Hello aspiring interior designers!
If you’re reading this, you’re probably excited about diving into the world of interior design but might be feeling a bit overwhelmed about building your portfolio. Don't fret! Every design pro started somewhere, and today, I’m going to share some friendly, expert advice to help you create a stunning portfolio that showcases your talents and gets you noticed. Let’s get started!
So you’ve taken the leap and started your own interior design business. You’ve created a website or social media page and are ready to begin taking on clients.
But there’s a problem… you don’t have any previous experience to showcase your talents. So how can you create a design portfolio from scratch that shows potential clients your abilities?
Here are a few simple strategies to help you get started:
1. Use your own home.
If you are interested in interior design enough that you’ve started your own business, chances are your home is where you discovered your passion.
Take a course on interior photography or hire a photographer to come take photos of how you’ve decorated your home. You may be wondering, “It’s MY house, does it count?” Absolutely it does! Your home is a display of your talents. Use it! You can also use the homes of friends or family members you’ve helped- just because they didn’t pay you doesn’t mean it isn’t work that validates your skills. You don’t need a mansion to start your portfolio. So use your own home or the homes of willing friends and family as your canvas. Even small projects can make a big impact when styled and photographed well. Begin by redesigning your living room or bedroom and document the process from start to finish, highlighting your decision-making and creativity.
2. Create mood boards and sketches.
This is a great way to show your capabilities to clients viewing your page or website. Show the layout of a room and then virtually design it! Not only does this give you practice, but it will show your potential client your abilities and how you present designs. I would recommend sticking to a limited number of styles at first rather than trying to showcase everything you can do- stick to branding your image first. Create virtual designs using digital tools like SketchUp, Canva, or other mood board apps. These tools can help you demonstrate your vision and technical skills without needing a physical space to transform.
3. Free design work
This is something that beginners need to be open to doing. If you are needing work to showcase in your portfolio, be willing to do some design jobs for free, knowing your payment will be in testimonials and branding images. Look for model homes or a parade of homes needing designers and offer to do the work for free- this is a major way to get your name out there! This is not the most fun part of starting out, but I call it paying your dues. You won’t need to do this for very long or very often, just get what you need to start off your branding!
4. Highlight Your Process
Clients are often just as interested in how you work as they are in the finished product. Highlighting your process can set you apart from other designers by showcasing your creativity, organization, and problem-solving skills. Display rough sketches that show your initial ideas and layout concepts. Explain your choices and how they meet the client's needs.
Example: "The floor plan highlighted the flow of the space, with designated areas for seating, storage, and display. Custom-built shelving units provided both functionality and a focal point."
By thoroughly documenting and presenting each step of your process, you provide potential clients with a transparent view of how you work. This not only builds trust but also highlights your skills and dedication as a designer.
5. Network
Building a strong network is essential for any interior designer, especially when you're just starting out. Networking can open doors to new opportunities, provide valuable industry insights, and connect you with mentors and potential clients.
Look for events such as trade shows, design expos, conferences, workshops, and seminars. These events often attract a mix of established designers, vendors, and potential clients. Go prepared with business cards, a polished elevator pitch, and a genuine interest in others' work. Engage in conversations, ask questions, and share your insights. After meeting someone, send a follow-up email or message. Mention something specific from your conversation to show that you were engaged and genuinely interested.
Example: "After a design expo, send a social media message like, 'Hi Debra, it was great discussing design practices with you at the conference! I’d love to stay in touch and possibly collaborate in the future.'"
By strategically networking and building genuine relationships within the industry, you'll not only expand your professional contacts but also create a supportive community that can help you grow your career as an interior designer.
Starting an interior design business from scratch requires you to work really hard at first, especially when building a portfolio that will give potential clients the confidence to hire you. But listen, once that ball starts rolling, you’ll have more and more design jobs to showcase and validate your talents! So be patient, stay creative, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. With determination and a little bit of hustle, your portfolio will grow and shine, just like your career. You can do this!!
Ready to take your design skills to the next level? Check out my online interior design courses where you can learn industry secrets, get personalized feedback, and join a community of passionate designers just like you. Let’s create something beautiful together!
Commentaires