I know users on this site are probably kinda light right now since admissions seasons hasn't quite started yet.. but for those who are here, I hope I can get some opinions on this!
This debate has been going on in my head for some time now, as I guess I can call myself a "non-traditional design student" --my undergrad degree was in biology but I've always had a thing for the arts and design.. took art classes from middle-high school, took graphic design & AP art in high school (did fairly well), had a portfolio and actually thought about going to art school for UG but was told by my parents otherwise. So I've been out of undergrad for half a year now with a degree I'm pretty apathetic about and have decided to follow my passion and shift career goals to graphic design.
I'm starting to take some extension design courses in my area and really enjoy them, in addition I'm doing some small bits of design work for a small company.. but in general, no solid experience nor honed in skills. I've been looking at a lot of design blogs, reading design books, etc. just to immerse myself in design thinking/culture, and its pretty much all I think about now. I bring a sketchbook around and enjoy drawing random things, drawing type a lot, etc. I've been an avid film photographer for many years, so I'm thinking of putting the two together to create some sort of photo-design project.
Anyhow, my options now are to put together a portfolio to apply as a transfer student for a 2nd BFA, or to a 3yr MFA program such as the one offered at RISD or CalArts, as far as I know, those are the only schools with specific 3yr programs for people without a graphic design BFA, so my options for applying to MFA programs are severely limited. It seems like for most traditional 2yr MFA/GD programs, its expected the students come in with a solid background and GD BFA, so I'm out of luck on that. At the moment, RISD's program sounds most ideal and not to mention they're amazing, but them accepting me? ...sigh I can only dream and hope.
If I were to go the 2nd BFA route, I'd have more schools available to apply to but the scheduling of the sequential classes might not work out so nicely time-wise and I'd be in school for another four years (I was told that by CCA that it would probably take that long, not making it up!) that was quite a turn-off, and considering how much debt I'll be getting into.. I figured might as well make it a master's degree? What are you guys' thinking on this? I know for graphic design, an MFA is not really necessary unless you want to teach, but I like the idea of getting an MFA for personal academic pursuits, potential for more leadership and art direction roles, and also to develop more of a "how to think" and problem solve perspective as well --please correct me if I'm wrong in understanding this. I'm not sure if I'd like to teach, its not a complete no, but at the moment, its not a priority.
I don't want to just learn how to use some softwares and call it a day, I really want to be good. I've been told for as long as I can remember to have artistic tendencies, "a good eye for things" and bottom line is I LOVE this stuff. Lately I've also been dealing a lot with self doubt and fears of failing, which is hard, because as a creative I think you're always hard on yourself. My portfolio is currently nonexistent (I have a lot of photography that I can pull a few from, but need to work on other mediums), and I'm having serious doubts about being ready to apply this year for Fall 2010. I don't want to rush and put together a half-assed application (and not to mention waste money), but at the same time, 2012 would seem so far away.. but then I'll have time to gather myself. My mind has been so restless on this topic... any advice or feedback would be greatly appreciated!! sorry this turned out so long.