Architecture school is hard but my friend did explain it well, "when you finish medicine or architecture, you don't look for the job, the job looks for you" and that is true for where i live
so i learned today that 2 year associate drafting gets you start around 50-60k year and BIM manager gets you around 100-130k from what ive seen from linkedin. about the same with architect (entry and experienced) except you dont need to study 5-8 yrs and pass an exam. or spend around the same time and become a dentist, work 3-5 days a week and make 3x. with much much higher demand than architect.
@@elee9056 that's true, but the license gives you alot more mobility. If someone was to pick between a BIM expert with more years, and a licensed architect with BIM knowledge but less years, they will always pick the licensed architect. Plus post Covid, you have options to be remote and still be paid very well. Medicine most times I have to be somewhere. To each ther own, and its up to everyone what their needs are.
I'm just start the journey in architecture school. It's so fortunate for me to watch this video at this time. All of ten tips are so important. Very appreciate. Thank you.
Crits killed my career aspirations OMFG!! I'm a professional now... so it worked out But here's my contribution for students: 1. Sleep guys. No really, sleep! 2. There'll be days when you were supposed to draft, edit and annotate 2 elevatons but you spent a full day learning Code and never get around to designing. Get used to it. Dami, you're right though, if they can learn to streamline their work flow, even better. 3. And finally, VISIT SITES as much as you can. You'll know how construction methods function and you'll see that not only will your design and technical prowess improve, but will produce sophisticated designs and solutions. Now most architects can do that, visiting site just helps you get there quicker. Plus it'll enrich the course content.
I enjoy listening to your videos. I worked passionately at architecture school, and burnt out in my last year, the 5th year. I was on the ledge of a building depressed and thinking this is the best way to end this. I stepped off, went to UNI and asked for help, left the full-time course. I was also doing a second degree in Asian languages at the same time and graduated with that, went up to Asia to study garden construction in Japan. My ambition to become an architect never stopped and 10 years later I completed the few remaining credits for the B.Arch. In the meantime I worked as a designer/garden labourer in Kyoto, Tokyo and Auckland. Now a father I could earn an income while having time flexibility for my family by working as a self-employed contractor - with a slightly unique skill set.. Your so correct, pricing is very difficult, as is time management when selling ourselves. I wish I had a classmate similar you. You seem so supportive and organised. I found architecture school competitive and stressful. But so did others. It hit home when you said communication is key in this business. Today, y
This is pretty inspiring, I think sometimes it becomes hard to find the value in something when you’ve been at it for so long. remembering why you’re here changes everything
It's amazing how you had a cool architecture school experience (at least what it seems like by the end of your video), but i'm here for all the people whos school sucks. If you have that crazy lack of socialization, everyone's hiding their ideas and doesn't wanna talk things your class is about out... It's ok. It sucks so much, but it's ok, you're not alone. Yes socialisation SHOULD be the best part of the school, especially architecture school, but sometimes it just isn't. My school sucks too, i feel you.
Lmao thats literally how it is at my school, it feels like each group of 3 or 4 friends resents every other group and they all secretly wish failure upon one another. I'm struggling to maintain my love for this field due to the horrid experience I'm having at school
@@DamiLeeArch year 4 out of 5 for my BA. Currently on my way to jump into student union and organise my own architecture discussion club to find other students interested in communication. So it's not like I'm not fighting to get the student life I want. But not having it given to me at first place (as some other students might have had in other schools) made my school experience so much harder.
@@ammaryasser5610 I'm very sorry you're facing this problem too! Ngl knowing I'm not alone helps a bit. The last time I touched this topic I was told this is bullshit and my situation is completely unique.
Thank you so much! I feel the exact same way and felt I was the only one, but apparently it's a common experience for architecture students. Yeah definitely not alone.
Please don:t stop making content, been binge watching this channel for days, i like how you explain things narratively, also youre eyes is very beautiful.
Not an architecture student but I’m studying industrial design. Having spent my first year of school online, I can very much understand most of these points and will absolutely take them with me for the next few years.
I love your advice so much ❤ I'm in my first semester of first year in architecture. And I couldn't agree more on everything you mentioned especially how important it is to take notes, take critical feedback as an opportunity and how grades don't matter as much 🤧. Also love your work and how you created an architect RUclips community for future students such as myself and feel less lost !
That's so good to hear! It's hard to implement all of these things perfectly all the time, but I think it's good to keep in mind and wish I'd thought of them if I could turn back time. Hope you're having a good first semester 😊
I’m starting my 7th semester in architecture school. And I’ve been thinking about these kind of thoughts a lot lately. And what you said is TRULY REALLY TRUE. I wish I knew all these tips and truth before I start architecture school but you know, we can’t really gather the spill milk back into the bottle as they were in their original state. But still, I’m grateful for your tips. It’s ensuring and reassuring as well to hear that I’m not the only one and we’re in this together. It’s actually encouraging and motivating. THANK YOU FOR INSPIRING, DAMI💕✨
Many moons ago I had dreams of being an architect and then I thoroughly researched the schooling & internship process. It was hugely intimidating and expensive so I opted for Graphic Design and a degree in visual communications. It was the right decision for me… no regrets today!✌🏻❤️
I’m in my 2nd year of architecture , I recently discovered your Chanel and I’ve seen all the videos till date… they are very helpful.The way you try to transmit your experience and tips(knowing I’m not really and English speaking person if it makes sens)for me brings in more clarity in certain realities we weren’t /I wasn’t really aware of in life and architecture…. Great work👌🏽
After having done 6 years of it (4y of bachelor and 2 of master's) and working for 5 years, there's only 1 advice that I could, with good heart, give: go and spend time at architectural practices (print, make coffee, if you have to) and ask the people there how is it like. Visit more than one, if possible. If only I did that, I would have not chosen this path, I'd have chosen software engineering from the get-go.
On the topic of dimihishing returns, it helps to know how much time a process takes versus how much value it adds to your project. For me model making was always a massive time investment and something we just had to do because it was on a deliverables list. So find ways to do it faster with less effort. Laser cutters and 3D printers were offlimits to us BA Students so I got my own 3D printer, best 300 bucks I've ever spent. Its amazing for massing studies, you can make 30 different versions in your favourite 3D software, print your top 5 and show the rest on paper. Of course you should listen to what your profs want you to do but I've personally had a lof of success with this.
