“Closer to my dreams/It’s coming over me/I’m gettin’ higher/Closer to my dreams/I’m getting higher and higher/Feel it in my sleep” – Closer by Goapele
I’m finally re-enrolled in school. *claps* I am super excited!!! I only have one year left, three semesters to be exact, to finish the program. In 2005, I went back to school “the first time” to get a B.F.A in interior design. On the first day of class, I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be. The work outside the classroom was extremely time consuming. But I was a dedicated student and eager to learn. I invested hours of my personal time working on class assignments that involved cutting up tiny bits of construction paper, drawing stick figures, mixing colors, and shopping for fabrics. It was like Home Ec. on crack but I enjoyed each and every minute of it. Then life happened and I was forced to leave school to focus on more important things like…PAYING BILLS. Since then I have wrestled with the idea of going back to school. First, school is not free nor is it cheap. I already have a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in another field and those student loan payments are a financial pain in the butt. Second, I question if a degree is really necessary in order to become a successful interior designer. Look at Nate Berkus. He’s a self-taught, sought after, high-end designer. He has a successful interior design firm, a line of furniture and home accessories and an upcoming interior design show. Of course endorsements by Oprah Winfrey have helped his career tremendously. However, Nate was obviously a pretty talented designer before the “O-effect” catapulted him into the public spotlight. There are several other designers like Nate who have made a name for themselves in the design industry. It goes to show if you work hard enough at something and really hone your skills it’s possible to become recognized as an “expert” in any field. *scratches chin*
How has a degree in interior design benefited your career? Do you recommend getting a master’s degree in interior design? Are you a self-taught designer? If so, how did you learn the skills of the trade without going to school? What are your thoughts on on-line interior design programs?
A Design State of Mind 