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How do I get into the interior design field with no current experience?
I am a recent graduate with a fine arts degree. I mainly studied photography and I have an eye for color. All my years I have been passionate about space, capturing space in my art and decorating my own spaces. While in college I worked many retail jobs and have 6 years of apparel retail experience. I have had an interest in interior design for a while now and I want to peruse this career path.
Where do I start ?
What is an entry level roll in the field for someone who has no experience yet?
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4 answers
Derico D. Dabney, M.Eng
Program & Project Manager | Business Development | Team Leadership | Strategic Interiors Operation
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Derico D.’s Answer
Hey there, recent grad. Congrats! So, diving into interior design, huh? Your unique blend of skills and passion is a solid foundation to build upon. Here are just a few tips that I'd like to offer.
Enhance Your Knowledge: Begin by deepening your understanding of interior design principles. Enroll in online courses, watch educational videos, or read books that cover the basics of design and decor.
Showcase Your Skills: Develop a professional portfolio that highlights your photography and any relevant design projects you've worked on. This will demonstrate your capabilities to potential employers or clients.
Choose Your Focus: Determine early whether you're more interested in residential or commercial design. Keep in mind that pursuing commercial design may require formal design education due to its complexity and specific requirements.
Seek Entry-Level Positions: Look for junior roles such as Design Assistant or Junior Designer in interior design firms. These positions provide valuable hands-on experience and a chance to learn from experienced designers.
Network and Connect: Reach out to your college professors, peers, and anyone you know in the field. Networking can open doors to mentorship, advice, and potential job opportunities.
Explore Freelancing: Consider taking on small interior design projects for friends, and family. This will help you build a track record, gain practical experience, and develop your client relationships.
Enhance Your Knowledge: Begin by deepening your understanding of interior design principles. Enroll in online courses, watch educational videos, or read books that cover the basics of design and decor.
Showcase Your Skills: Develop a professional portfolio that highlights your photography and any relevant design projects you've worked on. This will demonstrate your capabilities to potential employers or clients.
Choose Your Focus: Determine early whether you're more interested in residential or commercial design. Keep in mind that pursuing commercial design may require formal design education due to its complexity and specific requirements.
Seek Entry-Level Positions: Look for junior roles such as Design Assistant or Junior Designer in interior design firms. These positions provide valuable hands-on experience and a chance to learn from experienced designers.
Network and Connect: Reach out to your college professors, peers, and anyone you know in the field. Networking can open doors to mentorship, advice, and potential job opportunities.
Explore Freelancing: Consider taking on small interior design projects for friends, and family. This will help you build a track record, gain practical experience, and develop your client relationships.
Updated
Alanda’s Answer
If you're truly committed, embrace the "Just Do It" mentality and don't let "no" deter you. I began my journey by volunteering at locations in need of an Interior Designer, such as furniture stores. I searched for volunteer interior designer positions online, and opportunities started to appear. In fact, a non-profit organization had just advertised a volunteer position for an interior designer at a consignment shop - a perfect start for beginners. I managed to strike a deal with them to display my business cards by the register, helping me attract more clients. Remember, there's no 'right' way to start, just take the first step. Begin building a portfolio with your first opportunity. I'm eager to hear about your progress.
I never thought of volunteer opportunities but this might be a good way to start my portfolio! Thank you so much for taking the time to give your perspective.
Clare
Updated
Archived’s Answer
It’s recommended to get either a 2 year degree or 4 year degree for Interior Design. Depending where you live, there may be licensing requirements and/or title acts. Title acts don’t require you to obtain a license to practice, but it’s simply to ensure you’re meeting a standard in education and experience. If you want to focus on only the decorating portion of design, then a certificate would suffice. Creating a portfolio of your work is a great starting point. From there, I would look for Interior Design(or Interior Decorating)Assistant positions that are willing to train you. Get familiar with the most commonly used applications such as Photoshop, InDesign, AutoCAD, Sketchup, etc.
Thank you do much! This was very helpful and I will look into what you recommend.
Clare