Ever looked at your branding and realised it just doesn't resonate like it used to? If the answer is yes, you're probably due a brand refresh. Thats a good thing! It means you and your business have grown.

As a creative business owner, you understand the importance of maintaining a strong brand image. Your brand is the face of your company, and it's what sets you apart from the competition. When your branding no longer feels reflective of you and your company ethos, it is time to switch things up. That being said, a brand refresh is no overnight job. It take strategic thinking and an investment of time and money, so you need to be sure it is right for you and your business before proceeding.

We've identified three red flags to look out for that indicate your branding is crying out for a makeover. So let's dive in and discover how to breathe new life into your brand!

1. Your services have evolved

Ask yourself, are you still offering the same service as you did when you started your business? Maybe after a few years in your role, you may have noticed your aptitude for a particular niche service? Or maybe, as an industry insider, you became aware of a particular gap in the market and seized the opportunity? Whatever the story, it is not uncommon for a businesses services and offerings to evolve over time.

Adapting your offerings shows great entrepreneurial spirit, you just need to make sure that your branding now clearly reflects what you do. Clients want a clear understanding of what they can gain from working with you—your brand message is how you tell them.

2. You're not standing out from the competition

Lets face it, most creative industries are pretty saturated. We're sure you have a distinct USP that makes you stand out from the crowd, you just need your target market to know that too. How? With great branding.

You want to create a brand image that is distinctly your own, one that does not look or feel like a clone of your competition. If a few years back your brand felt fresh and interesting next to its competitors but now other firms have caught up, it is time to raise the bar again  and undergo an innovative brand refresh.

3. You're catering to a new clientele

Every creative entrepreneur goes into business with a certain target market in mind, however as your business grows and evolves you might find that so to does the clientele most interested in your product/service.

Does your branding appeal to this new demographic? Two tests: is your portfolio of work to date coherent with your branding? And will your current branding attract your dream future projects? If either answer is no, you know what to do.

4. You just know

You know your business better than anyone else. If you have an inkling that something isn't right, listen to it. Some signs are obvious, like those outlined above, but some are more subtle. You need to be completely confident in showcasing your brand to the world and if you're not 110% on your branding, that is not going to work. So go with your gut and direct your brand as you see fit.

A brand refresh might be just what you need to reignite your creativity and kickstart a great new era for your business—exciting! But remember, these things take time. Introduce your new brand look slowly teasing it through your social media, website and brick-and-mortar store.

If you're a recent grad or just starting to dip your toes in the interior design world, you are probably busy pondering one serious question: should I open up my own business or find a job at an established interior design firm?

Honestly, there is no right answer. Both offer up opportunities for interior designers to climb the industry ladder and both have advantages and disadvantages depending on your lifestyle and priorities at this moment in time. To be an interior designer for a pre-established firm means great opportunities to learn and grow in the comfort of job security and financial stability. Whereas being a business owner means having full control of your profit and your time, whilst opening yourself up to a new world of exciting challenges.

Weigh up the pros and cons of each and discover the path into the interior design industry that is right for you right now.

Pay and perks

As a business owner

As a business owner, you have full control of your business' profits. Everything you earn goes into your pocket—or wherever you so choose to put it! If business is good, that is great news. If business is bad, not so much. Being your own boss means your finances can heavily fluctuate and there is no guarantee of when the next pay check will arrive. Before you venture out on your own, be sure to give yourself a thorough financial education!

As an employee

Salary? Check. Employee benefits? Check. Opportunity for promotion? Check. Working for an interior design company will most likely result in a good starting salary and the opportunity to move up the ladder within the company. You won't receive direct compensation for taking on more lucrative projects or putting in extra work but hey, a bonus might be coming your way soon!

Time off

As a business owner

It's your business, you work whenever you like—no permission needed! Your daughter is celebrating her 10th birthday next week? Schedule freed. You feel burned out and want to sleep in? It's a rest day then!

Sounds good right? One catch. As a business owner, someone or something always demands your attention, and for this reason, you'll likely find yourself working thrice as hard as a business owner than if you were an employee. Oh, and the amount you work has a pretty direct impact on the amount you earn, so don't be too liberal with the holidays!

