Choosing a career is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. After all, your career will determine the way you spend each day for the rest of your adult life. So you’d be wise to choose something you will enjoy. Â For anyone blessed with creativity and a natural sense of style, an interior design career might be the ideal path for you. But there are a few things you should know before getting started.
This article takes a look at the life of an interior designer. Keep reading to discover the inside scoop.
- You Need to Enjoy Working With People
One of the first things you should understand about the interior design business is the fact that you’re going to be interacting with a lot of people. In fact, this career is incredibly people-centric.
Clients will hire you to design a particular space, and this will require spending many hours with them, discussing tastes, looking at options, visiting locations and shopping for materials.
In other words, if you’re an introvert, this might not be the ideal vocation for you.
- Salary
You’re probably interested in knowing what you can expect to make. Well, the median salary for an entry-level position in the United States is around $42,000. So you’re probably not going to get rich straight out of the gate.
That being said, you are only limited by your ambition and talent.Â
- Expect to Work Long Hours
This career requires a lot of work. The hours are long and you can expect to be on your feet most of the day. Keep in mind that clients can be demanding, and they will always want you to put their projects ahead of everyone else.
So if you want to get ahead, be prepared to make sacrifices in your personal like and go the extra mile to keep your clients as happy as possible.Â
Here are some interior designer resources to help make the most of your business.
- Decorators vs Designers
Many people aren’t aware that there’s a difference between decorators and designers. The key factor that separates them is education.Â
Anyone can become a decorator. There’s literally no education or specific training required. A person simply needs a natural affinity for playing with colors, fabrics, and textiles, along with a knack for making a space look great.
Interior designers, on the other hand, must have an associate or bachelor’s degree.
- You Need to Have an Impressive Portfolio
When clients are interested in hiring an interior designer, they will want to see proof that you have a great eye for design, amazing style, and the ability to get the job done.
That’s why you must compile an impressive portfolio filled with the best examples of your work.Â
Keep in mind that you probably won’t start out with a really great portfolio to show potential clients. Thus you might need to offer discounts to early clients willing to take a chance on a new designer. But always be working on your portfolio, because it will be the most powerful marketing tool for your business.
A Guide to Starting an Interior Design Career
Starting a new career isn’t easy. Fortunately, this inside look what to expect from an interior design career can help you decide if this is the right path for you.
Keep scrolling to discover more great tips and advice for your small business.
