For many of us — learning began at an early age and continued through college — but for some reason stopped after getting a degree. Arrested development (not the disorder, band or TV show) for creative professionals is a losing proposition. The term “school” is known as a place to learn and grow.
When we reach an age of choice later in life, some go off to college to study further in a design related area while others dive in and get their education by learning while earning. The specific path is not as important as what you learn, and from whom.
What is most puzzling to me — why after college or working a few years in the biz does learning stop? Change is all around us and our industry is evolving at an alarming pace. To stay current, learning should be too — all of the time. Taking classes in person (Noble Desktop) or online (lynda.com), joining professional organizations (AIGA, ADC, TDC, Spark, CADC) for the latest buzz, creating spec projects or building a new body of work are all ways to keep the learning fires burning.
Never leaving school is a state of mind. Once embodied and practiced, it yields a better outlook with no surprises. Best of all — perpetual offers because you are with the curve, not behind it.
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I agree, gaining knowledge doesn’t have to be in a formal context. Formal education is really to prepare you to face and survive in the real world.
It’s human nature to resist change. We all can’t be leaders, right?
I’m one of those, ‘I can do anything if I choose to’ kinda people. Seeking out knowledge is one of the most exciting quests anyone can have.