Answers to Your Design Career FAQ’s
I recently posted the following on my Facebook Fan Page:
I’ve had a lot of questions from people considering a career in interior and/or set design. Unfortunately, I’m not always able to answer your questions via e.mail, so I’ve summarized the most frequently asked questions with my answers below. I hope that this info will help in some way.
Just remember to research your hearts out and use every resource possible, as you would do with any new career you’re considering. If you’re passionate about design, you’re already half way there, as passion for any creative career is essential [given the hard but fulfilling work that lies ahead].
1] What is a typical day like for Interior Designers? [what do they do?]
Please see my fave article on this subject.
2] Are Designers + Decorators the same thing?
The short answer is no. The long answer can be found here.
3] Is it possible to make a “good living” in design?
I personally believe that it is possible to make a good living in design, but as with all professions, it does not happen overnight. You’ll need to work your way up through various design firms [or related jobs], and eventually, if you’ve made enough contacts and have the experience, you can start your own design firm [if that is your goal].
Starting your own firm or becoming a freelancer is when you’ll really be able to take control of how much you earn and the projects that you take on. There is more responsibility and the absolute need for excellent multi-tasking, but you’ll probably reap greater rewards in the end.
4] What kind of salary do Interior Designers make?
The above question has a vast array of possible answers because, quite simply, there are several factors that come into play:
a) where you live
b) what your related education is
c) what your design experience is
d) are you working full-time at a firm?
e) or are you a freelancer juggling several projects?
f) which sector of design are you working in? [commercial, residential, set design, set styling, consulting, etc.]
Several regions of the globe publish salary surveys for virtually any profession. I recommend that you start by researching those statistics for your region, but remember that they usually publish averages and often those figures relate only to designers that work full-time in a design or architectural firm.
Example of government salary survey for Toronto:
http://tinyurl.com/5tjg7a
Example of government salary survey for Montreal:
http://tinyurl.com/6add75
Again, those are averages for designers working full-time at a firm, but you may decide to pursue other avenues within the realm of interior design.
5] What are job prospects like for Interior Designers in the near future?
Again, all of the factors listed above [a - f] apply, but if you check out a salary survey for your region, you should be able to find some statistics on this.
Example of published job prospects in Montreal:
http://tinyurl.com/6bhptu
6] What are my best resources for researching interior design as a career?
Probably the best site I’ve come across so far is the following:
http://www.careersininteriordesign.com
It’s a collaborative effort by several North American design associations, created for the sole purpose of answering questions on the topic of pursuing a career in interior design. It’s well worth checking out and an excellent starting point.
In general, it’s always a good idea to start by checking out your local, state, provincial or national association for designers. Virtually every region on the globe has one for the interior design profession. They are often a wealth of links to other on-line and in-person resources, sometimes even connecting you with a mentor or knowledgeable advisor of some sort.
Examples of interior design associations:
Interior Designers of Canada:
http://www.interiordesigncanada.org
Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario:
http://www.arido.ca
In Quebec:
http://www.apdiq.com
American Society of Interior Designers:
http://www.asid.org
Associations can sometimes connect you with a local design firm that is willing to meet you for an informational interview. If they cannot connect you, they can certainly provide you with a list of interior design firms and professionals in your area.
Then it’s up to you to make your calls and see if you can meet a designer in person for a brief session, during which you would ask your already prepared questions about starting a career in design and the state of the industry in your region. Remember to be fully prepared, ask smart/key questions and to keep it brief, as designers are always on a deadline! :-)
If you’re about to graduate from high school, do take advantage of your school’s guidance counsellor. They are there to help, after all, and if they don’t have the answers, they should connect you with someone who does.
7] Which schools offer reputable and accredited interior design programs?
This is one of the areas where your local or national design association will be the most helpful. Almost every association that I listed above has an “education” or “schools” link and if yours doesn’t have it on their site, get in touch with them about getting a list of schools for your desired region.
Again, these are the questions I get asked the most, so I hope that this helps in some way. Good luck to you all! If you decide to go the education route and can survive design school [be prepared for the ride of your life!], then you will be well on your way to an amazing and fulfilling career in one of the most dynamic and creative fields on the planet.
~
