I've always had the intention of going to graduate school. Since graduating and acquiring my BFA degree, I get the sensation that I'm slacking off (in the educational sense) and stuck in a rut. Also, this ridiculous recession has hit me hard, which only deepens the depths of my rut. The only remedy I can think of is going back to school, using the time wisely to improve my skills as an artist and a storyteller while having the freedom to experiment and explore new avenues of expression. Oh yeah, and make new contacts and network. And let's not forget to socialize with a new crowd of people with similar interests. There are numerous reasons why going to grad school is a good idea. Unfortunately, there are also several reasons why it's a bad or unnecessary idea. Thus creating a dilemma for yours truly.
For a while now, I've planned to apply for an MFA in Illustration. It was my intial choice when applying for college the first time around, but I decided to go for Computer Art (Animation) instead. Don't get me wrong, I love filmmaking and animation in particular. A degree in illustration would help expand my job options, as well as supplement my animation skills. However, not many schools offer graduate programs in illustration. Fine arts, yes. Printmaking, yes. But illustration is no where to be seen. The only schools I've found that offer programs are SVA (my alma mater), Savannah College of Art and Design, Academy of Art in San Francisco, and Minneapolis College of Art and Design. There is also the well-known Central St Martins College of Art in London. The lack of choice for us illustration-types is disheartening.
Except for SVA, all my other options are very far away and involve my moving for at least two years. One even requires me to procure a student visa. Although moving far away from everything I know would mostly likely be an amazing experience that can add to my learning experience, I am not sure I am ready to take such a step. I also have to keep in mind, will moving affect job availability for me. That leads to the ultimate reason to think twice about grad school: money. I was looking up tuition for SVA's program (which is my first pick at the moment) and it'll definitely set me back for a long time. Unless I marry a millionaire or win the lottery along the way. Is it even worth going to grad school in the end? More debt than you'll be able to pay off in one lifetime, the possibility it doesn't improve your chances in the work force, the off-chance that it turns out to be a sucky experience, etc. There is also the horrible chance that I may not be good enough to get into any of the aforementioned programs in the first place. It's arguable that if I just keep applying myself and keep on enrolling in continuing education classes, it would have the same effect as going for an MFA degree with less damage to my wallet.
I still plan on applying to a few places in December (including The Center for Cartoon Studies, which offers an MFA in Cartooning/Comics). I hope by that point, I'll have decided what is best for me. What do you think?
