Art Education and the Real World, Ideas on BA, MA, and PHD in the Fine Arts Options

[Dima]

Hello to My Favorite Band (30STM, naturally)

I am an art student currently half-way through my four year Bachelor's degree in Fine Art Illustration. (exactly half way next week, actually...)
I'm attempting to gather information, opinions and advise on whether to get my Masters in Fine Arts.

I like the polish the MFA graduates have, and I am on a mission to be the best I can be in my artistic skills... (to see more-or-less recent work: www.arknightstudio.wordpress.com)
At the same time, I've heard conflicting arguments for getting MFA vs. not getting one. Arguments such as "you'll be able to do just fine on your own, you don't need to spend that much money unless you're going towards a career in academia."

One of my teachers suggested a specific MFA program in New York, there is one eight year illustration program in Russia that caught my eye, and one or two have suggested that I give myself a year to absorb what I'm learning now (and to build up my bank account from nearly nil to something rather more than that). My current school also offers an excellent MFA program.

As you (truly my favorite living artists) have some experience dealing with the real world (and very successfully from where I see it) I thought I might ask you what you think. (after all, you might actually answer this.)
all information has value: so anyone else wanting to comment please feel free to do so.

much love (and confusion),
-Dima

[Jeto_]

wait, when did jared become dr phil?

just do it. any education is good.

[serenity]

MFA would look better on resume.