If you’re thinking about how to becoming an interior designer, there are several paths you can take. You can work online, become NCIDQ certified, or earn your Bachelor’s degree. However, to get started, you’ll need to learn more about the industry as a whole. The more you understand the industry, the better prepared you’ll be to land a job in this field.
Working online as an interior designer
If you’ve always dreamed of working in interior design, you can do it online. This opportunity offers many benefits. For example, you can work from home and still earn a good income. In addition, you can work from a variety of different locations. Depending on your experience, you can design for clients in many different locations. Working online also makes interior design available to people who are in remote locations.
When working online as an interior designer, the first step is to find the right platform. Upwork, for example, is one of the largest online communities. It’s not specifically for interior design, but it can be a great place to get started. It offers a variety of jobs and only takes about twenty percent of your income. The Foyr Community is another popular option. Through this community, you can search for design jobs, submit project proposals, and collaborate with other designers.
Another way to market your interior design services is by creating user-generated content. For example, you can encourage past clients to post pictures or videos that highlight your work. You can also engage with influencers in order to gain new clients. In addition to social media, you should also create your own YouTube videos and use them to market your services.
In order to get started as a remote interior designer, you need to have some knowledge of the industry, strong graphic design skills, and connections with vendors and other service providers. It would be helpful if you’ve completed a bachelor’s degree in a creative subject. You should also have good technical skills and be able to communicate clearly. Additionally, you should have a strong sense of color theory.
Earning NCIDQ certification
Earning NCIDQ certification as an interior design professional can help you advance in the field and earn a high salary. This industry-recognized certification confirms that you have the necessary skills and experience in interior design and you’re committed to the field. There are several requirements for earning NCIDQ certification.
First, you should be able to pass the NCIDQ IDFX exam. This is a three-part exam. People who have completed an accredited interior design school may qualify to take the exam. However, those with no experience in the industry can also sit for this exam.
Earning NCIDQ certification is also important if you want to practice interior design in more places and build up your business. It gives you more credibility and helps you gain more clients. However, you should study well for the exam and take practice tests to make sure you’re ready to take the test.
The NCIDQ Fundamentals exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions on building systems, construction standards, and design applications. The test takes approximately four hours to complete. It’s interactive and includes several case studies. It’s important to note that this exam is only offered twice per year, in April and October. However, applications are accepted year-round.
Obtaining NCIDQ certification will help you earn more money. Certified interior designers have high salaries and are more likely to land a high-paying job than uncertified designers. In fact, an NCIDQ-certified interior designer earns about $16,000 more per year than their non-certified colleagues.
Earning a Bachelor’s degree as an interior designer
If you want to work as an interior designer, you’ll need a Bachelor’s degree in interior design. Most interior design programs are offered as Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees, though you can also get a degree in interior design as a Bachelor of Science. While BFA programs will give you a broad overview of the field, BSA programs focus more on specific subject areas.
An interior design degree will help you gain a wide range of skills and knowledge. The coursework will develop your drafting and design skills and provide you with a better understanding of the theory behind interior design. The program will also provide you with valuable hands-on training that will help you get an entry-level position with design firms. In addition, you will learn about the history of interior design and study the theories of the world’s leading designers.
Along with creativity and design knowledge, an interior designer will need to be detail-oriented and able to communicate with others. A strong visual awareness and an eye for color and proportion will be necessary. You may also need to coordinate with other designers, engineers, and general building contractors.
Having a Bachelor’s degree in interior design will increase your earning potential. Approximately 85 percent of interior designers hold a Bachelor’s degree, while only one in ten have an associate’s degree. Earning a Bachelor’s degree will ensure you have the technical knowledge to succeed. In addition to that, if you want to become a professional interior designer, you’ll need to obtain a license. This means passing an exam administered by the National Council of Interior Design Qualification.