Hi Friends of The Striped Barn!
I always come across people who have a natural talent for design and an eye for what makes a space successful. While they may not have the opportunity for many reasons to attend school, the good news is, a degree isn’t necessary to follow your passion. Having 3 decades of experience as an ASID designer, general contractor and admissions director at a top design school, I’ve known many very successful top designers that do not have a degree.
When I was in school I met some of the most talented, gifted students that could not finish due to tuition or responsibilities. I have also run across designers with degrees that make me wonder how they got to where they are.
Experience is everything in this field, but you will come to a point where you will need some education as you grow and take on more responsibility so you might want to take some classes at that point. Most designers will work with general contractors who are licensed and knowledgeable to handle most everything, but subs such as installers and other trades can only do work in their licensed category. Trust me, they will let you know where their responsibilities start and stop. Just remember it is imperative to know your limits of knowledge when it comes to function and safety issues.
Most Important: Develop your own style, don’t be afraid,, and start your portfolio now!
You may not get into some of the top design firms but you will be able to have your own business or work in the design field.
Build your credibility with any classes, certificates and work experience you can get. Learn all the universal design software programs such as Auto Cad, Sketch Up, Revit, and Adobe Photoshop. These days if you are proficient in these online digital programs you are golden!
Join professional organizations such as ASID, or IIDA. Obtain a license such as a GC license, and gather certifications.
Below Are Some Tips To Get you Started
- Offer to redesign for friends/family: Offer free or discounted services to gain real-world experience. This is also a great way to make mistakes which in this industry is the best way to learn!
- Create mood boards: Use platforms like Pinterest or Canva to create mood boards for different types of spaces. This will help develop your design skills.
- Online courses: There are plenty of affordable or free courses online, such as those on platforms like Coursera, Skill share, or Udemy. I think college classes are great or you can even buy the books and teach yourself.
- Shadow a designer for a day or visit their jobsites: This would be so beneficial to see what really happens because issues happen daily in the world of design!
- Read books and blogs: Many interior designers have written books or blogs with valuable information.
- Learn design software: I already mentioned this, but I can’t emphasize this enough.
- Internships or apprenticeships: Look for opportunities to work with established designers. Many designers are willing to offer mentorship or paid internships, even if you don’t have a degree.
- Join design communities: Engage in online groups or local meetups to learn and get advice. Platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and design-specific forums can be great places to find inspiration and professional connections. Keep an eye on trending designers.
- Start a freelance business: Once you have some experience and a portfolio, you can offer design services. Websites like Upwork, Thumbtack, or even Instagram can help you promote your services.
- Offer free small design projects: Offer to design small spaces like offices, bathrooms, or even help with color palettes and layout consultations.
By building your portfolio, experience, certifications, continuously learning and networking; you can work your way into interior design without the need for an expensive degree. Passion, creativity, and persistence are more valuable than formal education in the design world!
Follow your passion and start designing and styling! Reach out if you have any questions:
Carrie
XOXO