As an employee

As an employee of a large interior design firm, you won't have much freedom in your schedule. Your hours will be pre-set, your holiday confined to a set number of days and you'll need to follow a set of protocols to file a leave request. But, once your hours are complete, you can clock off with no problem. A regular schedule makes for easier planning in your home life, especially if you have a family.

Responsibilities

As a business owner

With great power comes great responsibility. The growth and success of your business are in your hands.  Every decision you make will affect the future of your business and you'll be held accountable for any issues along the way. You'll need to train yourself in financial management, marketing, legal matters and more all whilst balancing your creative work. Owning a business is a commitment, are you ready to take on that level of ownership and responsibility?

As an employee

And, relax! Being your own boss has many perks, but entrepreneur-related stress isn't one of them! As an interior design employee, your responsibilities are clearly set on paper. Anything beyond your scope of work is not your responsibility (although going the extra mile will earn you positive recognition) and you can focus entirely on your own personal growth as a designer!

Creative control

As a business owner

The biggest incentive to being your own boss is the total creative freedom it affords you. Of course, you will still be designed to your client's preferences but you get to decide who those clients are and there are no management-imposed limitations to your creativity. To ensure you're attracting the clients and projects that you dream of working with, you'll want to think about how best to position your brand and craft your brand messaging to capture their attention.

As an employee

You'll still get to flex your creative muscles as an interior design employee, you just won't get much of a say in what projects you work on and the overall creative direction of said projects. Your firm might have strict design guidelines or suppliers that they like to work with which you will have to adhere to. But learning to colour within the lines, especially as a new interior designer, is a great exercise to help you learn and grow.

The verdict

That's up to you! However you choose to start your career in interior design, you'll find opportunities for learning, challenge and creativity. And remember this is just the start of your interior design industry. You are not bound to one way of working for the rest of your career, just do what feels right at this moment.

What makes a house a home? Ask the co-founders of DMT Design, Kate Cuadro and Alexis Caldera. DMT Design is a vital piece of the puzzle at NYC-based real estate broker, The Development Marketing Team. The elegantly designed and staged apartments that set DMT homes apart from the competition are the creative masterpieces of Kate and Alexis.

Backed by almost two decades of experience across interiors, fashion, and real estate, Kate and Alexis have mastered the art of understated elegance and understand how to design a space that motivates consumers to call it “home.” Kate and Alexis offered to give us a peak into the dazzling life of NYC real estate and explain how in a world of luxury and opulence they continue to create designs that are distinctly personal.

Meet the Founders

Alexis Caldera

"I’ve worked in residential and commercial design in New York for over seven years now and have had the opportunity to learn from renowned architects and designers, including Gensler. After completing my Bachelor's degree in Interior Design from the University of Arkansas, my career started off with an internship at a small residential interior design firm in Manhattan. Later, to broaden my skill set, I obtained my real estate license. At DMT Design, I'm able to pursue my passion for both real estate and interior design, whilst expanding my expertise in both areas."

Kate Cuadro

"I graduated with a degree in Merchandise Product Development from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM), and have spent the last seven years designing and managing production manufacturing for various womenswear and children’s brands in San Francisco and New York City. Not too long after moving to NYC, I became intrigued by NYC real estate. Eventually, I listened to my nagging intuition, obtained my real estate license, and joined an incredible and well-established team. Of course, I was still very much a designer and so to scratch that creative itch, I launched a luxury home accessories brand on the side. While short-lived, doing so helped me to realise my true calling, blending my interest in real estate and my love for design."

What does a "day in the life" at work look like?

No two days are the same. Some days are spent meeting with clients at a stone slab yard to choose the perfect marble for their home or coordinating furniture and lighting installations on site. On another day, we might be presenting final design ideas to a client, or adding final touches to a finished project in preparation for professional photography. With such a diverse range of tasks, our days are always full of new challenges and opportunities.

What is the most challenging part of your work?

