Do you dream of becoming an interior designer, but wonder what it’s really like behind the scenes?
In this episode, I pull back the curtain to give you a realistic look at the challenges of the interior design career.
While the Instagram-worthy staging and design work may look effortless, the day-to-day grind of an interior designer involves grit, problem-solving, defending decisions, and navigating invisible labor that often goes unnoticed.
I share my journey, from initial expectations to the hard-won lessons I learned over nearly 20 years in the industry.
I also talk about the importance of self-assessment, flexibility, finding your “zone of genius,” and building a supportive network of peers and mentors to help you overcome obstacles.
If you’re ready to go beyond the glamour and develop the resilience needed to thrive as an interior designer, tune in now. My insights might be the reality check you need to set yourself up for long-term success in this dynamic career.
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode
- Gain a realistic, behind-the-scenes look at the interior design industry – beyond the glossy social media posts and TV shows
- Learn practical strategies for developing the grit, self-awareness, and support network needed to succeed as a designer
- Assess if you have the right mindset and skills to turn your design passion into a fulfilling, sustainable career
Check out these episode highlights
01:21 – Perception vs. Reality in Interior Design
- The job of an interior designer is not as glamorous as it may seem from social media or TV shows like HGTV.
- Interior design appears flawless online or on TV, but these representations are usually curated.
- The importance of having realistic expectations about the cost and time required for projects
02:37 – Misconceptions about the Career of Interior Design
- Many people enter the field with a love for staging and decorating, but being a professional interior designer involves much more.
- While staging and styling are careers in themselves, interior designers must be prepared for hard work, grunt work, and the ability to handle challenges from various sources.
- Interior design requires resilience and grit.
Recommendation: Read the book Grit by Angela Duckworth
04:43 – Personal Experiences and Initial Expectations
- The initial glamorous vision of the career and the shift to residential design.
- There are pressures of responsibility and financial risk, such as paying for mistakes made in projects.
- The profession involves challenges from contractors, clients, and even personal doubts. Designers must defend their decisions and manage mistakes.
Recommendation: Before starting your career, take a moment to sit down with a journal and write your personal story about what has brought you to the point of wanting to be a designer.
08:05 – Self-Assessment and Finding Your Zone of Genius
- The importance of constantly doing self-assessments to understand your strengths and weaknesses.
- The need for flexibility and proactiveness in finding new clients and opportunities.
09:38 – Growth and Learning in the Career: Support and Mentorship
- Join support groups and mentorship programs like My Design Mentor for guidance and support.
- Read personal and professional development books or listen to the audio versions such as “Grit” by Angela Duckworth and “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek.
- Be open to learning new software and adapting to change.
- Join online communities but cautions about taking advice from forums, recommending instead to seek professional mentorship.
12:15 – The Challenge and Reward of Being an Interior Designer
- Interior designers are problem solvers, and the job involves a lot of invisible labor, such as managing logistics and budgeting.
- 80% of the job is problem-solving, and only 20% is the fun, creative work often showcased online.
Next Steps
Grab your freebies:
- Furnishings Investment Guide
- Remodel Budget and Timeline Guide
- Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
- 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career
Take a Quiz!
- Find Your Perfect Interior Design Style if you are curious about your design style
- Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be!
Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!
Check out the best books every interior designer should have here.
Email me at [email protected] if you have suggested topics
DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question
Leave me a rating and review! Click here.
Links Mentioned
- List of recommended books on Amazon for personal and professional development
Thanks for listening. I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week…