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graphic design to interior design

I am currently pursuing an AS degree in graphic and interactive design. But I am interesting to shift to interior design field. Since I my college is not in the same town I'm living I have to do the classes online (however I am willing to transfer to a university to be able to attend in person classes). my question is that am I in the right path? is there any shortcuts? and if I finish my AS degree would that be enough?

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Garima’s Answer

Hi Maryam,

Good question! It's great that you're starting this shift by asking the right questions in the right place. Transitioning from one creative field to another can feel overwhelming, but the good news is that it's totally achievable. Here’s how your situation looks and some advice to help you make the transition smoothly:

Are You on the Right Path?

• Yes, you’re already on a creative path, and many of the skills you’ve developed in graphic design like understanding color theory, composition, and visual storytelling are transferable to interior design. However, interior design also involves spatial planning, materials, and functionality, which are areas you’d need to learn.

Is an AS Degree Enough?

• An AS degree in graphic design is a great foundation, but for a career in interior design, most employers prefer a bachelor’s degree in interior design or a related field. A bachelor’s program will teach you the technical and practical skills specific to interior design, such as CAD software, architectural drawing, and building codes.

• If you finish your AS degree first, it can still be useful when transferring to a bachelor’s program, as many schools will allow you to transfer credits, saving time and money.

Are There Shortcuts?

• There are no real shortcuts in interior design if you want to build a strong and lasting career. However, here are ways to make the transition smoother:

1. Start Learning on Your Own:
Take online courses in interior design basics, CAD tools (like AutoCAD or SketchUp), and space planning on platforms like LinkedIn Learning or Coursera.

2. Gain Experience:
Look for internships, volunteer opportunities, or freelance gigs in interior design to start building your portfolio.

3. Build a Portfolio:
Show how your graphic design skills connect to interior design through mood boards, room mockups, or conceptual projects.

Lastly I want to say that you are already on a creative path, and shifting to interior design is absolutely possible with the right steps. Be patient with yourself, and take it one step at a time. Your graphic design background will give you an advantage in visual storytelling and creativity, which are valuable in interior design.

I hope this helps.
Best of luck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you Garima for your answer. It helps when you get tips from expert and I am happy that you think I am on the right path and I can be an interior designer one day. I feel the journey will be a bit long and my credits except for the general ones won't do much. again thank you Maryam
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Emily’s Answer

Hello Maryam,

It's great that you're exploring different design fields and thinking about what aligns with your passion and career goals! Graphic design and interior design have some overlapping skills, such as creativity, problem-solving, and visual communication, but they are still different disciplines in terms of the day-to-day work, tools, and educational requirements.

Your AS degree in graphic and interactive design is a solid foundation for developing design thinking, understanding aesthetics, and mastering visual tools. It'll also give you some transferable skills like using design software and an eye of aesthetics, but it won't be enough to qualify you for professional interior design work. Interior design typically requires a more specific skill set that you would need to learn about such as spatial design, architecture, furniture design, building codes, and materials.

Unfortunately, there aren't really shortcuts when switching to a completely new design field, but there are ways to speed up your transition. Since you're open to online classes, look for programs or certifications that offer interior design. Some of these programs may also offer accelerated courses or have flexible schedules that'll help you balance out your schedule. If you're planning to transfer down the line, I would also try finding universities that have a good interior design program that could allow you to use some of your credits from your degree towards the new major. If possible, try to gain some hands-on experience in interior design whiling finishing your current degree through volunteering or internships. It could help you decide whether this is the right move and also give you practical experience.

You're still on the right track with considering how to pivot your career path. You have a great creative foundation, so I would start looking for ways to supplement your education while you're in the process of transitioning to university. Once you finish your AS, think about looking for transfer programs that would allow to continue your education in interior design, either online or in-person, to build the necessary expertise.

I hope this helps you out, and if you ever need any more questions answered, I'll help you answer them.

Best Regards,
Emily Garcia
Thank you comment icon Thank you Emily for your kind and full answer to my all questions. it feels great to be sure that I can do this. the only thing is that I wish I could transfer to interior design before I finish the AS and spend a lot on credit that may not be usefull in my future career. but I will follow your tip and look for courses online and will see what possibilities it can bring in. Maryam
Thank you comment icon Of course Maryam! I am more than happy to help you more if you ever need any more questions or advice. - Emily Garcia :) Emily Garcia
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Chinyere’s Answer

Hi Maryam,

It’s great that you’re thinking about transitioning to interior design! Here’s a breakdown to guide you:

1. Are You on the Right Path?
Yes, you are on a good starting path! While graphic design and interior design are different fields, there’s some overlap in creativity, visual storytelling, and understanding design principles (like color theory, layout, and spatial awareness). These skills can transfer and give you an edge.

2. Is an AS Degree Enough for Interior Design?
An AS degree alone may not be sufficient to become a professional interior designer, depending on your goals and location:
- Interior Design Certification or Licensure: In many states, to legally call yourself an "Interior Designer," you need a bachelor’s degree in interior design and possibly certification (e.g., passing the NCIDQ exam).
- Portfolio: Regardless of formal education, a strong portfolio showcasing your interior design projects is essential for getting hired.

If you’re really interested about a career in interior design, consider transferring to a program that offers a Bachelor’s in Interior Design (BID) or a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) with a focus on interior design. These programs will prepare you with the technical knowledge, skills, and qualifications needed.

3. Can You Take a Shortcut?
While there’s no real “shortcut,” you can streamline your transition:
- Transfer Your AS Credits: Many of your general education and design-related credits from your AS program may transfer to an interior design bachelor's program. Speak to an academic advisor about credit articulation agreements.
- Explore Online Interior Design Programs: If attending classes in person isn’t immediately feasible, look for accredited online interior design programs. Examples include:
- Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD): Offers online options for interior design.
- New York School of Interior Design (NYSID): Highly reputable with online courses.
- Take Introductory Interior Design Courses: Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or Udemy offer beginner-level classes that can help you test your interest and build foundational skills.

4. Next Steps
1. Complete Your AS Degree: Finishing your AS degree is valuable. It can provide transferable credits and demonstrate commitment to education.
2. Research Transfer-Friendly Universities: Look for programs that:
- Are accredited by CIDA (Council for Interior Design Accreditation).
- Allow credit transfers to reduce time and cost.
- Offer online or hybrid options if needed.
3. Start Building an Interior Design Portfolio:
- Take on small personal or freelance interior design projects.
- Use 3D design tools like SketchUp, AutoCAD, or Revit to showcase your skills.
4. Gain Experience: Apply for internships or assistant positions in interior design firms, even while studying.
5. Join Interior Design Networks: Organizations like the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) offer networking and mentorship opportunities.

Your background in graphic design gives you a creative edge and transferable skills that can make your transition smoother. While an AS degree is a strong start, pursuing a bachelor’s degree or certification in interior design will help solidify your credentials and open more doors. With your willingness to adapt and learn, you’re absolutely on the right path—keep going!

Best wishes!
Thank you comment icon Hi Chinyere for your step by step guide. I fully appreciate it. it gives me a wider perspective and more options to do. specially I am thankfull for providing some university names as was so confused and was not sure which one I can trust!. so I gathered that you think I should stick to what I am doing, finish my AS in graphic design and then join a bachelor program in interior design. they might accept some of the credits and that will be a jump cut to shorten the time I need to spend to get my bachelor degree. Maryam
Thank you comment icon You're welcome! Chinyere Okafor
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