Are you considering a career in a creative field but not sure where to start? Do you enjoy decorating and have a natural flair for design? Well if you answered both with a resounding yes, then interior design may just be for you!
Below are seven tips brought to you by the lecturers and students of CATC Design School, to help start you on your way to becoming a fantastic interior designer.
1. Get qualified
Studying is one of the best ways to ensure that you have the skills and experience to succeed in interior design. Enrolling in an interior design course will expose you to a range of concepts and skills, and see you work alongside talented teachers and industry professionals. You can also fit your study into your current schedule, as many training providers offer full-time and part-time study either on-campus, online or a mix of both, to suit your needs.
2. Stay curious
Staying curious, and keeping an eye on both local and international trends, will give you a fresh perspective. Look for inspiration and try incorporating a range of styles into your work to help your work stand out.
3. Keep it simple
Less can often be more. While you may love an idea, it may not be the best fit for that particular project. Some of your best creative decisions can be the first that come to mind. Keep it simple, trust your instincts and go with what feels right.
4. Take risks
The best way to stand out is by trying something new and being bold. This does not necessarily mean reinventing the wheel, but recognising moments of opportunity and when to take them. Interior design is a highly competitive industry and you will need to work hard to give yourself an edge.
5. Get experience
Studying is a great start but you will need something that makes you unique. Many businesses run internship programs (register yourself for free as looking for work/experience on the Interiors Addict job board) which provide young designers an opportunity to find their feet. Do some work for friends and family. Try developing your own blog or website to showcase your work to potential clients.
6. Make connections
In order to maximise your opportunities, it’s vital to network and make industry connections. Go to events, network and meet new people. Social media platforms such as Instagram (we’d suggest our monthly styling challenge 7 Vignettes! Jen), Facebook and Pinterest can also provide a great way to get your work seen. It is important to remain visible as you never know who might stumble across your work.
7. Communicate well
Maintaining good communication with your client will help ensure your projects are a success. Try to keep communication channels as open as possible as it allows you to work together to achieve a common goal.
Remember to relate your ideas back to the main brief and keep in mind what you are trying to achieve with a room. While you are there to offer your professional advice you also need to be able to facilitate the client’s vision. Sticking to budget and being clear about any budget changes is also vital.
Find more information on CATC Design School.
All images contain the work of CATC graduate Jessica Viscarde of The Eclective Creative Studio.