Managing multiple projects at once can be challenging, but this is also where we thrive. Each project is unique and has its own set of requirements, so staying organized is critical. Tracking every detail along the way, from the client's preferences to the project timeline, we ensure that nothing is overlooked. While it can be a lot to manage at times, we find that the variation keeps things interesting and helps us to maintain focus.

Collaboration is the key to success—agreed?

Collaboration is an essential part of our partnership. Working in sync is key, but we also recognise and appreciate each other's unique strengths and weaknesses. Fortunately, our working styles complement each other well, and working together helps us achieve better results for our clients.

How do you determine what a client really wants from a space?

Like real estate agents, we often joke that we’re not only interior designers but also our clients’ therapists. We put effort into understanding our clients' lifestyles, personalities, and preferences, allowing us to create a space that truly embodies them. Doing so adds a personal touch to the design process, and results in spaces that are not only beautiful but also practical and meaningful to our clients.

For a project in Greenwich Village, our client wanted a space that felt sophisticated, feminine, and glamorous, without being too over-the-top or cliché. To achieve this, we incorporated a neutral colour scheme with bold black accents, as well as brass and crystal details to add some interest. We drew inspiration from the building's unique architecture and the curvilinear lines found throughout the space. By selecting complementary furniture and decor, we were able to create a cohesive and warm space that stayed true to the original vision.

How do you continually challenge yourself to be creative?

We constantly look for ways to push creative boundaries and produce results that leave our clients feeling inspired. Our goal is to not only challenge ourselves but inspire our clients to think beyond what they thought was possible. It’s so important to always be evolving and finding new ways to be innovative.

Where do you find inspiration?

Our favourite places to draw inspiration from are art museums, nature, travelling, antiquing, reading design publications, and working with other creatives.

What makes a house a home?

Every project is unique, and we want to always be a source of inspiration for our clients but a house is not a home without personality. We work closely with our clients to ensure we match their style and personality so the space truly feels like their home.

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Add a touch of understated elegance to your feed and follow DMT Design on Instagram.

Every day, newly engaged couples flock to Instagram to gather inspiration and advice for planning their big day. In an ideal world, they'd find your wedding business' Instagram page, fall in love and book you to organise their big day. To stand out as a wedding planner on Instagram you'll need a strong social media marketing strategy, a stunning portfolio, a consistent posting schedule and buckets of personality—oh, and you may also want to consider paid advertisement.

Paying for advertisements doesn't guarantee new clients, but it does guarantee impressions—in order for clients to fall in love with your services at first sight, they're first going to need to see you! That being said, ads are another expense for your wedding business—might you be better off reserving resources to focus on organic impressions instead?

Advertising on Instagram as a wedding professional has its benefits and drawbacks, which you'll need to thoroughly weigh up to decide what is right for your wedding business. Is it worth investing in Instagram ads as a wedding planner? Let's find out!

Pros of Instagram ads

A targeted approach

Over 60% of Instagram users are aged 18 to 34—the demographic with the most wedding bells ringing! So when posting on Instagram, you already have a high chance of being seen by your target market but Instagram ads take that viewer compatibility to a new level. Identify your target audience's gender, age group, location and interests and your ads will show up users that match these specifics. All the marketing in the world won't make a difference if you're talking to the wrong audience, Instagram ads ensure your efforts are being heard by the right people—say hello to higher client conversion rates.

Suitable for all budgets

When it comes to Instagram ads, you set the price. Pay as little or as much as you like and see results accordingly—although a little investment still goes a long way! Explore different ad campaigns until you find the one with the highest return on investment and stick with it—and if things don't go your way, feel secure in the fact you can stop a campaign (and payment) at any time.

Space to showcase your work

Adverts on Instagram can be collages, carousels, reels or stories—so you can pick the format that best showcases your work, or try a variety and see what sticks! Experiment with different imagery and formats to see what yields you the highest conversion rate—be bold! This is your opportunity to showcase your skills and your portfolio. Also, do not underestimate the power of good copy—an image might say a thousand words, but the right words says it all. You want to craft copy that is short, punchy, and leaves a lasting impression upon viewers. Think about how your tone on Instagram con contribute to your wider brand messaging.