Great point and advice! I can see the 3d printer being a worthy investment. Do you find it a good explorative design tool, or more as a way to showcase more resolved ideas? The thing I loved about making sketch models by hand is that I would figure things out as I was making them.
Im in my fourth semester of architecture school and boy I relate to alot of the things youve mentioned in this video. Truth be told right now everything feels so overwhelming cuz its just the studios are so competitive and you generally dont understand alot of critics when you're studying in a foreign country. There would be massive number of architecture students enrolled in class but only a bunch of them are helpful. Its just so stressful how we pretty much everything from RUclips and researches except from actual professors. All in all studio culture isnt exactly like how portrayed on videos. Or that's what is in my case
Reasons for clicking your videos: topics-50% thumbnails-50% also, this video is great, even in my 4th year in uni, I feel that needed these more than ever. Thanks!
I have a due date tomorrow and I'm about to start a mental breakdown, I'm tired, hungry, and sleepy (I hadn't slept in 48 hr). But I love my major way too much. THANKS THIS MAKES ME FEEL LIKE IT IS WORTH IT
If only I research more about architecture school before I enter, I wouldn't have entered. 3 years of bachelor degree and I will never touch it again. it gave my mental problems and made me think I'm not worthy to be a human. 1. I never get taught or given feedback other than the most basic sentences that can be applied to every other degree/job out there. "you need to put more time" "sketch more" "develop more" or any other words from thesaurus. Even tho I've drawn a lot, explore more ideas, literally sacrificing my sleep and social to keep working on it, yet the feedback never changes. 2. everyone is being so secretive to each other, never showing any ideas. everyone present their things in the most secretive ways and only show off their work in the big presentation. and as an introvert, I barely develops any friends thorough my university life. it's my darkest and most solitude of my life. 3. If you really want to enter, go learn all the hard skill beforehand. this includes, but not limited to, photoshop, indesign, illustrator, autocad, revit, after effect, etc etc etc. They expect you to master all of this before you even design a building (at least in my university). also including all the stuff dami Lee explained in this video 4. expects your lecturer to use you as a guinea pig. my lecturer literally said he's currently writing a book about his idea and used us, his students, to explore and analyze his theory, and expects us to use his stupid theory for our design. I could go on, but I'm gonna stop here. What i'm trying to say, i guess, only enter if you are actually passionate about architecture, learns the skills before you go to studio because they won't teach you at all.
Currently second year in architecture school and I feel almost the same, I regret for not doing more research on the course, well.. I still have some hopes for it so just gonna see how it goes first
@@ricecake5389 just gonna say, third year is the worst for me. First and second year were alright to say the least, still a lot of work but I feel they are enjoyable. The 3rd year is waaaaay worse so be prepared
I’m an architectural studies major (SENIOR) right now - and i have been feeling so lost and like i know absolutely nothing, this video was really helpful in making my goals feel tangible again.
What you said about " don't fall in love with your first idea " it's really true like right now I'm designing a media center for my PAT and I really like my first design but ofter creating another design I started liking that one. But now I am designing a another one for someone who payed now I am starting to like that design more. 😅
You are so wonderful !and your explanation deep down the course it’s so great .I couldn’t stop myself from commenting all your good work . I do appreciate it ,please !keep on guiding us more 😍
I am not “an old fart” like you, but twice your age entering into architecture school through RAIC Syllabus program after a full career as a contractor and millwork manufacturer. The first year was interesting and difficult. I have the advantage of being a tradesman with much experience starting out in the 80s as a cabinetmaker and carpenter, a little week in the presentation. Your videos are quite helpful. Thank you.
As a licensed architect myself in beautiful Seattle, I really like your blog and your way of thinking. Your suggestions here are wonderful and I agree with most of them. I went to architecture school back before computers, when we drew everything by hand with #2 pencils and colored pencils. Though the technology to draw and visualize spaces has changed a lot since then, the architectural principals, concepts, and the workflow processes remain the same. The design critiques then were just as grueling as you describe, as were the late nights. I also did this without the help of coffee or tea since I have never learned to like that taste. Anyway, I have my own firm, and it is refreshingly good to hear what you and your younger generation are thinking. Thank you.
Starting my first studio next semester! You’re videos have helped me feel prepared and motivarte me too look forward to this new journey in my life! Thank you keep it up!
9:55 That's me last night...:) My second year now isn't going well, I'm starting to lose my spirit and motivation. But thanks for sharing these tips, I'll give it a try😭
I am a Native Korean freshman who starts a journey to being an architect abroad! I watched all of your videos!! I think you have to deserve more First Thank you for providing high-quality advice for archi -students. your videos are really helpful to me! I love your video cuz Your videos&advices are really practical and useful for me! And.. thank you for oud your voices and making videos… Actually, I want to be an architect whole life and I decide to study abroad to be wide eyes and be a nice architect but also I have to fight People's perception like Asian architects or international students can’t improve their careers...etc those discouraging saying makes me down sometimes... But you are a. Disproof !you are making your career successfully! And you are act as a mentor.... And give a lot of inspiration... The existence of a mentor like you really encourage me... Thank you I will do my best Loves from korea💐🇰🇷
Don't get discouraged and keep challenging yourself! Have a growth mindset about everything and never stop learning, and you will go very far. Good work ethic is embedded in korean culture so I'm sure you will do well in architecture 😊
hi, I started architecture and I just finished my prelims like last week and here I am watching this to get through assignments and bad grade , thank you for the wonderful tips!! I'm going to apply this tips in my architecture journey
13:30 Mr. Garrison said "There are no stupid questions, just stupid people." It's stupid NOT to ask the question. It might mean, at worst, that people lose confidence in you, but that is valuable information to have.
to all starting you are very lucky to find this channel.. it is very good support info when sometime you are introvert person... kudos to Pretty Architect Damilee for this useful and meaningful purpose for this profession 🤞🏼🤘🏼🤙🏼🙌🏼👏🏼
The thing that resonates with me the most are the the focusing on having a unique skill and presentation preparation since i usually just “wing” it 😅 i think ordering everything would go smoother and would help me in group situations
I am 17 years old and i is now my 6th year doing Technical Drawing in high school. For my internal assessments in both grade 11 and now in grade 12, I have definitely learnt how to WORK WORK WORk. Starting over projects, getting criticism IN FRONT OF THE CLASS. It felt very embarrassing in the moment but I've learnt that we're all in this together. For my Internal Assessment now, this is my 3rd time starting it all over, I've changed ideas and improved them too. I also do Art and have done the same with that Internal Assessment, changed a lot. It makes me feel like I'm actually working as an architect, although it is stressful and I've seen nothing yet
I feel like your videos are gonna save me during the next few years lol, cuz i feel so understood when i watch them, I've always found accepting criticisms challenging and you help me realize that its time i manned up and did something about it
Thank you so much for your videos. I recently changed my major to architecture and have felt a bit lost. I wasn't sure how to optimize my learning and skill growth. A lot of the things you touched on I had never considered or I had thought about it but wasn't sure how I could do it. I feel more sure of myself now and motivated to keep going.
