[John Reidy]

Kimber, First of all I congratulate you on striving for your goal. Nothing can be obtained until we set our goals.

Your tenacity is your salvation, don't give up and, as a student, pester your teachers until you understand what they can teach you. As teachers it is their reersponsibility to teach you and it is your responsibility to let them know when you don't understand.

I use the term teachers loosely. I agree wholeheartedly with Tom's views on a university's track record regarding useful information in the arts. I, too, was in a position to hire graphic artists and it was their work history and their book that were the primary points. I do, however, look upon a degree in any field as a big accomplishment and shows an ability to follow through.

I am compelled to add one more thought for you. You have demonstrated your work ethics and they are at the top of the chart. This is one of the most important factors an artist needs to succeed. The second most important factor in my opinion, is tenacity. No one ever achieves anything by giving up. Craftmanship is next and that is learnable. Then comes talent and luck which we control minimumly.

So you see, you already have at least the 3 most important ingrediates. This puts you on a level playing field with all successful people.

Hang in there, Kimber and keep us posted. We are all here rooting for you.