Why Design School Isn't the Only Path Anymore

Years ago, in my first week at a design internship, an art director handed me a brief for a t-shirt. I spent a full day on it and came back with hand-drawn sketches.

She looked them over and said, "Those look great... but why didn't you start on the computer?"

I felt embarrassed, but I was just following my training. That moment showed me that there was a real gap between what was being taught in school and the pace at which a working studio actually operates.

Nothing closed that gap faster than real feedback, rather than a letter grade.