I majored in Animation and VFX and we would always say the only people working harder than us were Architecture and nursing students. But I've been in the the workforce (retail) for about three years now and I don't see myself doing anything with my Animation degree. I've always loved Architecture and for some reason never considered it until recently. These videos are really helpful in cementing my decision to go back and get another undergrad degree.
I love your channel. I do absolutely nothing related to your specific content subject matter, but the thinking behind your motivation has taught me A TON! 🖤
I have zero interest in being an architect but I found your channel while looking into the new Mac and you are so interesting to listen to that I just keep watching.
I'm at the end of a long career in engineering (I'm an EE doing software). Everything you've said resonates with me and my experience. I wish you had been one of my professors when I was still in school. It would have saved me a life of having to learn these things while working. BTW, I think those things you've mentioned apply generally to all the creative sciences. Thanks for your engaging videos. Keep them coming!
I agree with you honestly, I feel like i just rush myself through assignments just to beat the deadline and be exhausted id rather learn to do and understand the work I’m doing and submit the assignment a day late
What you said about collaborating with classmates at the studio is so true. I noticed that the designers that struggled the most were the lonely ones cuz a friend can help it you to point out mistakes that somehow slipped out
I graduated from Architecture School 20 years ago and never regretted nor wished anything I knew stuff back then. I just followed my dreams, cut my teeth and got ready for the life ahead. A good drawing skill and some problem-solving abilities would be helpful for an aspiring architect. Yes the Architecture career is tough, but anything could be less challenging for the ones who persevere. Sounds corny but its the truth.
I stumbled on your channel, though I am an engineering student, I find it funny how some of the things you say and reflect on resonate with me both in my experiences in school currently and my time in the military.
I definitely squandered a lot of the opportunity by not engaging with my professors and barely passing. But I do appreciate that you put a value to what I did which made me miss deadline, which is the forays into obsessing over a point of contention in the projects, which I have done over and over again without fail. I was also a notorious slacker. But I graduated. I chose to focus on creating my own career path, one in which addressed the disparity that makes a designer beholden to the builders, and to attain financial autonomy . Fast forward since 2010 graduation, I own my own property that bought out of speculation but then chose to turn it into my own continued education. I used it as a laboratory to flesh out ideas, either to take them to the level of completion or to deem unworthy and start anew. Now this place is almost ready for vacation renters and critics, while I can further develop my contracting business. Til this day however, I constantly would not have any real return on my investment to be a competent builder and had no way of getting my archi license. But I think now it’s safe to say that it was all worth it to do in my own way.
Thanks for this video. Partially all the aspects resonate with me. I`m only on the 3d term of studying and every new project i discover interesting things not only in architecture but also in time management, relationships with profs and other people. Thanks again, best wishes!
I have entered my second semester and I could already relate to all the points mentioned in the video. Thankyou for giving these tips, they will help me in future! ;)
I'm 16 and I've always wanted to be an architect, after watching all ur videos about the profession, and listening to all the good and the bad and makes me want to be an architect even more
hahaha love seeing this when I'm almost finishing University, read the RUN on the thumbnail and I often joke about that if someone says they are interested in this career
Thank you so much for this post. You have articulated very well my experience of Architecture School. I have just graduated and I am looking for my first role.
I get so emotionally caught up with my grades but I try really hard to focus on learning instead and retaining that information. The one thing I want to get better at is building systems and organizing my notes. Although I'm super methodical and I try to store my lectures and projects, things end up becoming really messy at times, specially my class notes. It's my 3rd semester so I guess it's not too late. What sucks with online college is thatI barely interact with my peers and I constantly wish I could bounce ideas with them and discuss certain topics :/ I do what I can tho
I know you want comments so, my daughter is in the middle of her sophomore year (Architecture School) at Clemson. I want her to get the clearest perspective she can about the field. I watch your channel and selectivity send her your information (trying not to bug or overwhelm her). I share this one with her, I told her if she watches it and gives me a two to three sentences thought afterwards, I’ll pay her 20$. Peace ✌️
Having spent one year in offline college and next two years learning architecture online, I think it is easier to keep a check on others work and build good relationships , than in online. Online helps to keep everything organized but also puts a time and region limit on each conversation and the in between the lecture sharing.
Yeah it's true - I wish it was easier to migrate everything online but I have found, even in my office, that communication and the fluid sharing of information happens differently when we're there physically. :S
I think I've watched many of these but the most important thing is we have to know ourselves better than before in order to keep pushing forwards. Btw, I'm in my final year and it's a tough 4 years with sweat and tears.
I love your positive mindset! So inspiring.. When I'm down, I look at you here and instantly feel better :-) And if I could afford, I'd hire you to design my house.
I'm gonna edit this unhinged rant to give the advice I needed 10 years ago: If you leave architecture, for any reason, you are still good enough. You don't have to prove anything, you're not inferior to the colleagues or classmates that stay in the field, and you can still find a creative profession that pays and allows you time to have a life outside of work. ------------- I went to a "top 10" architecture school, convinced it's what I wanted to do. The emphasize on work above everything else is so unbelievably unhealthy. I had a classmate who committed suicide, and I almost did too. No one in my class was taking care of themselves. Studio felt like prison. I had mental breakdowns weekly. I got out after a year. It struck me as odd. In undergrad I did two very demanding majors (music and engineering). music expected everything of you, but there was recognition that you were a human, and you had the catharsis of a performance. Engineering was demanding and exacting, but you went home after you were done and could think about something else. Architecture tries to be both - demands every corner of your psyche, and gives you nothing in return. What really killed me was knowing it could be different; architecture is designed, we could be encouraging people to take care of themselves, we could take time to celebrate each other - but nobody in charge wants architecture school to change, because they think "the work" will suffer. They love the all-nighters and the sadistic crits and the denial that you're a human being. And prestigious firms like DS+R, BIG, OMA - they're all built on top of that mentality. SANAA doesn't pay their interns at all, and expects them to stay past midnight regularly. Fuck that. Fuck all of it.
