5 Myths of Becoming an Interior Designer

Design is meant to be enjoyable, but the truth is, the field of interiors can seem intimidating, especially when you are self-taught…

when Studio McGee was born, one of our goals was to demystify design and share what we’ve learned candidly, and what we do today is still inspired by the same idea.

However, there’s much more to interiors than putting a room together. Lately, we’ve been seeking opportunities to share some of the nitty-gritty, behind the scenes details of the business, and with the launch of our first book, “Make Life Beautiful,” we are reflecting on our journey thus far.

Today, we’re talking about some “myths” of becoming an interior designer and why they shouldn’t scare you away!

Here are a few things we wish someone would have de-bunked for us when we started:

Myth No. 1: You have to know how to draw really well

While sketching is important, it’s a skill that can be learned, don’t let the fear of not being able to draw scare you away! So many people will tell us that they don’t want to pursue design because they can’t draw, and we’ve been there, but with practice, the skill will come!

Myth No. 2: You have to get a degree in interior design

Design education is a huge plus, and for commercial design, it is necessary. However, if you’re interested in residential design and don’t have a degree, there are so many resources available to be self-taught. Plus, there are a lot of resources to take classes online these days. Learning on the job is important too, and if you don’t have any formal education, designing your own home way is a great way to learn!

Myth No. 3: You have to complete entire projects to showcase your work

Vignettes go a long way to showcasing your style. You can start small and share bits and pieces of your process that highlight your design perspective without gutting an entire house!

Myth No. 4: Interior design is all about decorating

While shopping and styling are a big part of design, interior designers have to be organized and possess strong project management skills! Designers work with the technical side of projects more than you probably think. Being well-versed in codes, timelines, and regulations is just as important as being creative.

And don’t forget the people skills! The relationships with clients, architects, builders, and tradespeople are instrumental in the process.

Myth No. 5: You need high paying clients to prove what you can really do

Everyone has to start somewhere, and sometimes starting small and working with tight budgets will show your future clients how resourceful you can be! Your dream projects will come with time and experience.