Cons of Instagram ads

A saturated market

Yes, your ads will be targeted to the right clients... but so will all the wedding planners' ads! Instagram is home to hundreds and thousands of wedding planners globally your target demographic will be receiving hundreds of ads just like yours a day. Of course, you won't be competing with all of them, but you need to really think about what can make your ad special before launching it or else it'll get lost in the noise!

Ads are not a one-time job

Running the same promotion over long periods will lead to a significant cut in engagements, and ultimately conversions. Ads need consistent monitoring to see what is and isn't working and you need to adapt your content accordingly—this is not a "one and done" job, ads require a long-term commitment to get the best results. So, are Instagram ads the right marketing strategy for your wedding business? At Visualist, we're advocates for trying out lots of different strategies and techniques, so long as you are informed and on-the-ball. Best of luck!

Remember the time you spent hours trawling through your desktop looking for that one file? Or missed out on securing that perfect client because your email inbox was too cluttered to see their message? Running a small business is hard, being disorganised makes it 10x harder. Consider this your annual reminder to conduct a spring clean for your business. With clutter gone from your physical and/or digital workspace, you will be more productive and more motivated. Plus your creativity will finally have more space to flourish! Ready to organise your workspace and set your business on track to success? Let's get cleaning!

Declutter your office

Whether you work in an office, a studio or from home—as so many of us do post-pandemic—your workplace deserves a little respect. Conduct a deep clean from the skirting boards to your desktop and maybe even rearrange the furniture to bring in some new energy to the space. Not only will your workspace look professional and inviting, but you'll also likely feel refreshed and energised on the inside too. Remember a little decluttering goes a long way. Now is the perfect time to work through old paperwork, stock, samples, and equipment to decide whether it is ever going to be useful to you and your business—if the answer is no, it can go. Stop hoarding things you do not need anymore.

Inspect your email inbox

If you have 1490 unread notifications in your email inbox, this one is for you. Delete all the old emails laying dormant in your inbox and treat the problem immediately by unsubscribing to newsletters and mailing lists that no longer benefit you and your business. You should also consider using labels in your inbox to keep things neat and easily searchable for when you inevitably need to check back on a business expense or client enquiry. Take the opportunity to work through your contact list too and update all contacts with their proper information.

Update your socials

Is your Insta feed looking a little... chaotic? Your social media is your shop front, it needs to accurately and consistently convey your brand personality and messaging across all platforms. If there are posts on your social accounts that no longer align with your brand, time to delete them (or at least archive them!) You should also pay some attention to your captions and make any edits needed to align them with your up-to-date brand messaging. See what is going on in your drafts as well—if you haven't used that content yet, it can probably be removed. Instead, queue up a few new posts that more accurately represent your brand. Ensure that your bio and contact information is up-to-date and consistent across all your social media channels—remember this is how you acquire the majority of your leads!

Organise your photo library

As creatives, visuals are our go-to source of inspiration. In fact, we often collect so many that it is hard to keep track of when, where and why we saved them in the first place. Firstly, free up some storage space by deleting any images that confuse your aesthetic. It is okay for your tastes and the direction of your brand to change over time. Once you start scrolling you'll likely find plenty of duplicates—they can go too. Note: there are a number of handy apps that can do this for you! You should consider organising your inspiration into designated folders for easier navigation and to ensure you are always stumbling across fresh, relevant inspiration. Consider using a tool such as Visualist.

In an increasingly virtual world, digital communities give us the chance to learn, connect and find support. For creatives, community is essential to productivity, mental well-being, and even creativity itself.

As a creative business, starting your own virtual community is an excellent way to market your brand, source insights and feedback and foster relationships with prospective clients.

Whatever your motivations for starting an online creative community, where you choose to host it will be key to its success. There are an array of platforms for hosting digital communities available, so we've rounded up the best digital forums built with creatives in mind. Take a browse and see which is right for you and your future creative community!

Geneva

Geneva is a company that loves good company. Think of Geneva as a Gen-Z alternative to Slack, a similar interface with some extra perks to keep a new generation of creatives engaged!