Preach🙌 Currently in 3rd semester and it's the hardest yet, when during the previous semesters I thought that it couldn't get worse. Yet I always somehow prevailed through those hard nights. One thing that taught me is that putting your own psyche and health on the line is only going to harm your studies in the long run. I lost around 10 kilograms in weight in a few weeks during exam season because I was so busy with projects I wasn't even eating anymore. I've now learned how to achieve goals faster and manage my time better, but it took a long time for me to understand I need to give my mind and body the rest it needs, otherwise the project is fucked, as well. What you said is so so true, that's part of the reason I will never want to work with famous studios like that. They put your performance before you as a human being.
Great video. I can relate to so many of there things. My education was around computer information systems. Even with it being a different topic, I think we went through much of the same things.
HII Dami so good to hear everything that you shared here bcs i really need this on my very first year HAHA! so yea, if youre asking which points that are resonate with me, id say all of em! thanks, really thanks!
In my 3rd year of architecture school in singapore: Everything said here is true and sounds good in principle. But honestly sometimes to get things done when needed - ignore tips with discretion. learning to make decisions you'll stand by will be the most important.
Hey Dami, im in second year and I completely relate to everything you say. I am mature age (37) and doing very well in architecture school after 16yrs as a high end chef. did you find there was a lot of competition in your year group? i find that I am always in competition about grades with my classmates and there is a sense of people looking down on the people who arent doing well.
i greatly underestimated architecture. I thought I could do well in class as well as keep doing my side-things (comicmaking) but it turns out it's impossible to do that without breaking yourself. Looks like i'm gonna have to commit to architecture if i want to advance.
I'll be honest with you in telling you I'm mostly here because of the way you look😘, but I do listen to what you are saying. I was going into architecture years ago but it wasn't my choice as I wanted to be a mechanical engineer, but the government didn't pay for 4 year degrees and as a part of my disability training the government once again told me what I was going to do for the rest of my life. This time however I didn't really listen to them and went on my own path as best I could on their dime as after all they messed up my life by forcing me to take that Anthrax vaccination and I had an adverse reaction to it that left me 40% disabled having to learn how to walk all over again and more problems I have to now live with. I need to learn your ease with communicating with people though I do have the gift of the gab and I really need to learn to take criticism a lot better. But our fields are totally different in that I'm now into exploratory sciences trying to change the world for the better.
¡!!!i pirms 1 gada Architecture school is hard but my friend did explain it well, "when you finish medicine or architecture, you don't look for the job, the job looks for you" and that is true for where i live
The grade thing is very true. I graduated in ETH Zurich and now have my own practice. Success is not having an A in every grade. It's what you make it. For me I always prioritized seeing my girlfriend, friends and living my life. Focus on passing, not on excelling. In architecture having an A everywhere means you have no other life and no sleep, and that is plain and simple not worth it. When I hire new interns I know they have no clue of the job as they only spent time in university. Your grades don't matter at all. What matter is who you are, your personality, your portfolio and how you conduct yourself and integrate in the team. Bonus TIp: Your professor is a bubble... one might like what you do, the other wont. Take constructive criticism and become better, ignore destructive criticism as it is ultimately just an "i don't like that", without any explanation, which has no value. Do what interests YOU. Nobody can do you better than yourself.
I’m about to start school next year and I think my biggest fear is to make all this journey and maybe understand it’s not for me.. On the other hand I know that even if it will happen it’s not a waste of time and energy cause I’ll learn so much. Also health is really important for me and I hope I will be able to maintain decent amount of sleep hours and good nutrition and workouts..
i wish i had relationships liek this when I went to School for Graphic Design. I never went to a UNI I went to a community college and stopped at an associated degree because I figured real world work would benefit me more than 2 more years at college. Ive been doing design wor kfor about 3 and a half years now at my current job, but outside of this i have no real network and am JUST now starting to see my self with as a designer and a creative indivual.
Architecture school is hard but my friend did explain it well, "when you finish medicine or architecture, you don't look for the job, the job looks for you" and that is true for where i live
😂 I'm sorry your friend lied to you.
so i learned today that 2 year associate drafting gets you start around 50-60k year and BIM manager gets you around 100-130k from what ive seen from linkedin. about the same with architect (entry and experienced) except you dont need to study 5-8 yrs and pass an exam. or spend around the same time and become a dentist, work 3-5 days a week and make 3x. with much much higher demand than architect.
@@elee9056 that's true, but the license gives you alot more mobility. If someone was to pick between a BIM expert with more years, and a licensed architect with BIM knowledge but less years, they will always pick the licensed architect. Plus post Covid, you have options to be remote and still be paid very well. Medicine most times I have to be somewhere. To each ther own, and its up to everyone what their needs are.
WHERE do you live?
Um, but the architect gets to design the building? That’s the fun part, and add 40 years of doing it.
I'm just start the journey in architecture school. It's so fortunate for me to watch this video at this time. All of ten tips are so important. Very appreciate. Thank you.
That's very exciting! And my pleasure 😊
Yep. Same!
Crits killed my career aspirations OMFG!! I'm a professional now... so it worked out
But here's my contribution for students:
1. Sleep guys. No really, sleep!
2. There'll be days when you were supposed to draft, edit and annotate 2 elevatons but you spent a full day learning Code and never get around to designing. Get used to it. Dami, you're right though, if they can learn to streamline their work flow, even better.
3. And finally, VISIT SITES as much as you can. You'll know how construction methods function and you'll see that not only will your design and technical prowess improve, but will produce sophisticated designs and solutions. Now most architects can do that, visiting site just helps you get there quicker. Plus it'll enrich the course content.
I enjoy listening to your videos. I worked passionately at architecture school, and burnt out in my last year, the 5th year. I was on the ledge of a building depressed and thinking this is the best way to end this. I stepped off, went to UNI and asked for help, left the full-time course. I was also doing a second degree in Asian languages at the same time and graduated with that, went up to Asia to study garden construction in Japan. My ambition to become an architect never stopped and 10 years later I completed the few remaining credits for the B.Arch. In the meantime I worked as a designer/garden labourer in Kyoto, Tokyo and Auckland. Now a father I could earn an income while having time flexibility for my family by working as a self-employed contractor - with a slightly unique skill set.. Your so correct, pricing is very difficult, as is time management when selling ourselves.
