Sometimes I think the worst career move I could have possibly made on the route to becoming a jewelry designer was to go to college to study jewelry.
Not because I didn’t learn a lot (because I did) but because I often feel like becoming a jeweler after studying to become a jeweler doesn’t make for a very good bio. And it’s certainly not a story the press is interested in telling. It seems like you always hear about “the architect who’s making jewelry” or the “biologist turned jewelry designer.” But the story about the jeweler who became a jeweler? Yawn.
I’ve been reading The Fire Starter Sessions, which is amazing, but I came to a sticking point when Danielle started talking about how incredible it is to be self-taught. Because apparently formal training is for suckers.
Lately it feels like self-taught is the new “in” thing. Sometimes I just want to scream, “I have two freakin’ degrees in jewelry and metalsmithing.” But I often feel like that isn’t the interesting story. Even though, in college, when I told people I was a metalsmithing major, people would look at me in amazement. That statement could really turn heads in my business classes.
Now I’m guessing that those of you reading this rant who are self-taught are thinking, “Poor baby, you have no idea how hard it is to get respect when you’re self taught.” And I’m sure you’re right, that there are plenty of hurdles to being self-taught as well.
Which brings me to the actual point of this post. There is no single path to success. Whatever path you took is interesting and valid, because it’s all part of what makes your story unique. And it’s part of what gives you your signature style.
What’s important is that you look at your path and recognize what makes your story interesting.
When I took my first jewelry class in high school, my immediate thought was “You can go to college for this!!! Sign me up.” And I was only one of 2 people in my graduating class to earn a degree in metalsmithing. I think that’s a pretty amazing.
And I’m guessing that somewhere in whatever path you took there’s a pretty amazing story too.
And you also have to look back at the path you took and recognize the value it brings to your work. After two degrees in jewelry and metals, I have some pretty mad skills. Which means that I control the design and making of every part of my jewelry. There are no massed produced components here. (Save the occasional commercial chain.)
And I should flaunt that.
Just like you should flaunt that your degree in mathematics led you to design note cards based on the golden ratio. Or that having triplets helped you design the perfect tote bag for overstressed mothers. Or whatever ways your particular path influenced the products you make today.
Because whatever path you took to get you to where you are today is valid. And along that path are some pretty interesting stories you can use to promote your business. You just have to recognize them.
If you’d like to know more about using your personal story to promote your business, I highly recommend Tara Gentile’s e-book, Storytelling for Creative Biz Success and The Fire Starter Sessions by Danielle LaPorte.
Oh, and just so we’re clear – I wouldn’t trade my jewelry education for anything. It’s made me the designer, business person, and creative thinker I am today.
Not a rant, a good reminder that we’re all unique. Thanks for a positive spin on something I think about daily… and shouldn’t.
Amen! I work in several areas, some of which I’m formally educated in and some of which I’m self taught. I can honestly say that there are advantages to both. A formal education can be restricting if you accept the thinking of your instructors without further examination, but you do get a strong foundation in the subject. If I had a formal education in jewelry making, you can bet I wouldn’t be constantly re-working my designs to account for components or tools that I didn’t realize existed but that work a lot better than what I knew of before. That said, I haven’t let my lack of formal education keep me from making jewelry.
I loved this post!
It seems like there’s almost a “grass is always greener” aspect to this. A non-traditional path seems more interesting and romantic, but when you lack formal training, there can be a lack of confidence that goes along with it.
I have three separate jobs, and my level of training for each one runs the gamut.
In one job, I have fairly extensive formal training: I have a masters degree in library and information science and a bachelor’s degree in literature, and I work part time at a public library.
In another, I have *some* formal training: I’m an auditor with a bachelor’s degree in business administration but only 6 credits of coursework in accounting. However, my writing abilities (largely gained from my literature degree) and my data analysis skills (library and information science) help to compensate for my lack of formal training in accounting.
Now, my jewelry business: No formal training in making jewelry whatsoever. My business degree helps with the practical side of things, but I have lots to learn about making jewelry, and hope to move away from relying so much on mass-produced components. Doing so will probably not involve formal training so much as a lot of reading, experimenting and trial and error, although I do hope to take some classes to improve my skills should finances and scheduling align.
Well…I just enrolled to a silversmith school, at the age of 35.
I am a journalist who turned sociologist who turned a jewelry designer….and I do feel that I need to learn to be professional.
There is a point when you feel that the knowledge you can get only by self-teaching has a limit. Maybe you can learn sewing beautiful clothes by yourself, but I dont think I could learn silversmithing by myself.
I’m self-taught and I think it’s made for a pretty unusual product since no one ever told me the “right” way to do things. I love making jewelry, but the thing I’m most passionate about in my whole life is helping people to realize that they are deeply beautiful in their uniqueness, no matter who or what they are. So thanks for a wonderful, inspiring post!
Megan –
I truly understand what you mean about getting looks from your business classmates. My first bachelor’s degree was in Advertising & Public Relations. After a year working in an agency and realizing that Ad/PR was not what I wanted to do, I went back to school to get my BFA specializing in ceramics. I got some interesting looks from my advertising collegues. When I told people that I was going to get my degree in ceramics, the most popular question that followed was, “What are you going to do with a degree in ceramics?” To which I would usually reply, “Make pottery.”
Since graduating in 2002 with my BFA, it has been a long road to actually making that statement completely true. I did become an Artist in Residence at The St. Petersburg Clay Company, but I have always had to have a day job (usually in Ad/PR) to make ends meet. This year, I have made the commitment to doing more shows, getting the e-commerce (Etsy for now) up and running, and I have made making pots a full-time night job to hopefully transition into a sole-source of income in the next year.
