Dear Sean
I’m a young woman who just got laid off from her graphic design job at a creative company. I’ve always felt that interior design is what I was meant to do, but I didn’t know how to break into the field. I went to school for graphic design, so I have basic art skills, but what other courses should I take to get a job?
young and naive
Dear young and naive people,
The beauty of the interior design industry is that anyone can participate. Many world-famous designers have no formal education in their field. And there are many who do. This means there is no one way through the door. As a course, I think it would be a good idea to hone your artistic abilities, especially by incorporating CAD and AI. Explore and learn more about other nuanced skills that designers employ through resources like Business of Home’s weekly digital workshops and by meeting with experts currently working in the industry. What I would like to focus on here is the mindset you should have from the beginning.
This way of thinking requires three things: curiosity, greed, and loudness.
You will never be able to do this work unless you ask yourself and seriously ponder the answers to these questions. “What inspires you?” Where are you drawn to? (Actually, it can be anything related to design.) Which designers embody your inspiration? Who draws you into their world and vision? What else do you know about them, their work, and their company?
Second, how far down the rabbit hole are you willing to go in your research, reflection, and education (self or others)? Please do your job. Greed brings not only knowledge, but also self-awareness, such as understanding the need for risk. The more you think about and think about every design decision, the better you’ll be able to explain it and stick to your vision. Just sharing your beliefs is enough. This is less about getting the right answer and more about getting a logical answer. If you know that the person hiring you will truly appreciate what you’re asked to do, you’ll be encouraged to use your voice.
Finally, risk your work every day by saying and believing that what you produce is the best you can and that your opinion matters to you. If you’re curious and greedy, you can’t help but make your voice heard. It doesn’t matter if you’re right or not. It just depends on whether you have the passion and humility to learn. Fighting for what you believe in is always worth it, as long as you’re willing to fight for it, even if other decision-makers don’t see things the same way you do. Without a doubt, learning how to express ideas effectively is what interior designers are all about. Practicing this skill every moment you get the chance is how you will find your way.
Go into the interview not only enthusiastic about the job, but confident that you can add value. This is not a school and you are not anyone’s child. Doing your best is enough. There is no such thing as a draft. Merely completing the work is not acceptable. Nor will you get paid to do more in less time. The whole point of the design business is to make promises and keep them. Never under-promise or over-promise. We pledge to do just what it takes to deliver the best work possible.
We all start where we should, but purpose and intention will propel you forward. Yes, learn the skills you need to support your job. But your curiosity, your greed, and your voice will determine your ability to build a career. Good luck.
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Sean Low is the go-to business coach for interior designers. His clients include Nate Berkus, Sawyer Burson, Vicente Wolfe, Barry Dixon, Kevin Isbell, and McGrath II. Rowe earned a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania and spent many years consulting in design businesses as founder and president of The Business of Being Creative. BOH’s business advice column answers designers’ most pressing questions. Have a dilemma? Send us an email. Please rest assured that the details will be sent anonymously.