I wish I had a classmate similar you. You seem so supportive and organised. I found architecture school competitive and stressful. But so did others. It hit home when you said communication is key in this business. Today, y
Sounds like serendipity guided you in the right direction. 😊 Have you read the book 'Larry's Party'?
@@DamiLeeArch Hi Dami, thanks for encouraging reply. I googled the book and it sounds very interesting..
😊
This is pretty inspiring, I think sometimes it becomes hard to find the value in something when you’ve been at it for so long. remembering why you’re here changes everything
Yeah that's a good point, and in fact, I think that would be a great point 11. "Remember the why, instead of just going through the motions"
You should start a podcast. Your voice are so soft and calm♡
It's amazing how you had a cool architecture school experience (at least what it seems like by the end of your video), but i'm here for all the people whos school sucks.
If you have that crazy lack of socialization, everyone's hiding their ideas and doesn't wanna talk things your class is about out... It's ok. It sucks so much, but it's ok, you're not alone. Yes socialisation SHOULD be the best part of the school, especially architecture school, but sometimes it just isn't. My school sucks too, i feel you.
That's a shame, but I also know what you're talking about, and sorry I didn't really touch on that. What year are you in?
Lmao thats literally how it is at my school, it feels like each group of 3 or 4 friends resents every other group and they all secretly wish failure upon one another. I'm struggling to maintain my love for this field due to the horrid experience I'm having at school
@@DamiLeeArch year 4 out of 5 for my BA. Currently on my way to jump into student union and organise my own architecture discussion club to find other students interested in communication. So it's not like I'm not fighting to get the student life I want. But not having it given to me at first place (as some other students might have had in other schools) made my school experience so much harder.
@@ammaryasser5610 I'm very sorry you're facing this problem too! Ngl knowing I'm not alone helps a bit. The last time I touched this topic I was told this is bullshit and my situation is completely unique.
Thank you so much! I feel the exact same way and felt I was the only one, but apparently it's a common experience for architecture students. Yeah definitely not alone.
Please don:t stop making content, been binge watching this channel for days, i like how you explain things narratively, also youre eyes is very beautiful.
You have no idea how valuable this videos are. Thank you for putting time aside in the first place to make them. 🙏🏽
My pleasure 😊
Not an architecture student but I’m studying industrial design. Having spent my first year of school online, I can very much understand most of these points and will absolutely take them with me for the next few years.
I love your advice so much ❤ I'm in my first semester of first year in architecture. And I couldn't agree more on everything you mentioned especially how important it is to take notes, take critical feedback as an opportunity and how grades don't matter as much 🤧. Also love your work and how you created an architect RUclips community for future students such as myself and feel less lost !
That's so good to hear! It's hard to implement all of these things perfectly all the time, but I think it's good to keep in mind and wish I'd thought of them if I could turn back time. Hope you're having a good first semester 😊
Can we be frnds?
I’m starting my 7th semester in architecture school. And I’ve been thinking about these kind of thoughts a lot lately. And what you said is TRULY REALLY TRUE. I wish I knew all these tips and truth before I start architecture school but you know, we can’t really gather the spill milk back into the bottle as they were in their original state. But still, I’m grateful for your tips. It’s ensuring and reassuring as well to hear that I’m not the only one and we’re in this together. It’s actually encouraging and motivating. THANK YOU FOR INSPIRING, DAMI💕✨
Same
Many moons ago I had dreams of being an architect and then I thoroughly researched the schooling & internship process. It was hugely intimidating and expensive so I opted for Graphic Design and a degree in visual communications. It was the right decision for me… no regrets today!✌🏻❤️
I’m in my 2nd year of architecture , I recently discovered your Chanel and I’ve seen all the videos till date… they are very helpful.The way you try to transmit your experience and tips(knowing I’m not really and English speaking person if it makes sens)for me brings in more clarity in certain realities we weren’t /I wasn’t really aware of in life and architecture…. Great work👌🏽
After having done 6 years of it (4y of bachelor and 2 of master's) and working for 5 years, there's only 1 advice that I could, with good heart, give: go and spend time at architectural practices (print, make coffee, if you have to) and ask the people there how is it like. Visit more than one, if possible. If only I did that, I would have not chosen this path, I'd have chosen software engineering from the get-go.
On the topic of dimihishing returns, it helps to know how much time a process takes versus how much value it adds to your project. For me model making was always a massive time investment and something we just had to do because it was on a deliverables list. So find ways to do it faster with less effort. Laser cutters and 3D printers were offlimits to us BA Students so I got my own 3D printer, best 300 bucks I've ever spent. Its amazing for massing studies, you can make 30 different versions in your favourite 3D software, print your top 5 and show the rest on paper. Of course you should listen to what your profs want you to do but I've personally had a lof of success with this.
Great point and advice! I can see the 3d printer being a worthy investment. Do you find it a good explorative design tool, or more as a way to showcase more resolved ideas? The thing I loved about making sketch models by hand is that I would figure things out as I was making them.
Im in my fourth semester of architecture school and boy I relate to alot of the things youve mentioned in this video. Truth be told right now everything feels so overwhelming cuz its just the studios are so competitive and you generally dont understand alot of critics when you're studying in a foreign country. There would be massive number of architecture students enrolled in class but only a bunch of them are helpful. Its just so stressful how we pretty much everything from RUclips and researches except from actual professors. All in all studio culture isnt exactly like how portrayed on videos. Or that's what is in my case
Reasons for clicking your videos:
topics-50%
thumbnails-50%
also, this video is great, even in my 4th year in uni, I feel that needed these more than ever. Thanks!
I have a due date tomorrow and I'm about to start a mental breakdown, I'm tired, hungry, and sleepy (I hadn't slept in 48 hr). But I love my major way too much. THANKS THIS MAKES ME FEEL LIKE IT IS WORTH IT
If only I research more about architecture school before I enter, I wouldn't have entered. 3 years of bachelor degree and I will never touch it again. it gave my mental problems and made me think I'm not worthy to be a human.
1. I never get taught or given feedback other than the most basic sentences that can be applied to every other degree/job out there. "you need to put more time" "sketch more" "develop more" or any other words from thesaurus. Even tho I've drawn a lot, explore more ideas, literally sacrificing my sleep and social to keep working on it, yet the feedback never changes.
2. everyone is being so secretive to each other, never showing any ideas. everyone present their things in the most secretive ways and only show off their work in the big presentation. and as an introvert, I barely develops any friends thorough my university life. it's my darkest and most solitude of my life.
