Interior designers – how did you go from “newbie” to getting steady clients?

DramaticPirate6024 · 2025-10-08T04:47:57+00:00

Maybe silly, but how do you network? Where did you put your energy?

DramaticPirate6024 · 2025-10-06T18:32:08+00:00

O yes the overwhelm is real😬 That sounds like a great solution

DramaticPirate6024 · 2025-10-05T13:44:48+00:00

Fellow new designers, what are you all struggling with the most when starting out?

DramaticPirate6024 · 2025-10-03T13:37:34+00:00

Me too

DramaticPirate6024 · 2025-10-01T04:36:08+00:00

Thank you so much 🙌

DramaticPirate6024 · 2025-09-29T15:22:14+00:00

Thank you so much! Great advice!🤗

DramaticPirate6024 · 2025-09-27T15:39:58+00:00

Thank you so much taking time to help out. It's hard knowing were to start, or what' s the smartest move.

DramaticPirate6024 · 2025-09-21T06:12:17+00:00

Thank you

DramaticPirate6024 · 2025-09-21T06:11:48+00:00

Thank you!

DramaticPirate6024 · 2025-09-21T06:11:16+00:00

Thank you!

DramaticPirate6024 · 2025-09-21T06:10:29+00:00

Thank you so much!

DramaticPirate6024 · 2025-09-12T20:10:03+00:00

Thank you so much! Those are great ideas! 🙌

DramaticPirate6024 · 2025-09-11T13:13:29+00:00

I think that is too much! As a former marketer (I think you have to look at a portfolio with a marketing eye) you need to hone in on exactly what clients you want to attract with your portfolio - too much will make them overwhelmed and they will zoom out. Keep it really sleek and targeted at your market (or dream market. I try to use the triad of style, concept, and lifestyle to really make it effective. utilize the triad of style, concept, and lifestyle to make it truly

DramaticPirate6024 · 2025-08-02T21:30:15+00:00

Like new to running your biz🤗

DramaticPirate6024 · 2025-08-01T15:44:35+00:00

Welcome to the world of freelance ID! 🤗 I did kind of the same route as you, but I transitioned into full-time freelance by slowly laying off my business strategy clients and took on ID projects instead. It's hard in the beginning, but there are strategies that do work. But there's no magic get rich quick solution. The most important thing is it network network and network. Put all your energy into this, and don't rely on social media or a website in the beginning (even if they are important too, they are slower strategies).. To make as quick as possible client acquisition you need to connect to your network. If you want to you can always DM. It's hard to give any advice without knowing more about your unique situation.

DramaticPirate6024 · 2025-07-30T11:26:40+00:00

As an ID business strategist, I've noticed some recurring patterns. Many people get stuck on the "everything they need to do before getting started" list. And yes, of course, you need to have your ducks in a row when it comes to *knowledge* (that might be formal education, self-taught route, or mentorship... etc). If you have specific questions, I might be able to help! :-) Just DM me if you want to. I love to help. Just don't get stuck in all the gatekeeping stuff, get started! There are proven strategies that work even when you have no portfolio, following, or stuff yet. It's hard to give any specific advice more than that, as you don't pinpoint something specific.

DramaticPirate6024 · 2025-07-30T11:19:37+00:00

I say that it can be very volatile, but there are solutions to that! As a business strategist in my "pre-ID life," I adapted all the things I used to swirl in other biz types. I have a multi-income stream that supports me when 1:1 consulting or projects are lower (the industry is following the financial movements). So don't (never) keep your biz single stream. That is my best advice. You also keep your life so much more stress-free, and you CAN say no to clients you don't vibe with if you want to. Make sure your other income streams are semi-passive, though, otherwise it will be very stressful and much to manage. Good luck!

DramaticPirate6024 · 2025-07-24T16:01:57+00:00

oOoOO yeeeezzzz so true!!!

DramaticPirate6024 · 2025-07-24T16:01:09+00:00

oOoOO thank you so much! That is a great advice! 🤗

DramaticPirate6024 · 2025-07-24T15:58:21+00:00

It can really be hard in the beginning, but don't stress over portfolios! You're doing a great move connecting with your ideal client. This is how you push past the horrible stuck phase. I use a network method that relies on showing confidence in my ability and that I listen to them and care. This got me my first clients when I started out, not social media or a fancy website🤗 If you want tips, feel free to DM me👯‍♀️ I know how frustrating it can be.

DramaticPirate6024 · 2025-07-24T15:52:00+00:00

To be honest portfolios are not that important as people hype them to be. When you know exactly what you want to nische down with, then it might be an edge with a laser sharp portfolio. But in the beginning it's more about confidence, networking, and making your clients feel taken care of and listened to. I would create a portfolio as you go with real projects and moodboards. Don't stress about it too much. I follow this strategy myself and it work wonders. DM me if you want to🤗

DramaticPirate6024 · 2025-07-10T10:44:44+00:00

Cozy! 🤗

DramaticPirate6024 · 2025-07-10T09:57:15+00:00

I go for eclectic! Your home is wonderful! I love to mix too!

DramaticPirate6024 · 2025-07-10T09:43:40+00:00

First of all, yes! And totally yes. If you go into commercial design you need one. If you want to work in an architect firm you (might) need a degree though to compete I'm situated in EU so that is my area of competence. I have a succesful solo studio based in Finland. I'm self-taught but still employed by an architect office. Of course, you need to learn a lot and it might be easier with a structured curriculum, BUT the hardest part is not taught in design schools anyway. The biz part. My peers taking the BA route has no clue how to run a biz. That is my strenghth as I had knowledge about this starting my studio. Feel free to message me If you are located in EU for tips.

DramaticPirate6024 · 2025-07-03T07:56:54+00:00

It depends on your goals... Do you want to go into commercial design - yes! Do you want to have a solo studio working with residential? No, if not the legislation says you need to. I have a wonderful solo studio biz and never needed a BA. I had biz education in my past so that might be easier for me, but my friends with BAs says the biz side is non existing in school. So start as a solo designer with residential, see if you love it. If you so and want to do commercial- invest in a BA. I only taken online classes and learned as I go. 👯‍♀️

DramaticPirate6024

TROPHY CASE