With many now questioning the value of earning a degree versus working in the trades, the broad discussion of formal training for artists and designers is an interesting one in that one can be self-trained, or they can learn their craft via a formal program of study. Either way will work.

As one who has been both formally trained along with being previously and subsequently self-trained, I’ve learned that in order to become a master, schooling got me to competence more quickly, but I have to self-train outside of and beyond a formalized curriculum if I am going to become a master. 

You can indeed learn what you need to know on your own, but it takes longer and you need to be deliberate about it. Many in the design professions stop at technical skill and bypass the deep dive of formal and self-prescribed study that’s necessary to become great at creating significant work. One needs to dedicate himself/herself to the pursuit.

For example, drawing is not a mere exercise. It’s foundational to all visual arts, included design, architecture, and aspects of engineering. It’s a way of studying, observing, processing, and communicating. In drawing we seek to understand what it is we’re seeing. We seek to understand the relationship of form and space. We seek to express three-dimensionality in the two-dimensional plane. We seek to communicate thoughts, processes, and ideas. You won’t necessarily understand all this unless you engage in some sort of formal training, and then with the right program or with the right teacher. 

The only way to become good at anything, including the visual arts, is to dive in and dedicate yourself to becoming good. This is not an overnight accomplishment. For example, to become better at drawing, maintain a sketchbook and draw what you see. Study and also copy the works of the masters and artists you admire, make notes on what you see. Do this daily, as music students practice daily, athletes work out daily, and dancers dance daily.

You can’t become a master unless you make the effort. Talent alone isn’t enough.

Here’s an article about formal design training vs. self-education.

Here’s a beginning-level 30-day drawing challenge that, if you accept, helps you to form a daily habit of drawing.

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