a good background in color theory and art history, cognitive skills, plus decent computer skills. And don't forget business classes, Lord know how many designers go under each year from poor business practices.

Thank you all for the advice.

I do not have a chance to get a 4 yr BFA education. I really wish I had now. I have learnt on my own and from work mostly, and I know this is not enough. I know the best is to surround myslef with great talented people. That's why I think about going back to school.

This is where i am now http://lingwong.home.mindspring.com/

Two friends of mine are in the graphic design MFA program at RISD. They speak very highly of it.

Hello biochemist turned graphic designer.
I'm a physisist turned graphic designer.

No BFA or MFA. I think the place it makes the most difference is in my own head. Career wise, it really is about the work. The degree might open a few doors.

If I was to go back now, it would be for type. Not sure where, but I've always wanted to live in England again (Reading?). In the states I think I'd choose Yale, then perhaps RISD. Not sure about them for MFA with Type focus.

Randy