Education for Interior Design
Online Design
Programs
Not everyone is comfortable with the idea of
going to a school for Interior Design. Some may prefer to learn how
to do it from the comfort of their own home. 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.
There are literally thousands upon thousands of
courses for interior design that are offered online. Finding one
that has the right information you will want to learn will require
some research on your part, but it’s not that difficult. Course
prices for internet schools of design can start as low as $19.00 and
go as high as $500.00.
Some online courses that are offered through
legitimate Colleges and Universities are much cheaper than campus
courses and offer the correct certification that you will need.
Generally, these courses require that you take your exams on campus
or in a monitored way of some sort. Again, research is needed to
ensure that you are not being scammed.
There are some alternatives to taking any
formal courses at all. This called “self teaching”. This is where
you will study the necessary information that you will need to do
Interior Design as a profession, but you will not be certified.
Self Teaching
Teaching yourself to learn any field takes a
lot of discipline and a great deal of interest. You have to be a
motivated person and have the ability to focus solely on your task,
but it can be done. There are many Interior Designers that are
working without any formal education. They are simply going on
intuition and talent. It is rare to learn all of the things that you
need to know by teaching yourself, but it a possibility. These are
some of the things that you will need in order to teach yourself
interior design.
ˇ
Learn the proper terms from various books on interior design.
ˇ
Observe the many techniques and trends from circulating magazines
and catalogs.
ˇ
Teach yourself to calculate the amounts of paint and wallpaper need
to per wall by talking to your local professionals.
ˇ
Get as much practice as you can in your own home or at others’
ˇ
Use your local library or bookstore to help you brush up on the
proper ways of incorporating space and a balance of space.
Pros and Cons of
Self Teaching
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
Learn at your own speed |
You don’t get the benefit of a teacher’s
guidance and help |
|
You don’t get final exams |
You don’t 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 don’t 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) |
ˇ
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.
ˇ
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 you’ve 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.
More TIPS and HINTS
