Getting Started In Interior Design
As a fresh interior designer, the range of how much money you can earn can vary greatly, but it depends on what type of position you plan to have in the field.
An assistant interior designer can start at $20.00 an hour, a certified interior designer can start anywhere from $50,000-$60,000 annually, and a partner can make as much as $200,000 annually.
It goes without saying that at the start of your business, you have to spend long hours searching and convincing clients to work with you.
Don't be discouraged if you faced rejection from consumers, as well as competition from other designers. Many times, a potential client will want to place your work and estimates against others. You can even carefully offer to outbid everyone else, thus initially spending a lot!
Try to be wise while spending and marketing yourself. For instance, set up a booth at your local mall. Have your business cards, portfolio and mockups of your best work around you.
If you want to start your own business, there are several aspects you should consider doing: Getting a business number and registration. Checking your government listings for the correct number, Checking with your local accountant to see what needs to be done about taxes, etc.
After setting up the initial structure of your business, you'll need a couple of materials to begin with.
Those of which include:
* Color swatches for paints and fabrics ( you can get many of them for free from local paint stores if you ask)
* Fabric samples are a necessity (you can get them for free from your local furniture store)
* Interior design magazines for client perusal (it helps them get an idea of what they like)
* Furniture catalogues (free from furniture dealers and retailers)
* . Fine arts catalogue, get them from art galleries
* Kitchen and bathroom catalogues. Basically get catalogues from everybody that deals with furniture, art, and lighting stores
* Photos of your work, and signed recommendations (remember you get them from family and friends when you are just starting out)
* Your portfolio (always have a copy of your portfolio)
As mentioned earlier, there are certain personal qualities and skills that you must exhibit in order to climb the ladder of success in the interior design field.
Which include selling yourself, mingling with as many different types of people as possible, and searching for start-up monetary help (if you're leasing a studio outside home), are just a few for starters.
Just try to be positive about work and try to live and enjoy whatever you finally choose to specialize and work with.
That's the key to success!