How to Become an Interior Designer After 12th Grade
If you are looking to do something that feels more creative than what you have been doing in high school, then interior design might be the right choice for you. Interior designers are responsible for designing and decorating homes or commercial spaces. The job is very challenging, and creative and requires many skills including good communication because discussing ideas with clients is a big part of the work. As one of the most popular careers in the United States, there is never a shortage of work for an experienced interior designer. Once you are well prepared, you can only develop further in the field.
Learn about design
Learn about interior design and art on the internet. You can consider signing up for the Free online Interior Design course organized by Home Design Institute, Paris. Spend some time looking up famous interior designers online to see what their work is like, then analyze it according to interesting aspects of color/scale/texture, etc., making notes if you find anything that really stands out or has a particularly pleasing effect. The best way to learn how to become an interior designer after 12th grade is by reading articles from websites such as HGTV which provide great advice for those interested in this industry. There are also many excellent books written about designing home interiors available at any major bookstore. If the idea of working with people appeals more than sitting behind a computer screen all day, take courses in activities such as floral arrangement, sewing techniques, etc.
Find out how much it costs to become certified in the field
Some people may be interested in learning how to become an interior designer after 12th grade. The first step is finding out what the costs are associated with getting certified and training for a career in this field. It can cost up to $30,000 per year just for tuition fees alone depending on the school. This price does not include any other expenses such as books or transportation which could come down to another few thousand dollars. The next thing that you might want to consider is whether or not it will make sense financially if your family has enough money saved up so they don’t have to worry about paying off loans while you are working at low-income jobs before going into design full time.
Get a degree in interior design
The degree required to become an interior designer is a Bachelor of Interior Design. This program will take four years and includes courses in design, drawing, painting, construction methods and materials, human behavior, and the environment as well as other topics like color theory. There are many online schools that offer this type of coursework for those looking to become an interior designer without having to attend classes on campus. An individual may also earn their degree in industrial arts or architecture if they want more experience with building types before going into the field full-time.
Find a job as an intern or assistant to a designer
Internships are a great way to get your foot in the door and they are usually unpaid. You can also search for design firms that offer assistant positions, which often require experience or a degree but do not necessarily pay well. If you have an educational background in design, reach out to professors at nearby universities or contact alumni who work as designers and see if they might be able to help you find a job on campus during school breaks.
Build your portfolio and network with designers, architects, and other professionals
You can do this by taking design classes at a community college or online through places like Coursera (though you will need to find someone who is willing to critique you). Start meeting people in the industry who are already doing what it is you want to do, so when opportunities come up they know who’s qualified. You should also start developing relationships with companies for internships as soon as possible because these companies often have their eyes on talent early on too. Once companies see potential in an individual student, they will offer them scholarships for full-time positions inside of one year! And if not, then there are always more internship opportunities out there. You just might be looking for them in the wrong places. This is a great time to network with people and get as many leads as possible because that’s what you will be doing when you are working full-time: building relationships, getting new business, and being creative.
Follow up on leads from networking events and conversations
The best way to become an interior designer after 12th grade is to follow up on leads from networking events and conversations with designers. Once you have set meetings, be sure that your portfolio of work and a resume are ready for the meeting. If possible, bring samples of fabric or furniture as well so that they can get a better idea of what you are capable of doing in their own home. This will help them decide if you would be right for their project.
Start your own company after you are established in the industry
If you want to start your own company, it is best that you are established in the industry first. You can establish yourself by working for an interior design firm and completing projects under their name. This will give you experience so when it comes time to branch out on your own, you’ll be confident enough to do so with success. As you are getting established in the industry and completing projects under your company, it is a good idea to start looking for different ways that will support your business as well. One way to do this is by starting an online blog or website where people can find all of the information, they need about what you offer. This helps with branding and lets potential clients know more about who you are so they will be able to make an informed decision when hiring someone from out of state like yourself.
