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AMA: Tobias van Schneider, Designer & Maker

over 7 years ago from Tobias van Schneider

  • Mihai SerbanMihai Serban, over 7 years ago

    Hi Tobias, I know this has been discussed in the design community few times before but how important do you think it is to have a degree in the design industry? As I could read in your bio you have dropped out of school at 15; did you regret your decision at some point or did you feel any kind of social pressure as a consequence to your decision?

    1 point
    • Tobias van Schneider, over 7 years ago

      Hi Mihai

      That's a fantastic question! Let me get right into it:

      1. I don't think a design degree is needed in the design industry, there are many who don't have one who would agree with that. But that said, it doesn't make it easier to not have one, quite the opposite.

      2. When I dropped out, I tried to study but had trouble getting accepted at universities. I would have probably studied if I would have allowed to. At first, I had some feeling of regret. That's normal because literally everyone else tells you that you NEED to study, especially if you grow up in a small city where everyone just blindly follows each other. Social pressure, for sure.

      3. In general, I would recommend everyone to get a degree in design. I see it as follows:

      • Studying design puts you in a place with 30 other like minded people. All are as confused (or focused) than you. It's a fantastic social environment to learn & grow with others.

      • Being self-taught, it's just you alone in a room. You have to put yourself out there at the same time, there are no teachers, mentors or colleagues around you.

      • Studying introduces you to a great network of teachers & mentors from the beginning. That's what you pay for, it's a safety net.

      • Being self-taught is the opposite. While you have great freedom, you also have great pressure to network the shit out of your time.

      In general, the main difference between studying design and being self-taught is the social component that provides you with mentorship, emotional support and a little kick in the ass here and there.

      I think I would have liked it (:

      4 points