Finish BFA in current school then MFA or not?

corrodusodom
Mon, 06 Sep 2010 10:37:09 +0000

Hello,
I am about to graduate with my AAS in fashion design at FIT and I need to decide whether to stay at FIT and get my BFA in technical design (a lot of money in that field) and then go towards my MFA in costume design at either NYU or Rutgers OR take my AAS from FIT and go straight into costume design at SUNY Purchase or Rutgers.

I live in NJ and I have experience in the performing arts (singing, costumes, dancing, and such) and I’m married (that matters). I currently am using my GIBill (military) that will run out when I get my BFA.

My issue is I need to make money and I was told that costume designers don’t make much and almost always have secondary jobs. I felt it necessary to get my technical design degree to reserve a spot in a guaranteed job. But something’s telling me not to bother and just go straight for costume design…

A few questions (sorry for the length)

1. BFA at SUNY Purchase or Rutgers (i’m 27, married, a little experienced already)

2. BFA at FIT and then MFA at NYU Tisch or Rutgers (first choice is NYU but it’s a bit $$)

3. What do costume designers do when they’re not working on a show?

4. Is it better to go to school and start my career in competitive NY or to go
school in NJ and get more work and experience?

sigh