Geneva is equipped with all the building blocks you need to start a thriving community. You can start accessible async conversations in chat rooms, gather insights with polls and encourage networking and collaboration with live audio/video calls and events.

Visit Geneva.

Discord

Whether it's for gaming, work, school, or art communities, Discord is an online haven for those who want to hang out without having to leave the comforts of their home.

Discord supports all kinds of media, so your community can communicate in a way that feels most authentic to them—with music, live streams and screen sharing you are sure to foster meaningful community connections.

Visit Discord.

Groove

It's great to chat, but a community can be a source of motivation too! Groove is a digital co-working space for freelancers or remote workers who want to connect with fellow creatives whilst they work. Use Groove to connect your community and foster relationships that have a lasting impact!

Visit Groove.

Slack

Anyone who has worked in the corporate world in the last 5 years is likely familiar with Slack, but Slack has OOO potential too. Use Slack to build a creative community with distinct rooms and integrated tools to facilitate conversations. And the best part, lots of community members will already have an account.

Visit Slack.

Mighty Network

Mighty Networks exists to empower creatives to build and own their own communities, away from the "uncertainty and clutter of social media". With a Mighty Network, you can bring your courses, memberships, and offers together in a powerful community under your own brand on iOS, Android, and the web.

Visit Mighty Network.

Discourse

Discourse is a 100% open-source platform designed to be used as a discussion forum, chat room, mailing list and more! There are no complex controls, and everything is right where you want it with custom preferences.

Discourse is committed to creating a simple platform for all types of communities, so your creative community will feel instantly at home!

Visit Discourse.

We get it! As a creative entrepreneur you're always on the go, and yet you are always looking for opportunities grow your business. Which is why business podcasts are your new best friend. You can listen to podcasts on your daily commute, on the treadmill or whilst waiting in line at the shops, making it easy to fit learning and inspiration into your busy schedule.

Entrepreneurship can be a challenging and isolating journey (lets be real, especially as a woman) but podcasts can provide the companionship and motivation you need to help you reach your goals. Sometimes all we need is to listen to the wise words of a fellow female creative to reinvigorate our creative spirit.

That's why we've put together a list of the top podcasts for creative female entrepreneurs. From expert insights on business strategy and marketing to inspiring stories of successful female founders, these podcasts offer valuable resources for personal and professional growth. Plug in your headphones and go reach those goals girl!

Go-to Gal

Host: Jaclyn Mellone

Okay, girls! Tune in and have a giggle with Jaclyn Mellone, host of the Go-to Gal podcast. (formerly All Up In Your Lady Business). Go-To Gal is a marketing podcast designed to help creative entrepreneurs become sought-after experts in their respective creative fields by talking "mindset, strategy, and tactics." Oh! And Go-to Gal got featured as one of Forbes' top 21 podcasts of 2021, so you know you're in for the best of the best! What are you waiting for? As Jocelyn says, "Stop waiting for momentum, start creating it!"

Being Boss

Host: Emily Thompson

Every day as the boss of a creative business is an adventure, whether you're an entrepreneur, freelancer or side hustler. And if we're honest, sometimes it is a struggle. Emily Thompson, host of Being Boss, can relate and she shares her honest experiences in every episode.

Join Emily for an exploration of the mindsets, habits, and tactics of "harnessing your creative ambitions and embracing the adventure of starting and growing your own business so that you can make money doing work you love."

The Marie Forleo Podcast

Host: Marie Forleo

Marie Forleo is one of the most inspiring female creative entrepreneurs you'll ever meet. Creative? Check. Writer? Check. Philanthropist? Check. Entrepreneur? Double check. It's no surprise Oprah regarded her as a thought leader, and her business is one of Inc.'s 500 fastest-growing companies.

With all that in mind, you'll want to listen to every ounce of advice she and her guests share on her podcast! But Marie doesn't sugarcoat the hardships of being a woman in business—the fear of failure, disappointing yourself, and the struggle to understand what works for you and your business.

