From a student POV:

I was studying in graphic design (diploma ) and in the midst of my FYP, I realized I didn't know what the hell was I going to do after graduating. Illustration was my passion back then , heck , all the projects and assignments I did had very little photography elements to it.

I was initially thinking whether to get a degree in illustration/animation seeing I already have somewhat of a safety net with the graphic design background -OR- take 1-2 years off and spend a lot less money by just getting a whole bunch of art materials, books , etc and study everything myself.

In the end , I decided to get my degree in Graphic Design. It seems like a safer choice in Malaysia and all my spare time is used to study illustration personally.