Pros and Cons of Self Teaching
Pros Cons
Learn at your own speed You dont get the benefit of a teachers guidance and help
You dont get final exams You dont 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 dont 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 youve 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.
Of course, during most economic conditions, an interior designer can always locate someone that is willing and eager to hire them.
Interior Design New York
You may have to lower your estimates at first.
They design everything from furniture, to furniture accessories. Do not forget that you also have to appear calm because your clients will likely be asking you a great deal of questions. Also, you will often have to work under specific instructions as to what the client is looking for, so listening skills will be important here. Go to golf and country clubs with a load of business cards on hand. The first thing that you are going to need if you want to be an interior designer is the passion for it. Of course, if you wish to change the lighting fixtures from general lamps to say, track lighting, you may have a problem if you do not understand how to install it.
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