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.
This will help you to be more organized at the start of your day, so that you can keep your tasks at a comfortable level, and minimize stress.
Interior Design Decorators
(You never where your next client will turn up) Most recent issues of Design Magazines make for quick inspiration.
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. Be aware of all of your facial expressions and hand gestures. Some will let you go at your own pace and finish as quickly or slowly as you need to. Your organizational skills will come in handy when you need to solve a problem as well.
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