3. If you really want to enter, go learn all the hard skill beforehand. this includes, but not limited to, photoshop, indesign, illustrator, autocad, revit, after effect, etc etc etc. They expect you to master all of this before you even design a building (at least in my university). also including all the stuff dami Lee explained in this video
4. expects your lecturer to use you as a guinea pig. my lecturer literally said he's currently writing a book about his idea and used us, his students, to explore and analyze his theory, and expects us to use his stupid theory for our design.
I could go on, but I'm gonna stop here. What i'm trying to say, i guess, only enter if you are actually passionate about architecture, learns the skills before you go to studio because they won't teach you at all.
Currently second year in architecture school and I feel almost the same, I regret for not doing more research on the course, well.. I still have some hopes for it so just gonna see how it goes first
@@ricecake5389 just gonna say, third year is the worst for me. First and second year were alright to say the least, still a lot of work but I feel they are enjoyable. The 3rd year is waaaaay worse so be prepared
@@sigasana441 hey im in last year of high school
Can you tell me what things i need to learn before i get into an architecture school?
I’m an architectural studies major (SENIOR) right now - and i have been feeling so lost and like i know absolutely nothing, this video was really helpful in making my goals feel tangible again.
Sometimes I still feel like that 🥲
Me watching the thumbnail of this video after entering my second semester in architecture school
Me: Well well well let's see
How was your 1st semester???
@@H-TownChris Pretty chill, except during finals
@@Artinaje is it very stressful?
@@H-TownChris If you can balance your time, you won't stress
Can we be frnds?
What you said about " don't fall in love with your first idea " it's really true like right now I'm designing a media center for my PAT and I really like my first design but ofter creating another design I started liking that one. But now I am designing a another one for someone who payed now I am starting to like that design more. 😅
You are so wonderful !and your explanation deep down the course it’s so great .I couldn’t stop myself from commenting all your good work . I do appreciate it ,please !keep on guiding us more 😍
Thank you for the kind words 😊
I am not “an old fart” like you, but twice your age entering into architecture school through RAIC Syllabus program after a full career as a contractor and millwork manufacturer. The first year was interesting and difficult. I have the advantage of being a tradesman with much experience starting out in the 80s as a cabinetmaker and carpenter, a little week in the presentation. Your videos are quite helpful. Thank you.
As a licensed architect myself in beautiful Seattle, I really like your blog and your way of thinking. Your suggestions here are wonderful and I agree with most of them. I went to architecture school back before computers, when we drew everything by hand with #2 pencils and colored pencils. Though the technology to draw and visualize spaces has changed a lot since then, the architectural principals, concepts, and the workflow processes remain the same. The design critiques then were just as grueling as you describe, as were the late nights. I also did this without the help of coffee or tea since I have never learned to like that taste. Anyway, I have my own firm, and it is refreshingly good to hear what you and your younger generation are thinking. Thank you.
Thats valuable. Also you give me hope that not everyone in this industry lives on coffee😂
"the architectural principals, concepts, and the workflow processes remain the same" Might be... But I am shure that you wanted to say "principles."
Learning CAD is crucial now. I mean for young people.
Starting my first studio next semester! You’re videos have helped me feel prepared and motivarte me too look forward to this new journey in my life! Thank you keep it up!
Damn architects also really good at editing
I have an editor now who executes my ideas 😂
i'm taking all those advice with me as i study architecture. they resound so well of what I'm going through.
9:55 That's me last night...:)
My second year now isn't going well, I'm starting to lose my spirit and motivation. But thanks for sharing these tips, I'll give it a try😭
I am a Native Korean freshman who starts a journey to being an architect abroad! I watched all of your videos!!
I think you have to deserve more
First Thank you for providing high-quality advice for archi -students. your videos are really helpful to me! I love your video cuz Your videos&advices are really practical and useful for me!
And.. thank you for oud your voices and making videos… Actually, I want to be an architect whole life and I decide to study abroad to be wide eyes and be a nice architect but also I have to fight
People's perception like Asian architects or international students can’t improve their careers...etc those discouraging saying makes me down sometimes...
But you are a. Disproof !you are making your career successfully! And you are act as a mentor.... And give a lot of inspiration... The existence of a mentor like you really encourage me... Thank you
I will do my best
Loves from korea💐🇰🇷
Don't get discouraged and keep challenging yourself! Have a growth mindset about everything and never stop learning, and you will go very far. Good work ethic is embedded in korean culture so I'm sure you will do well in architecture 😊
hi, I started architecture and I just finished my prelims like last week and here I am watching this to get through assignments and bad grade , thank you for the wonderful tips!! I'm going to apply this tips in my architecture journey
13:30 Mr. Garrison said "There are no stupid questions, just stupid people." It's stupid NOT to ask the question. It might mean, at worst, that people lose confidence in you, but that is valuable information to have.
to all starting you are very lucky to find this channel.. it is very good support info when sometime you are introvert person... kudos to Pretty Architect Damilee for this useful and meaningful purpose for this profession 🤞🏼🤘🏼🤙🏼🙌🏼👏🏼
The thing that resonates with me the most are the the focusing on having a unique skill and presentation preparation since i usually just “wing” it 😅 i think ordering everything would go smoother and would help me in group situations
Omg the timing!!! I just got into architecture school today 🥺❤️. I'm finally gonna do it 😭. Thank you so much for this vedio dami.
How's Architecture school? Thanky ou
I am 17 years old and i is now my 6th year doing Technical Drawing in high school. For my internal assessments in both grade 11 and now in grade 12, I have definitely learnt how to WORK WORK WORk. Starting over projects, getting criticism IN FRONT OF THE CLASS. It felt very embarrassing in the moment but I've learnt that we're all in this together. For my Internal Assessment now, this is my 3rd time starting it all over, I've changed ideas and improved them too. I also do Art and have done the same with that Internal Assessment, changed a lot. It makes me feel like I'm actually working as an architect, although it is stressful and I've seen nothing yet
Hello from Brazil! I've started Architecture this week and I guess this tips are going to be very helpful for me here in Brazil. Thank you 🙏
I feel like your videos are gonna save me during the next few years lol, cuz i feel so understood when i watch them, I've always found accepting criticisms challenging and you help me realize that its time i manned up and did something about it
Thank you so much for your videos. I recently changed my major to architecture and have felt a bit lost. I wasn't sure how to optimize my learning and skill growth. A lot of the things you touched on I had never considered or I had thought about it but wasn't sure how I could do it. I feel more sure of myself now and motivated to keep going.
