Preparing for Graduate School

As a recent graduate, I’ve been thinking at length about what drove me back to school—after six years as a professional design practitioner—for a terminal degree in graphic design. Why did I feel the need to pursue an MFA? What did I think earning this degree would do for me? At times the answer to that question seems absolutely clear: I wanted the support of an academic institution to explore interests that usually warrant the need for an environment that entertains more scholarly and experimental pursuits. But, at other times the answer just isn’t there. Was I simply retreating to the safety of an academic setting—avoiding the so called real world?

For some, the milieu of a university setting is all that is needed to make the leap of undertaking a graduate career. For others, the thought of leaving behind the security of a steady income, stable client work, family, and friends is enough to deter the matriculation.

Having a small group of friends that are contemplating the journey, I thought I would share some advice for others considering the same. The decision isn’t easy, but it’s an important one that can shape the rest of your life and your career.

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Studiotwin

I came across this card while sifting through a big box of business cards I’ve been collecting over the years. I’ve had a number of my own cards over the years, but this particular card brings back some memories. I was a student in the Graphic Design program at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. I was immersed in graphic design but still finding my way and figuring out what the profession was actually all about. In many ways I’m still in the same place but seeing it with slightly better vision.

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Thinking per Week

Since graduation I have been running through lists and lists of ideas, thoughts, plans, etc. on a weekly—sometimes daily—basis. Most of the time I try to nab these conceptions as soon as they enter my head—for fear of them vanishing later. I do so by writing them down in my favorite format: lists. I thought I’d start posting a few of each week’s thoughts here in a more public venue. I believe that it’s time I start sharing more openly and more frequently what goes through my head on any given day. Some weeks I can see evidence of a common thread throughout my brain’s ramblings, while other weeks it’s purely random. To kick things off, here are a few nuggs I’ve been thinking about.

1. Design, by its very nature, is interactive.
2. At some point you must stop listening to what you are told to do and just do what you want to do—what makes you feel alive and fulfilled.
3. In your personal and professional lives you’re going to piss someone—or a group of people—off through no fault of your own. It’s just part of life. Keep your head up and continue on your own path.
4. Searching for something, for some sort of purpose or higher meaning, usually costs more effort than it is worth. These types of answers tend to reveal themselves naturally. Ease off and just forge ahead.
5. If you are going to work for someone, with someone, or with a group—make sure that there is something there worth investing your time and effort in. If not, don’t do it. You’ll be thankful you didn’t.
6. I suppose the former statement could be stated as this: don’t work for assholes if you can help it.

More of this coming soon. Like next week. Promise.