|
Trade Schools
There are many trade schools out there that offer Interior Design as a course. Some of these schools are accredited and can give you the certification that you need. (Know that your credentials will not be as high or recognizable as those from a College or University) These schools do offer many of the same courses but they are condensed, and blended together to suit a shorter course duration.
You can generally expect the entire course to last from one year or two. The tuition is generally half of what you could expect to pay at a College or University. Your tuition could cost as little as $8,000 for two years or $4,000 for one. Materials are generally included in the tuition, and financial aid is also available.
Some Trade Schools do not have a set schedule for the finish of a program. Some will let you go at your own pace and finish as quickly or slowly as you need to. If you chose to go this route, be sure to check to see that it is an accredited school, and ask what is included in your tuition. Also ask what type of certification you will receive.
Online Design Programs
Not everyone is comfortable with the idea of going to a school for Interior Design. Some may prefer to learn how to do it from the comfort of their own home. This method is not recommended if you are trying to become certified, but if you just want to get the basic knowledge that you are required to know, this method is fine.
There are literally thousands upon thousands of courses for interior design that are offered online. Finding one that has the right information you will want to learn will require some research on your part, but it’s not that difficult. Course prices for internet schools of design can start as low as $19.00 and go as high as $500.00.
Some online courses that are offered through legitimate Colleges and Universities are much cheaper than campus courses and offer the correct certification that you will need. Generally, these courses require that you take your exams on campus or in a monitored way of some sort. Again, research is needed to ensure that you are not being scammed.
There are some alternatives to taking any formal courses at all. This called “self teaching”. This is where you will study the necessary information that you will need to do Interior Design as a profession, but you will not be certified.
Self Teaching
Teaching yourself to learn any field takes a lot of discipline and a great deal of interest. You have to be a motivated person and have the ability to focus solely on your task, but it can be done. There are many Interior Designers that are working without any formal education. They are simply going on intuition and talent. It is rare to learn all of the things that you need to know by teaching yourself, but it a possibility. These are some of the things that you will need in order to teach yourself interior design.
Learn the proper terms from various books on interior design.
Observe the many techniques and trends from circulating magazines and catalogs.
Teach yourself to calculate the amounts of paint and wallpaper need to per wall by talking to your local professionals.
Get as much practice as you can in your own home or at others’
Use your local library or bookstore to help you brush up on the proper ways of incorporating space and a balance of space.
Pros and Cons of Self Teaching
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
Learn at your own speed |
You don’t get the benefit of a teacher’s guidance and help |
|
You don’t get final exams |
You don’t get certification |
|
Cheaper than paying tuition costs |
Tuition is expensive |
|
Learn in the comfort of your own home |
Must learn with others watching and judging you |
|
Have online assistance when needed |
Have to wait to use computers |
|
Practice projects can be a lot less stressful |
Still have to take drafting and other technical classes |
|
Extra classes needed are often free at adult schools |
You don’t get help finding client prospects |
|
You can earn while you learn |
You can earn while you learn (may be overworked) |
|
You can take breaks whenever you want |
You can take breaks whenever you want. (may lose incentive) |
Never underestimate the power of Feng Shui. Purchase books on it if you can because it is a great resource for this type of work.
Get a job at a department or furniture store so that you can get a feel for the job, and the newest and most interesting design techniques. This method lets you earn while you learn.
The best way to teach yourself is to keep up on current trends through magazines and furniture catalogues. It may sound strange, but it is a good start. You will however have no choice but to take a drafting and blueprinting class. You cannot avoid this. Fortunately there are many adult classes available for free.
You will also need to create a portfolio. A portfolio is like a scrapbook that has all of the listings and photographs of your work to date. Do not worry if you do not have a portfolio right away because I will give you some tips on how to build a portfolio, with little or no professional expertise.
Your portfolio will help your future clients see what work you’ve done, which will give them an idea of what you are capable of doing for them. This is your best marketing tool, so make it look as professional as possible. You will also want to add letters of recommendation to your portfolio when possible, or you can request from clients that they allow you to list them in your portfolio as satisfied customers.
|