Posted November 17th, 2015
By Guest Blogger
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a new career path is your personal strengths and interests. Being successful is so much easier and rewarding when you are actively pursuing a career doing what you love! Almost every skill set, hobby or interest can translate into a meaningful career and Interior Decorating and Design is no exception.
If you love rearranging furniture, decorating and playing with colors and fabrics then a career in decorating and design might be for you! Want to know the best part? Interior Decorating and Design is the perfect portable career, allowing you to become your own boss in an exciting and growing industry. Becoming an Interior Decorator and Designer Entrepreneur will allow you to create your own, flexible schedule, meet new and interesting people, put your creative talents to use and take your business with you if you should need to relocate. So, how do you get started on this path?
Choose the right professional education program for you. Knowing what wall colors compliment a home's carpeting or how to arrange furniture in an oddly shaped room is only half the battle. As an Interior Decorator and Designer, your clients will expect you to be up-to-date on the latest trends in sustainability and green design, building codes and universal design and building information models. The good news is, you've got the talent; the rest can be learned. An online Interior Decorating and Design Entrepreneur Program, like this one offered by Ed4Career, will not only teach you about innovative decorating and design ideas for your future clients, and help you create the perfect business, it also allows you to learn at your own pace and complete your coursework when it's convenient for you.
Determine start-up costs. The nice thing about starting a business offering services is that you don't need a big budget to get started. Just be sure to visit your local and county clerk's offices to complete the necessary business license applications. These applications typically cost between $15 - $25. Then, whether you print business cards, purchase the latest interior design software or travel to meet your first potential client, be sure to keep al receipts and document all mileage; these can all become potential tax right-offs at the end of the year. If you're nervous about anything, be sure to make an appointment with a business accountant. Most will give you a free 30-60 minute consultation and can assist you at tax time in keeping everything organized and legal.
Determine how you will charge your clients. As with any creative industry, you will be able to raise your prices as your portfolio expands and your expertise grows. A good rule of thumb for any new Interior Decorator and Designer is to charge $75/hour. Remember: you are being hired to do something your client can't.
Create your contracts. Whether your first client is a complete stranger who lives 25 miles away or someone who lives in your neighborhood on the other end of the street, always get your agreements in writing. Contract templates are available online OR you could hire a business attorney to assist you.
Begin growing your business. Networking at local home and garden events is a great way to get started in this industry. Be sure to prepare storyboards for client presentations and an online portfolio so that potential clients seeking your expertise online can find you. Sites such as Pixpa allow you to create beautiful portfolio websites - without any coding experience! To get your collection of work started, you could offer to do some free or low-cost work for family and friends. Lastly, be sure to become active on social media. It is one of the best FREE marketing tools available!
- See more at: http://www.milcareered.com/blog/starting-interior-decorating-and-design-...