She Means Business

Hosted by: Carrie Green

Are you ready to turn your ideas into reality and build a wildly successful business? Every Tuesday, Carrie Green will be there to motivate you in your journey and guide you on the path to success with your creative business. Carrie is no stranger to both the challenges and the rewards of being a creative female entrepreneur, having built not one but two successful businesses herself!

As well as drawing on her own experience, Carrie draws upon "incredible stories of female entrepreneurs from around the world who are following their hearts, building the business of their dreams and creating the success and abundance they desire."

Don't blow your marketing budget in exchange for just views and likes, instead learn how to build a marketing strategy that attracts paying clients. How? By listening to interior design podcasts with a focus on how to market yourself as an interior designer. Hosted by interior industry experts, these podcasts analyse key marketing trends, guide you through social media strategies and give you the insider scoop on PR. It takes years to master marketing, but learning from interior marketing experts is a great place to start. Time to hit play on a new marketing strategy for your business!

The Kate Show

Hosted by: Kate the Socialite

Recommended for: newbie designers

The Kate Show is a treasure trove for new interior designers or those who have recently set up their own interior design business. Together, Kate and a stellar lineup of handpicked guests guide listeners through foolproof marketing strategies. Debunk marketing myths, learn from the real-life experience of industry experts and explore innovative SEO and business tools all in one place!

Scroll down and you'll find a detailed write-up of the content covered in each episode so you can consolidate your knowledge and implement every tip into your interior design business marketing strategy.

Standout Episode: Episode 103 | How to Get Clients as a New Business. Securing your first clients is the hardest step, it is only up from there!

Designer Discussions

Hosted by: Mirjam Lippuner, Jason Lockhart, and Maria Martin

Recommended for: strategic designers

Entertaining and educational, listening to Designer Discussions hardly feels like work at all! The Designer Discussion Podcast is a weekly talk covering all things business for interior designers. It's hosted by not one but three industry experts, all of whom share valuable information and resources for marketing, branding, PR, and more. With a mix of interviews, co-hostings and solo shows—Designer Discussions is sure to keep you entertained and informed.

Standout Episode: Episode 24 | Developing a Winning Marketing & PR Strategy. Make this year your busiest yet by following a step-by-step guide to creating a flawless marketing and PR plan.

Marketing by Design

Hosted by: Pamela Durkin

Recommended for: no-fuss designers

Attention interior designers, a new marketing podcast just dropped! Marketing by Design podcast piloted its first episode in just January 2023 but it has already made a huge impact in the interior design world. Pamela Durkin's simple yet enticing delivery makes her 40-minute talks fly by like coffee with a friend, yet you're always left equipped with new marketing knowledge! Pamela understands that interior designers don't want to become "professional marketers", they just want "easy, effective marketing techniques that bring great projects their way"—and that is exactly what she provides.

Standout Episode: Episode 5 | Sho' Me The Mon-ay! with Libby Langdon. At the end of the day, we all want one thing—more money! Listen to this episode to learn how to get it.

The Chairish Podcast

Hosted by: Michael Boodro

Standout Episode: experienced designers

Scale your business to even greater heights with smart marketing strategies provided by The Chairish Podcast. There is no better knowledge resource than those who have embodied experience themselves, which is why interior industry insider Michael Boodro makes the perfect host. Boodro assists in making the best decisions for your business, covering topics from hiring art advisors, running a storefront, and the collaboration between architect and designer.

Standout Episode: Episode 39 | Is Social Media Your Most Important Business Tool? Just because something has worked before, doesn't mean we can't do better—The Chairish podcast will always bring you a critical analysis of the marketing world as an interior designer.

As an interior designer, your creativity and design skills are your greatest assets. However, to succeed in the industry, you need more than just artistic abilities. You may be a master at creating beautiful spaces, but without a strong foundation in business, it can be challenging to succeed in the industry.

That's why taking short courses in key business areas can be so valuable. These courses can help you learn essential skills like marketing, budgeting, and project management, and give you the tools you need to take your career to the next level. In this article, we'll explore the top business short courses for interior designers to help you expand your skill set and stand out in the industry.