The brilliant thing is, I have taken my background in Ad/PR and Graphic Design and have started applying designs – inspired by shapes found in ads -to my pottery, which has taken my work to a new level. If I hadn’t taken my unique journey, I do not think my work would be as strong as it is today.
This post really struck a chord with me. I would not be where I am if it weren’t for my formal education – but I often feel at a disadvantage because it seems as though people see nothing to celebrate about it (despite the fact that I had many self-taught creative skills before I went into higher education). Whereas it’s a given that someone who is self taught has had a hard journey and should be praised and supported, it’s too easy to forget how much work goes into gaining a qualification.
That said, I know I’m not actually at any disadvantage. Having spoken to many self-taught artists and makers over the past few years, I’ve found that many (not all!) of them are lacking vital knowledge and skills (both creative and business) without even realising, and wonder why they can’t move their business forward. I’ve always believed that you must know the rules inside out before you can break them successfully, and this is where education can give you an advantage.
I suppose what it comes down to is that a formal education can give you a head-start, but ultimately it’s up to the individual to make their own success!
Thank you for a thought provoking post 🙂
Lol, the flip side is that as a jewelry designer I spend so much of my time explaining the reason for never taking a metalsmithing class when I was in school getting my BFA in Computer Graphics (which let me tell you, a CGR degree is insanely useful as I can code my ass off in a pretty way!). I have an intern coming this fall from a jewelry program and the first thing she said when she walked into my studio was “wow, this is the opposite of everything school has told me I could do”. Which made me wish I had been taught what “I SHOULD do” just so I had the choice, because I have spent a great deal of time figuring out some simple stuff!
Side note…I got my BFA from Syracuse too!! When were you there??
Hi Sierra,
I graduated in ’03. When were you there?
Lol, well I started in the Architecture School in ’95 but then transferred to VPA, and ended up finally graduating in ’02. Its a small world we live in!
Great points. And I think there is something else going on with the “you need formal training” thing people are rebelling against. I see it in all kinds of field.
A degree in and of itself is NEVER enough. You also need other kinds of experience, drive, networking, etc. And you are always learning, after the degree, in stuff you do alongside your degree, etc.
But, as you rightly point out, a degree can provide lots of opportunities to learn things. I bet you had access to equipment you might never have been able to try out otherwise. And you could learn from people with lots more experience. And be forced to learn a few things you might otherwise have avoided but later came in handy.
I think whichever road you take, you have to take it consciously. Make the best you can of it. Realize you have choices. Take opportunities, whether in formal classes or in extracurricular activities. And then go out and do stuff.
It looks like that’s exactly what you’ve done.
Thank you for this. I am lost right now after changing my major to jewelry and metalsmithing. I don’t know what my future will be like and it scares the heck out of me, but it makes me feel better reading this knowing I will love what i do, as you do.
Thankyou so much ,you sound a really lovely person.Thanks for the inspiration,from a self taught jewellery designer.
Thanks for this post and for point out that every path is valuable.
I’m a marine biologist and I’ve spent 4 years in study veterinary for a 2nd degree… but then I turned a quilter.
Facts are simple: here there isn’t work, expecially for biologist. Instead stay at home unproductive, I’ve decided to stay at home doing what was my hobby. And I’ve turned it in my work. And it’s working!
Said that, I’ve loved every single moments in my biologist past, and my knowledge and passion for sea reflects in every quilt I do.
I’m a self-taught, and I think this can be a good way to learn, but only if one is able to try and fail without discourage.
I think also that at a certain point one arrives at the point he feels the need of more formal education.
🙂
Well done rant or not. I have the honor of playing both sides of this story. Well educated in the fine arts, and self taught in design and photography. (there is another rant in what qualifies as art 🙂 Still it all comes together to create what I now do. Now that I have found what I love I am navigating these internet waters to learn how to sell it. I love seeing people like Danielle Tara and yourself so willing to share your stories and teach by example!
Well done, and thank you!
I think that it’s important to remember, (despite what we may have been taught in our lives) that our path is our path.
I have some formal training in the career that I am in now, and a lot of years of work experience, yet I still experience closed doors due to my lack of a University degree. Still I have in the past had limited success with a few young University graduates who have come to work for me because they’re lacking in practical skills.
As I embark on starting my own business, it is apparent to me that my education, my experience and all of the things I have taught myself over the years, (photography, writing, computers…) are all important skills that will help me along the way.
This post struck me because I’m self taught…when I went to the local community college to learn new skills I hated the class. I was frustrated and it took the joy out of my passion. So in the middle of the semester, despite my $400 investment (not to mention the cost of supplies), I walked out on the class. Had I stayed in that class, although I would have learned a few more skills, I think my path to success would have been altered considerably for the worse, you need to follow your instincts when it comes to this business, whether it’s with or without schooling. Only you can control your destiny, never let anyone or anything stand in your way! 🙂
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I too went to school. And have two degrees. In psychology and nursing…go figure! Every semester I took a pottery class until I couldn’t schedule it anymore. Then my professor let me take it on as an apprenticeship. Ceramics is just as much art as it is science, physics, chemistry, business. Just ask anyone who has struggles with glaze faults!
Thanks for the posts!
Carey
I just love this post. I often struggle with becoming crippled by getting stuck on the idea that I wasn’t educated in this or that … and then have trouble producing. I fight this habit all the time and with people like you, Tara and Chris Guillebeau, I am reminded to quiet that inner critic and find value in my own personal story!