How do you first get started with interior design?

Hello Samuel,

To become an interior designer, there are few steps you can do. Since you are in 6th grade, I suggest the following:
1, Mentor with an interior design professional or home builder or construction professional and see if you really like it or not. The reason I added home builder and construction professional is because interior designer often involve with them and this is a basic knowledge of building contraction. Get the base before you go further.
2, Start prepare your education. I strongly suggest 4 years college or university is a great start for interior design career. Make sure these college or university are CIDA accredited. If you interested in kitchen and bath, ensure these school are NKBA accredited.
3, Learn as much software as you can: such as AutoCad (computer aids design), Photoshop (digital imaging), 3Ds Max (3D programme), Revit (Architecture Program), Vector Works (Mostly in Europe and Asia), 20/20 (if you want to do kitchen and bath design)
4, During college time, ensure you apply for internship
5, Apply ASID, IIDA membership. If you interested in Retail design, join RID membership, For kitchen and bath, join NKBA membership

Well, I hope this help and good luck to you.

Dear Samuel,

This Christmas, ask Santa for a large pad of Graph paper, graphite pencils and color pencils, an eraser, ruler,
then find a quiet corner and start drawing your dream house or your dream room.
Pick any shape you like, then add the bed, don't forget the doors, windows, the closet.
Then add other rooms next to it, color it.

Get magazine clippings and pictures of all the awesome things you like and add them to your room.
posters, animals, action figures, and all the awesome things you love.

Then post it at school, and let everyone see it. teachers, school- and class mates, and explain to them what the room is inspired on.
Let me know how it all went. O.K.?

and I am in 6th grade and I am interested in this topic and I want to know how to get started please help by telling me what I need to do to get started (thanks I really need it)

To get started in Interior Designing you should display your talents. A good place to start is with family and friends. People need to see what you are capable of in order to determine if they want to hire you. Whether it be a design firm or your individual clients.

Hello!

I have a 13 year old daughter. a couple of years ago she said she wanted to be a photographer. shes really likes art and is good at math.
I told her that being a photographer can have a lot of different meanings since there are many different types of photographers. Same with Interior Designers. There are many different types of jobs that an Interior Designer can do or end up doing.
I am an interior designer, but I also do some graphic design. I told my daughter that she should learn some of the softwares that photographers use and maybe take some other classes in different art topics so she can understand that there are many different types of design/art that the world needs!

My suggestion to you, since you're only in 6th grade and you have 6 years to explore before you have to pick a major in college, is to talk to some other people in different art fields. VIsit some Art colleges and see what kind of classes they have.
Unless you love architecture and furniture, and houses and decorating, I would look around.
Try to google some different design jobs:

Graphic Designers
Game Designers
Web Designers
Animation
3D Animation
Comics and Graphic Novels
industrial designer

And if you have a lot of time on your hands, learn how to code.
This website is free and it teaches everything from tutoring algebra to learning how to code
https://www.khanacademy.org/

I hope this helps!

Hello Samuel,

• Education

Get the education you need: Find schools for Interior Designers near you!

A bachelor's degree is usually required, as are classes in interior design, drawing, and computer-aided design (CAD). A bachelor's degree in any field is acceptable, and interior design programs are available at the associate's-, bachelor's-, and master's-degree levels.

The National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredits about 300 postsecondary colleges, universities, and independent institutes with programs in art and design. The Council for Interior Design Accreditation accredits more than 150 professional-level (bachelor's or master's degrees) interior design programs.

The National Kitchen & Bath Association accredits kitchen and bath design specialty programs (certificate, associate's, and bachelor's degree level) in 45 colleges and universities.

Applicants may be required to submit sketches and other examples of their artistic ability, for admission to interior design programs.

• Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Licensure requirements vary by state. In some states, only licensed designers may do interior design work. In other states, both licensed and unlicensed designers may do interior design work, however only licensed designers may use the title interior designer. Yet in other states, both licensed and unlicensed designers may call themselves interior designers and do interior design work.

In states where laws restrict the use of the title “interior designer,” only those who pass their state-approved exam, most commonly the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam, may call themselves registered interior designers. Qualifications to take the NCIDQ exam include a combination of education and experience. Typically, applicants have at least a bachelor's degree in interior design, plus 2 years of experience.

California requires a different exam, administered by the California Council for Interior Design Certification (CCIDC). Qualifications to take the CCIDC exam include a combination of education and experience.

Voluntary certification in an interior design specialty, such as kitchens and baths, allows interior designers to demonstrate expertise in a particular area of interior design. Interior designers often specialize, to distinguish the type of design work they do and to promote their expertise. Certifications usually are available through professional and trade associations and are independent from the NCIDQ licensing examination.

• Important Qualities

Artistic ability. Interior designers use their sense of style, to develop designs that look great and are aesthetically pleasing.

Creativity. Interior designers need to be imaginative in selecting furnishings and fabrics and in creating spaces that serve the client's needs and fit the client's lifestyle.

Detail oriented. Interior designers need to be precise in measuring interior spaces and making drawings, so that furniture and furnishings will fit correctly and create the appropriate environment.

Interpersonal skills. Interior designers need to be able to communicate effectively with clients and others. Much of their time is spent soliciting new clients and new work and collaborating with other designers, engineers, and general building contractors on ongoing projects.

Problem-solving skills. Interior designers must address challenges, such as construction delays and the high cost or sudden unavailability of selected materials, while keeping the project on time and within budget.

Visualization. Interior designers need a strong sense of proportion and visual awareness, to understand how pieces of a design will fit together to create the intended interior environment.

You can read more in: https://collegegrad.com/careers/interior-designers

All the best for you!