Best short courses for interior design entreprenuers

University of the Arts London

Best for: Getting started

Looking to start your own interior design business but feeling unsure where to start? Don't worry, you're not alone! The good news is that the University of the Arts London offers a range of short courses specifically designed to help fill in those knowledge gaps. First things first, you need to develop your interior design portfolio. And once that's sorted, you can dive into the ins and outs of life as an interior design entrepreneur—and UAL has both of them courses covered. Don't let the business side of things hold you back!

Our suggested courses:

• Interior Design Portfolio
• Interior Design Project Management

Explore interior design short courses by UAL.

The Little Designer Corner

Best for: Lead generation

Great, you have solid foundations for your interior design business in place, bow you just need some clients! Thankfully, the Little Design Corner has a bundle of short courses designed to help you with generating leads and convert them into paying clients. Each course comes with a training video, workbook, and other resources so you'll be fully supported in your studies. The cherry on top, you're given lifetime access to its online community for any short course purchase!

Our suggested courses:

• Lead Generation Pick-N-Mix
• The Sales Funnel for Designers

Explore interior design short courses by The Little Design Corner.

KLC School of Design

Best for: Business management

When running an interior design business your operations must be as organised as your creative workspace—messy at first glance, but with every tool right where you need it! KLC School of Design offers a series of short courses for interior designers, guiding you from first setting up your firm through to common FAQs like managing your accounts and pricing your services.

Our suggested courses:

• Interior Design Project Pricing and Contracts
• Planning a Residential Build Project

Explore interior design short courses at KLC School of Design.

PR Academy by Alex Abramian

Best for: Publicity and press

If business exposure is what you're looking for, Alex Abramian is your girl! Alex Abramian is an ex-editor with a host of industry contacts, helping female interior designers to create their own spotlight! Commit 90 days to the PR Academy masterclass and guarantee yourself 3 to 10 media placements, 3 expert-written pitches, and an introduction to a whole new network of esteemed journalists and editors.

Our suggested courses:

• The PR Academy
• 5-Day PR Challenge
• How to Get Press Without a Publicist

Explore interior design short courses by Alex Abramian.

Interior Design for Beginners

Best for: The DIY Learner

Interior Design for Beginners is dedicated to teaching budding design entrepreneurs how to start their own interior design businesses with an array of downloadable resources to help you to continue your learning. The best part? Interior Design for Beginners hosts a TikTok account that is packed with bite-size lessons on how to run a successful interior design business as you scroll—who said TikTok couldn't be productive!?
‍Our suggested courses:

• Free Training for New Designers
• How to Launch Your Interior Design Business

Explore interior design short courses at Interior Design for Beginners.

The Roundup

Taking business short courses can be a game-changer for interior designers looking to advance their careers. By expanding your skill set beyond just design and creativity, you can gain a competitive edge in the industry and improve your chances of success. Whether learning marketing from The Little Design Corner or project management from KLC School of Design, the key is to keep learning and growing your skills. With the right training and knowledge, you can take your interior design career to new heights.

Congratulations! You're here because you're ready to turn your dream to start a personal stylist business into a reality.

To build a successful personal styling business, you need an eye for fashion and a business mindset. Personal styling is a competitive field. Equip yourself with the right knowledge and tools from the start.

We’ve found the best personal styling courses to help you become a personal stylist and set up your business. Instagram isn’t just for #styleinspo. Follow top personal styling coaches for advice and support on how to start a styling business.

Turn your passion for fashion into a successful career. Use this guide to find the best resources for new personal stylists.

This article will explore...

• Flexible Learning Opportunities: The Style Academy offers a range of courses that you can complete at your own pace, including short courses, a three-day training course for skill enhancement, and a five-day comprehensive course covering both styling skills and business management.
• Expert Guidance on Instagram: Follow top personal styling business coaches such as Brianna Wise, Lauren Messiah, Ginny Hudnut, Sarah Cohen, and Nikki Venus on Instagram for mentoring, support, and valuable resources to help you establish and grow your personal styling business.
• Comprehensive Support for Personal Stylists: Leverage the knowledge and advice from industry experts to gain the necessary skills and confidence to start and maintain a successful personal styling business.