I majored in Animation and VFX and we would always say the only people working harder than us were Architecture and nursing students. But I've been in the the workforce (retail) for about three years now and I don't see myself doing anything with my Animation degree. I've always loved Architecture and for some reason never considered it until recently. These videos are really helpful in cementing my decision to go back and get another undergrad degree.
I love your channel. I do absolutely nothing related to your specific content subject matter, but the thinking behind your motivation has taught me A TON! 🖤
Being questioning myself for a long time, but feeling blessed that I have finally met you, Dami, through your videos...
I have zero interest in being an architect but I found your channel while looking into the new Mac and you are so interesting to listen to that I just keep watching.
Being able to draw by hand seems like a really important skill, being able to sketch out the thoughts in your head.
I'm at the end of a long career in engineering (I'm an EE doing software). Everything you've said resonates with me and my experience. I wish you had been one of my professors when I was still in school. It would have saved me a life of having to learn these things while working. BTW, I think those things you've mentioned apply generally to all the creative sciences. Thanks for your engaging videos. Keep them coming!
I agree with you honestly, I feel like i just rush myself through assignments just to beat the deadline and be exhausted id rather learn to do and understand the work I’m doing and submit the assignment a day late
What you said about collaborating with classmates at the studio is so true. I noticed that the designers that struggled the most were the lonely ones cuz a friend can help it you to point out mistakes that somehow slipped out
this girl does everything to stop me from pursuing architecture
Damn. I'm speechless with your videos. It's always so informative and brings me in awe
Thank you 🙏🙏🙏
This is great! I am currently doing my Masters and I relate to all of these 100%. Thanks for making these videos :) They're always fun to watch!
No problem! Hope you're enjoying your masters 😊
I graduated from Architecture School 20 years ago and never regretted nor wished anything I knew stuff back then. I just followed my dreams, cut my teeth and got ready for the life ahead. A good drawing skill and some problem-solving abilities would be helpful for an aspiring architect. Yes the Architecture career is tough, but anything could be less challenging for the ones who persevere. Sounds corny but its the truth.
I stumbled on your channel, though I am an engineering student, I find it funny how some of the things you say and reflect on resonate with me both in my experiences in school currently and my time in the military.
I definitely squandered a lot of the opportunity by not engaging with my professors and barely passing. But I do appreciate that you put a value to what I did which made me miss deadline, which is the forays into obsessing over a point of contention in the projects, which I have done over and over again without fail. I was also a notorious slacker. But I graduated. I chose to focus on creating my own career path, one in which addressed the disparity that makes a designer beholden to the builders, and to attain financial autonomy . Fast forward since 2010 graduation, I own my own property that bought out of speculation but then chose to turn it into my own continued education. I used it as a laboratory to flesh out ideas, either to take them to the level of completion or to deem unworthy and start anew. Now this place is almost ready for vacation renters and critics, while I can further develop my contracting business. Til this day however, I constantly would not have any real return on my investment to be a competent builder and had no way of getting my archi license. But I think now it’s safe to say that it was all worth it to do in my own way.
Great inspiration. Looking to pave my own way too
Thanks for this video. Partially all the aspects resonate with me. I`m only on the 3d term of studying and every new project i discover interesting things not only in architecture but also in time management, relationships with profs and other people. Thanks again, best wishes!
Just had orientation for my architecture major, and omg im so scared tbh.
So thank you for soothing some of my fears about school!
I could literally lay here and watch her all day….oh crap, gotta go get my model done!
Can we also appreciate the way they edited the video and thumbnail? Like you deserve more subscribers😭
I have entered my second semester and I could already relate to all the points mentioned in the video. Thankyou for giving these tips, they will help me in future! ;)
I'm 16 and I've always wanted to be an architect, after watching all ur videos about the profession, and listening to all the good and the bad and makes me want to be an architect even more
That's great!! You will have tons of time to prepare yourself. But make sure to keep your eyes open for anything else that might grab your interest 😉
hahaha love seeing this when I'm almost finishing University, read the RUN on the thumbnail and I often joke about that if someone says they are interested in this career
thank sooo much, please keep the vids coming, for the sake of our sanity as architecture students
Thank you so much for this post. You have articulated very well my experience of Architecture School. I have just graduated and I am looking for my first role.
I get so emotionally caught up with my grades but I try really hard to focus on learning instead and retaining that information. The one thing I want to get better at is building systems and organizing my notes. Although I'm super methodical and I try to store my lectures and projects, things end up becoming really messy at times, specially my class notes. It's my 3rd semester so I guess it's not too late.
What sucks with online college is thatI barely interact with my peers and I constantly wish I could bounce ideas with them and discuss certain topics :/ I do what I can tho
I know you want comments so, my daughter is in the middle of her sophomore year (Architecture School) at Clemson.
I want her to get the clearest perspective she can about the field. I watch your channel and selectivity send her your information (trying not to bug or overwhelm her).
I share this one with her, I told her if she watches it and gives me a two to three sentences thought afterwards, I’ll pay her 20$.
Peace ✌️
love how fun your thumbnails are! great video as always
I try 😁
Having spent one year in offline college and next two years learning architecture online, I think it is easier to keep a check on others work and build good relationships , than in online. Online helps to keep everything organized but also puts a time and region limit on each conversation and the in between the lecture sharing.
Yeah it's true - I wish it was easier to migrate everything online but I have found, even in my office, that communication and the fluid sharing of information happens differently when we're there physically. :S
I think I've watched many of these but the most important thing is we have to know ourselves better than before in order to keep pushing forwards. Btw, I'm in my final year and it's a tough 4 years with sweat and tears.
Thank you so much Dami I always realign my architecture goals when I watch your videos😊
I started my first year of grad school this semester and man do I wish I had been taking better notes during undergrad!!!
This is a great video Dami, it has a lot of valuable advise not just for Architectural School. Thank you :)
Following since 6k subs
Good to see this channel grow well over time
I wish more success ahead Dami and keep creating
My new favorite channel. Hello from New York
Today was my first day of going to architecture University in my country ( Georgia ) thanks for the tips. 😀 I'm super pumped
I don’t see how her comments aren’t worse, because I am going into a frenzy over this thumbnail. That’s a good looking intelligent woman
Thank you for this beautiful video.
