You don't need a 'pedigree' aka academic degree to create something of beauty or value. Academic institutions are gatekeepers. Their primary purpose is to indoctrinate. And once people have invested a great deal of time and money securing a 'degree', they seldom disavow the indoctrination that came with it. If the gatekeepers can convince you, and employers, that you don't deserve an opportunity in the workforce unless you paid the high price of higher education, they assert a great deal of control. Entrepeneurs and creatives have the power to change this ruthless system. Conformity is a cage. Are you willing to step outside the cage?