Alex,
There should be no sugarcoating of the idea that going 200k into debt for art school is an utterly terrible decision. In fact,unless such an endeavor is being paid for in full by someone else, I would say that such a choice is downright foolish. I won't repeat any of the valid points others have made . . .
I once lived with an architect who went to the renowned Rhode Island School of Design, and I made more money than that individual while working in a restaurant. I have a friend that makes ends meet as an architect and has been in the field for quite some time (5+ years post grad). I still think he is working to become "official." Business is very cyclical, even in an economically vibrant place like SLC. It seems that becoming an architect is more time-consuming and far less financially compelling than becoming a doctor, and, in fact, some individuals never finish the bureaucratic process that actually declares one an official "architect."
On the other hand, I have a friend that never went to art school and eventually found his niche designing and making handcrafted bags, which he sells for around 300 bucks apiece. Until then, he supported himself waiting tables. Not to mention Peter Lik (
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Lik)
My ex-gf's sister studied art, which truly is her passion, yet needs to work full-time at Trader Joe's to make a living in Santa Cruz - and that is hard enough.
I'm only 27, but young people need facts told to them. 200k debt for art school in a state with one of the highest unemployment rates and highest costs of living is one of the worst decisions one could make. Aside from that, the demand for designing bookstores is likely in permanent decline, as technology overcomes the need for brick and mortar stores. If you are willing to go into the hole 200k, then at least borrow money to fund a venture that can be written off should it go terribly wrong. There is no getting out of student loans. At 200k, you are basically paying for the opportunity to become a slave.
I know people that have spent 50k + on "culinary education" and they get laughed at by working chefs - because chefs know that such individuals have been ripped off and have likely not spent any time actually supporting themselves through the labor of being a cook. In fact, such individuals are easily taken advantage of since they have to take the bones that get thrown to them.
Oh, and massage school is no guarantee either, but at least that is paid for. I know massage therapists that work other jobs to supplement their incomes since full-time work can be somewhat erratic as well as physically demanding.I would doubt 25-50k off the bat in SF as a newbie. It would be a full-time job just to develop a book of clients.
It sounds like I am being a buzz-kill. I assure you I am not. There are a lot of opportunities in our world. Don't rush to go to school. Don't rush to get in the student debt trap. Use borrowed money carefully and realize that YOU are the collateral against a student loan. Once it is on the books, there is no write-off.
My suggestion is that if you want to be in the city, then move to a city. Don't limit yourself to SF, though. I've lived in CA and can tell you that a lot of Californians have found happiness outside of their beloved state. If you are interested in creative/artistic pursuits, you will find something with patience.
Best
ps: I would speculate that the excess supply of commercial real estate will keep the architecture field tight for some time to come.
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