The Become an Interior Designer Kick-off

Hello, hello, hello!

I have been working towards building out the full, updated version of The Essentials Package - the guide & tools to becoming an interior designer, even without going to college. I've also been slowly building out the Micro Courses on the individual topics, such as...how to build your portfolio. Which...is currently the only one up. And if we're being honest...technology isn't THE strongest talent I have so, for now, "forgive our appearance" :)

I've been meaning to start blogging too, for so many reasons & about so many things. Growth, entrepreneurship, interior design, becoming a designer, trauma healing, ADHD etc.. But, as some of you know...I have MANY goals & projects, some may say too many (Pshtt...ridiculous. hehe) But here I was this morning, reviewing & refining the core list of what The Essentials Package 2.0 will include & I just sat there staring at it for a minute. Its...a lot. And to do it proper justice, & you guys deserve nothing less of course...each line, which will be like a chapter, has SO much that needs to go into it. And there are currently 27. Twenty seven (Actually, by the time I got to listing them below, it changed to 31 potential chapters) which will also be turned into micro course videos.

Do you know how much time this will take???? (I'm laughing. A slightly lost my mind laugh but laughing nonetheless.)

So, as I am staring at this reality, & recognizing that this is ONE of MANY tasks/projects/priorities right now...I realized I need a short term solution. One that will be built into the long term version. Something that will help me get through & refine each topic - plus, there will likely be versions & revisions of each one as I get feedback from you, from my esteemed colleagues, or simply from just thinking of new ideas. So, I decided to merge wanting to start the blog, & building out each topic organically. Eventually, I'll take from here, & properly package it up into the new & improved, full version of The Essentials Package 2.0. HOWEVER, just because The Essentials Package is not yet in her full & complete glory, does not mean she isn't a beast in her own right, at this moment. That package in it's current state is still gold, packed with the tips, tricks, tools I discovered or used in my 8 year journey building my interior design business. So by all means, take full advantage of the beta version of her...& the beta pricing...while it lasts. The final full version will likely cost 10x more. The best part is, as of now, anyone who purchases the current version, is grandfathered in for life. So all updates to The Essential Package...will be FREE. This may change in a few months though for new customers.

SO. Let's begin, shall we? We'll begin this journey together (Side note, how exciting? This will all be turned into a book as well! Once I'm doing all the work, I may as well take it to the end. Smarter not harder.) by listing the current chapters. This way, you'll have a really great idea of what's to come, & you can already comment, email etc. regarding any of the topics, your specific questions or even let me know if you feel like a topic may be missing!

Topics/Chapters for The Essentials Package 2.0:

1. The differences between drafters, decorators, designers & architects

2. Personality Tests - How knowing yourself better will help guide your journey & decisions, saving you time & tears.

3. Questionnaire - Help identify which kind of interior design future is for you & which path makes the most sense for you. Based on your personality test results, experience, life circumstances etc.

4. What you need to learn & where you should go to learn it/them

5. Book Links & List

6. Podcast Links & List & Why

7. Learn how to build a portfolio (even without any experience) *This micro course is already up!

8. Educate Yourself With Basics, facts & basic terms every beginner should know + Test Sheet

9. How to set up a trade account

10. How to build & set up your samples library + what your library MUST include

11. Learn different ways to set up your accounting/books

12. Learn key legal factors to assess & prepare for (sales tax some states, legal requirements to be called "designer", Liability & worker error insurance, unemployment filing, LLC or S Corp, holding client funds)

13. Key 'must haves' for your contract & website to protect you

14. Learn how to set up & utilize project management software

15. Learn how to accurately estimate timelines for projects

16. Learn how to identify what you can delegate & when...& why :)

17. How to identify your target market

18. How to build your brand & social media

19. A Designers Project Checklist - don't miss a thing

20. Which High School classes could be helpful for this career later

21. Which college courses could be helpful, should you choose college (even non design related courses)

22. Different methods for pricing & profit

23. Key differences between Commercial & Residential design clients & projects

24. What kind of non design experience is helpful

25. Best ways to job hunt & what to look for in a firm based on YOUR personality results

26. P/T internship ideas to gain experience

27. How to get your first clients, sales & scaling your networking ability

28. Learn how to become the pro who catches the details, ways to show up as THE pro in the room

29. What contractors wish we knew

30. Test your skills Homework

31. Identify the design decisions game

Well, there you have it. We have officially begun. Seriously, love having you along for the whole ride.

XO

Shira