Expert: Jamie Yocono - 6/28/2004

Question
First I wanted to say thank you again for answering my previous question about how to build cabinet doors when i could only find warped wood.  Making two smaller doors is a great idea.

I am interested to find out where you got a degree in Furniture design?  I was not aware such a degree existed.  I've been thinking about a career change, but I am very new to woodworking.  Is this a good way to start?

Thanks

Answer
Hi Kevin,

I'm glad I could help you with your previous question. Sometimes two heads are better than one when problem solving!

This turned into a long letter, so grab a cup of coffee and put your feet up!

I've been out of school a while now, when Furniture Design degrees were really hard to come by back then. I went to Ohio University and earned a Bachelors degree in General Studies, with my emphasis in FD. It was a unique program that allowed me to take courses from all the departments. I wasn't limited to simply taking Tech classes, or Art classes, or Interior Design classes. It allowed me to design my major and take any class I wanted, so I have a background in everything from welding, metal casting and glassblowing to upholstery and fabric classes as well. It was a great learning experience.

But there are a large number of schools that now offer programs in FD. There are Associate, Bachelor and Masters programs, and I've seen some really varied backgrounds enter some of the Masters programs. I've seen a lot of doctors, lawyers, engineers and dentists enter the field, as well as other professional fields, but those really stand out to me. I've often wondered how much more simple my life would have been if I had a "normal" job.

Anyway- the best place I could start you off is at the website of the Furniture Society. Their site is: www.furnituresociety.org.  As their website says:  The Furniture Society is a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization founded in 1996, whose mission is: To advance the art of furniture making, by inspiring creativity, promoting excellence, and fostering an understanding of this art and its place in society.

On their website, you will find a link for resources. Click on that, and you'll see educational resources that will list all the programs available in FD.

Also, if you're serious about changing professions, you need to really read up on woodworking trends and techniques. The premier magazine for staying in touch is Fine Woodworking (www.taunton.com). Although it's an expensive endeavor, it might behoove you to buy all their back issues and read all of them. I'm not joking, you could virtually get all the "book" knowledge you need by reading them.

There's a big argument about "trained" (or degreed) woodworkers vs. self-taught ones. I've thought long and hard about that, as I've wanted to go for my Masters in woodworking. But frankly, with my level of expertise (I've taught woodworking for Continuing Ed classes for the last 9 years), I know as much as some of those that would be teaching me. So it's basically about a piece of paper.  Is it worth it to pay $30,000 or more for a piece of parchment? I'm not sure.

I've given you a lot to think about, and honestly, I could talk about this for hours. There are  financial considerations (joining a co-op versus buying your own tools and setting up a shop), apprenticeships with other artists to learn the trade, attending some of the conventions (Philadelphia Furniture show or the Furniture Society annual conference) and a lot more. Check out the FS site and even think about registering with them so you can have access to some of their forums. There are quite a few people like you wanting to switch careers and you might get some insight by reading the answers to their questions.

By the way, I don't remember if I've given you my website address, but you can see some of my work at: www.wooditis.com.

Write back with any questions, this is an interesting discussion.

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV