Let’s say you work as a professional interior designer; the perks are plenty. A good job, creative work, and then there’s the pay too. Not in the millions, but the pay as an interior designer isn’t half bad.
In the US, the average salary for an interior designer is a little under $70,000 per year. This, combined with the other enjoyable benefits of working as an interior designer, makes the job sort of worth it.
But what if you want more? What if you want your own interior design firm, maybe be a one-man army at first? Sure, you’ll have a lot more on your plate than before, but there are some good perks, especially money-wise.
Think about it: The national average cost for hiring an interior designer is $8,528. Given the complexity of the job, costs can go up to $15,216. If you’re running your own interior design brand or business, all (or most of) that money goes into your pocket.
Now, if you’re actually looking forward to this life and want to brand yourself as a professional interior designer, here are a few tips.
Showcasing Your Style and Personality Through a Portfolio Website
People want to see what you’re capable of before they even consider hiring you. A well-curated website with a strong portfolio helps potential clients get a real sense of your aesthetic.
Think of it as your digital studio, where every click invites someone to imagine what their space could look like in your hands. The images, colors, and words you use speak volumes about your style – whether you lean towards modern minimalism or cozy, rustic designs.
Of course, getting your website up and running can take a long time. It’s also an exhausting process that drains your energy as well as your bank account.
However, thanks to advancements in AI website creation, you can easily design a professional-looking site that truly reflects your interior design brand. All you need is an Hocoos to do the heavy lifting.
According to Hocoos, you simply have to enter a few prompts as per the AI’s instructions and you’re all good to go. AI website builders simplify the entire web development process, making it possible to create your own site without having to hire professional developers.
Refining Your Signature Design Style
If you want to brand yourself as a professional, you’ve got to find what makes your work recognizable. It’s not about sticking to one particular look forever, but it is about developing a design personality that clients can see throughout your projects.
Maybe you have a thing for clean lines and earthy tones or perhaps your rooms always carry a bold splash of color. Whatever it is, embrace it and make it your own.
When people start associating certain design choices or aesthetics with your name, that’s when you know your branding is working. Your social media posts, your website, and even the way you talk about your work should all reflect this signature style. It helps clients know what to expect and attracts the kind of projects you actually want to work on.
Networking and Collaborating to Build Your Reputation
No designer becomes successful in a vacuum, and building relationships in the industry is a huge part of branding yourself professionally. Whether it’s connecting with local furniture stores, real estate agents, or other designers, networking can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
Collaborating with other creatives can also introduce you to new audiences and give you fresh perspectives to pull into your own work.
Word-of-mouth referrals are still one of the strongest marketing tools in the design world. The more people who know and trust your work, the more clients you’ll get.
Telling Your Story Through Social Media
Social media is where people go to discover new designers these days. It’s not just about posting pretty pictures, though. It’s about telling the story behind each project.
Sharing behind-the-scenes moments on social media makes you relatable and shows potential clients that there’s a thoughtful process behind your work. It’s okay to get a little personal, too. Share your coffee shop sketches, your design fails, or the random things that spark your creativity. These are the little moments that make you human and help people feel like they’re getting to know you, not just your work.
At the end of the day, branding yourself as a professional interior designer is all about consistency. From your website to the way you present yourself at networking events, everything should feel cohesive and true to who you are.
Building your brand takes time, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Keep showing up, keep refining your style, and don’t be afraid to embrace the tech tools that make your life easier.
