dont doubt ureself! got to always be positive and confident. (:

i guess everyone explained alot of things to you already. and im quite sure a few of them have also told u that the cert isnt very important. whats important is the work you produce while ure studying. your portfolio. thats whats more important.

even if you're not too good at art, as long as u have a decent eye for nice stuff, and have great ideas, you can aim for a art director position or creative director.

to tell u the truth. right now im working as a designer for a small company. and i've never attended any art school. d: same goes for my boss. haha. sometimes its all about passion and the willingness to learn.

bmecha is right. the hours can be very long. but in the end, if u enjoy what you're doing.. it doesnt really matter. (:

but be prepared to put your work before ure loved ones sometimes.. most of us work long days and also during weekends. see our family for an hour a day. your house becomes like a hotel. all u do is shower n sleep. hahah... but eventually you get used to it. and sometimes during offpeak (lol) periods u get some extra time for ureself. ok. i think ive rambled enough. just my 2c's yea. (: