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How do I Choose a Specialty?
Choosing a specialty really depends on you. You really just need to ask yourself a few simple questions to really know which field might give you the most enjoyment.
What is more important to me?
If you are very much inclined toward the creative aspect of interior design, you may prefer to be a residential designer. As stated above, you will likely have more freedom in doing homes than you would in designing professional structure. Many of the sub branches of specialty are better suited, but not restricted to residential designers. Much of your specialty will depend on your better interest.
However, if you are hoping to use your creativity to possibly put you into a better tax bracket, you may prefer to do commercial work. This type of work is generally on a larger scale than in residential jobs. The offered pay per room is usually a bit higher as well. Both fields are great to work in, and both offer many rewards.
Choosing a specialty is often easy, but it can be more rewarding for you to have one. It doesn’t really matter which area you choose because they all have their rewards and difficulties. The most advantageous reason to specialize is obviously to set yourself up as an expert in your field. Many people would prefer an expert to a designer that does work in all areas. It adds to your professional status.
What will I have to do to specialize?
Once you have decided on what type of specialty you would prefer, you have to know what it takes to make that happen. Since creativity and interest are not the only requirements you will need to be an Interior Designer, you will also need to know what is needed in order to specialize.
Education is the biggest and most useful tool when you choose to specialize. Being certified in your area of interest is a good place to start. In order to receive your certification, you must learn all of the technical aspects of design as well as the creative. Technical things have a larger range than you might think. Knowledge in any field is a requirement.
What you need to know
The ability to read and design blue prints
Knowledge of color coordination and painting
Difference between furniture brands and styles
How to coordinate and organize a room to create a comfortable environment.
How to correctly estimate the length and size of materials needed
How to correctly estimate the amount of paints or wallpapers needed
How to maximize interior space to the room’s advantage.
How to communicate your ideas effectively to your client
Basic marketing skills are needed to further your business
How to correctly identify different types of furnishings, and to incorporate that knowledge into a legitimate design plan.
How to create an environmental plan because this is a practical, conducive and esthetic approach to your eventual goal of raising productivity, and selling your merchandise.
How to explain space planning, lighting, layout and color schemes to your clients. People often like to know why you are doing the things that you are doing.
How to arrange carpets, accessories, drapes and wall coverings.
Knowledge of fine arts, sculptures, music etc. These will often be included in your design changes and must incorporate properly into the area. (you would not want to hang a Picasso in a Victorian themed room)
This is just an idea of the things that you will be taught in accordance to your specialty. Interior design for a home is slightly different than commercial design. The needs for a home are quite different. Materials are different as well. When you chose a specialty, you will learn all of the basics in design, but also how to deal with, and get clients effectively. That is where things are quite different. You would not approach a company in the same manner that you might approach a homeowner.
Is Interior Design Right for Me?
There are many pros and cons to being an interior designer. To best understand whether or not you might be interested in being an interior designer you may want to explore these items listed below, and learn all that there is to know.
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PROS |
CONS |
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There is a great potential to make a lot of money |
This field goes through dry spells. The economy plays a big part in this. |
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You are uninhibited in your potential to advance |
Can be quite stressful at times |
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You can make your own hours |
Deadlines can be hard to meet at times |
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You are your own boss |
Client ideas may be unrealistic |
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There is always a demand for it |
You often work under pressure |
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You are free to be creative and express yourself |
You are responsible for your employees actions |
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You can work as much or as little as you want |
You may encounter horrible people |
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You have the option of turning down projects |
You may lose projects to lower bids |
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You get to set your own work environment. |
You are often subjected to one area of expertise. |
This should have given you a pretty good idea of what you may generally expect from your career as a designer. You may be wondering how the economy plays a role in this particular career choice. The answer is simple. If the local or national economy is going through a recession, or depression, the potential to encounter any new clients is rather small if at all.
Current clientele cannot afford to hire an interior designer if the economy is suffering, no one can. In times like this, people are a lot more careful about how they spend their money, and hiring an interior designer seems more frivolous than it might seem under normal circumstances. Of course, during most economic conditions, an interior designer can always locate someone that is willing and eager to hire them.
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