Written by Alexander Akande
It seems we live in a world where artistic
validation either comes in the form of insanity (lady gaga-esque style design
and "art"), or in the form of some piece of paper - otherwise known
as a "degree" - acquired after spending a few years stumbling
through art/design/fashion school. Separately, both these factors are enough to
cause a certain level of annoyance, and disgust. Together however, they combine
to form a force strong enough to break the will and dash the hopes of all self
taught and practical aspiring artists/designers. Getting noticed as a designer
without a degree nowadays is about as realistic as getting mauled by flying
pigs, then robbed by one eyed leprechauns on a flying carpet (no offense to
leprechauns or inhabitants of countries where flying carpets are the principal
means of transportation). In less flamboyant words, one would have to be extremely
lucky as it seems the odds are stacked heavily against anyone without a degree.
Sarcasm and poetic license aside, the ease with which millions of untalented individuals, inspired by the bright lights and fame ascribed to designers/artists in the media and through shows like "Project Runway", can apply to university and get a degree is quite infuriating and detrimental to the industry. A lot of these kids dive into university courses in design, with dreams of being the next big thing. A lot of them have realistic interests, but few are motivated by little beyond fame. Fewer still are aware of the various non-technical skills required to succeed as a designer. I do not mean to say universities are useless as a medium, far from it. What I feel however is that the general acceptance of university degrees as a measure of talent and ability in all things artistic is incredibly one-sided, blind and elitist, creating a closed society only accessible to those granted access (through a degree at an elite school).
Sarcasm and poetic license aside, the ease with which millions of untalented individuals, inspired by the bright lights and fame ascribed to designers/artists in the media and through shows like "Project Runway", can apply to university and get a degree is quite infuriating and detrimental to the industry. A lot of these kids dive into university courses in design, with dreams of being the next big thing. A lot of them have realistic interests, but few are motivated by little beyond fame. Fewer still are aware of the various non-technical skills required to succeed as a designer. I do not mean to say universities are useless as a medium, far from it. What I feel however is that the general acceptance of university degrees as a measure of talent and ability in all things artistic is incredibly one-sided, blind and elitist, creating a closed society only accessible to those granted access (through a degree at an elite school).