I love your positive mindset! So inspiring.. When I'm down, I look at you here and instantly feel better :-) And if I could afford, I'd hire you to design my house.
I'm gonna edit this unhinged rant to give the advice I needed 10 years ago:
If you leave architecture, for any reason, you are still good enough. You don't have to prove anything, you're not inferior to the colleagues or classmates that stay in the field, and you can still find a creative profession that pays and allows you time to have a life outside of work.
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I went to a "top 10" architecture school, convinced it's what I wanted to do. The emphasize on work above everything else is so unbelievably unhealthy. I had a classmate who committed suicide, and I almost did too. No one in my class was taking care of themselves. Studio felt like prison. I had mental breakdowns weekly. I got out after a year.
It struck me as odd. In undergrad I did two very demanding majors (music and engineering). music expected everything of you, but there was recognition that you were a human, and you had the catharsis of a performance. Engineering was demanding and exacting, but you went home after you were done and could think about something else. Architecture tries to be both - demands every corner of your psyche, and gives you nothing in return.
What really killed me was knowing it could be different; architecture is designed, we could be encouraging people to take care of themselves, we could take time to celebrate each other - but nobody in charge wants architecture school to change, because they think "the work" will suffer. They love the all-nighters and the sadistic crits and the denial that you're a human being. And prestigious firms like DS+R, BIG, OMA - they're all built on top of that mentality. SANAA doesn't pay their interns at all, and expects them to stay past midnight regularly.
Fuck that. Fuck all of it.
Preach🙌 Currently in 3rd semester and it's the hardest yet, when during the previous semesters I thought that it couldn't get worse. Yet I always somehow prevailed through those hard nights. One thing that taught me is that putting your own psyche and health on the line is only going to harm your studies in the long run. I lost around 10 kilograms in weight in a few weeks during exam season because I was so busy with projects I wasn't even eating anymore. I've now learned how to achieve goals faster and manage my time better, but it took a long time for me to understand I need to give my mind and body the rest it needs, otherwise the project is fucked, as well.
What you said is so so true, that's part of the reason I will never want to work with famous studios like that. They put your performance before you as a human being.
Great video. I can relate to so many of there things. My education was around computer information systems. Even with it being a different topic, I think we went through much of the same things.
HII Dami so good to hear everything that you shared here bcs i really need this on my very first year HAHA! so yea, if youre asking which points that are resonate with me, id say all of em! thanks, really thanks!
Thank you so much. I need to share this to my sister soon
Thank you so much for taking your time to share your experience about architecture school.
Thank you so much for this video and for your youtube channel. You are very inspiring and always have great tips and reflexions.
In my 3rd year of architecture school in singapore: Everything said here is true and sounds good in principle. But honestly sometimes to get things done when needed - ignore tips with discretion. learning to make decisions you'll stand by will be the most important.
how is ur archi-student life now? singapore and archi school are actually my the biggest dreams EVER im so jealous of you🥹🥹🥹 wish u the best!!
This is such a useful video. These tips and tricks apply to life as well. Thank you for posting.
On my way to architecture school next month this video has come at the right time #lovethethumbnails thank you Dami 🥰❤️
Ten tips are very helpful for architecture students, and for me too. I really appreciate you, Dami. Thanks! 🙏
Hey Dami,
im in second year and I completely relate to everything you say. I am mature age (37) and doing very well in architecture school after 16yrs as a high end chef.
did you find there was a lot of competition in your year group? i find that I am always in competition about grades with my classmates and there is a sense of people looking down on the people who arent doing well.
i greatly underestimated architecture. I thought I could do well in class as well as keep doing my side-things (comicmaking) but it turns out it's impossible to do that without breaking yourself. Looks like i'm gonna have to commit to architecture if i want to advance.
I'm thinkin of choosing architecture...... I needed this, thank you.
I'll be honest with you in telling you I'm mostly here because of the way you look😘, but I do listen to what you are saying. I was going into architecture years ago but it wasn't my choice as I wanted to be a mechanical engineer, but the government didn't pay for 4 year degrees and as a part of my disability training the government once again told me what I was going to do for the rest of my life. This time however I didn't really listen to them and went on my own path as best I could on their dime as after all they messed up my life by forcing me to take that Anthrax vaccination and I had an adverse reaction to it that left me 40% disabled having to learn how to walk all over again and more problems I have to now live with.
I need to learn your ease with communicating with people though I do have the gift of the gab and I really need to learn to take criticism a lot better. But our fields are totally different in that I'm now into exploratory sciences trying to change the world for the better.
Whenever you release a new video you pull me out from my burn out😊😆
¡!!!i
pirms 1 gada
Architecture school is hard but my friend did explain it well, "when you finish medicine or architecture, you don't look for the job, the job looks for you" and that is true for where i live
Thank you very much for these insights!
Can you make a video on grades and how to get through them whether they are good or bad? Thank you!
I wish i ve watched this video before
I am in the 2nd year
Thanks damiee❤❤
i really enjoy this video while doing my project !!!
The grade thing is very true. I graduated in ETH Zurich and now have my own practice.
Success is not having an A in every grade. It's what you make it. For me I always prioritized seeing my girlfriend, friends and living my life. Focus on passing, not on excelling. In architecture having an A everywhere means you have no other life and no sleep, and that is plain and simple not worth it.
When I hire new interns I know they have no clue of the job as they only spent time in university. Your grades don't matter at all. What matter is who you are, your personality, your portfolio and how you conduct yourself and integrate in the team.
Bonus TIp: Your professor is a bubble... one might like what you do, the other wont. Take constructive criticism and become better, ignore destructive criticism as it is ultimately just an "i don't like that", without any explanation, which has no value. Do what interests YOU. Nobody can do you better than yourself.
I’m about to start school next year and I think my biggest fear is to make all this journey and maybe understand it’s not for me.. On the other hand I know that even if it will happen it’s not a waste of time and energy cause I’ll learn so much. Also health is really important for me and I hope I will be able to maintain decent amount of sleep hours and good nutrition and workouts..
Also I forgot to say but obviously thank you so much for your work on RUclips, really calms me down.
i wish i had relationships liek this when I went to School for Graphic Design. I never went to a UNI I went to a community college and stopped at an associated degree because I figured real world work would benefit me more than 2 more years at college. Ive been doing design wor kfor about 3 and a half years now at my current job, but outside of this i have no real network and am JUST now starting to see my self with as a designer and a creative indivual.