Best personal styling courses for new stylists

Invest in a professional personal styling course to learn the basics of running a styling business. You'll cover everything from marketing to finding your niche. These courses are taught by accredited professionals to help you start a personal stylist business and succeed..

The Styling Advisory

Your tutor: Sarah Cohen

The Styling Advisory, led by Sarah Cohen, is perfect for personal stylists who want to improve their business skills. Their short business course focuses on marketing and branding. It's ideal for those struggling with management and strategy.

The Styling Advisory offers three programs: an individual course, a group course, and a social media course. Learn how to create virtual personal styling services, build a brand that reflects your style, attract clients on social media, and develop your client packages.

Visit The Styling Advisory website.

The Style Academy

Your tutor: an array of industry experts

The Style Academy is perfect for those who want to become a personal stylist. They offer six masterclasses to choose from. If you have little knowledge about personal styling, their short business courses cover everything, including body analysis and creating your lookbook. The Style Academy also teaches you how to start a personal stylist business and manage it effectively. Learn personal stylist project management, client consultations, and personal shopping.

With The Style Academy, there's no rush. Study at your own pace, as these courses are available anytime.

Visit The Style Academy website.

Style by Rebecca

Your tutor: Rebecca Davies

When you visit Style by Rebecca's website, you'll find three courses. There are short courses for those who want to learn about personal styling. A three-day personal styling course for stylists looking to improve their skills. And a five-day course that covers styling skills and business management. The five-day course also includes tips on how to start a personal stylist business and personal stylist project management.

Visit the Style By Rebecca website.

Best personal styling business coaches to follow on Instagram

A specialized personal styling coach offers mentoring, support, and resources to help you start a personal stylist business. Follow these personal styling coaches on Instagram for expert advice while you scroll.

Brianna Wise

Instagram: @briwisestyle

Brianna Wise is a fashion stylist turned personal styling coach and author of “Becoming A Stylist.” Her Instagram is full of resources for personal styling entrepreneurs. You'll find advice on creating your portfolio, preparing client packages, crafting your personal brand, pricing your services, and more. Brianna also offers further education through free resources on her website.

Learn more business advice for personal stylists from Brianna Wise.

Lauren Messiah

Instagram: @laurenmessiah

The Style Boss Academy is an online business school for personal stylists, led by Lauren Messiah. Lauren’s energetic personality and solid experience make her page a great place to learn about the personal styling business. Follow her for advice on how to start a styling business. Don't miss her live interviews with professional stylists, which offer valuable insights into the industry. These interviews are saved to her highlights for easy access.

Ginny Hudnut

Instagram: @houseofcolourdallas

Ginny Hudnut is a color and style analyst, specializing in helping women enhance their appearance through color. While her Instagram primarily connects with clients, Ginny shares valuable insights on color consulting in her posts and reels. Personal stylists can learn how to use color effectively for different skin tones and complexions from Ginny’s page.

Explore more business advice for personal stylists from Ginny Hudnut.

Sarah Cohen

Instagram: @thestylingadvisory

Sarah Cohen, founder of the Styling Advisory, offers personal styling business coaching. Her Instagram showcases her top advice. With over twenty years in marketing across retail and media, Sarah focuses on building personal brands and effective marketing strategies for personal stylists.

Discover more business advice for personal stylists from Sarah Cohen.

Nikki Venus

Instagram: @iamnikkivenus

Nikki Venus is a top personal styling coach known for her relatable approach. Her Instagram serves as a digital resource hub for style coaches, offering business advice, motivational quotes, and practical reels. Nikki's detailed captions guide personal stylists through essential business strategies, making her page a valuable resource for aspiring stylists looking to establish their style consultancy.

The Verdict

Starting a career as a personal stylist may seem daunting, but expert advice and education are readily available to guide you. Learn essential skills to start and manage a successful personal styling business from industry experts.

Whether a natural bookworm or a reluctant reader, as an interior designer you should be regularly referring to a bank of interior design publications. Digital interior design magazines are a treasure trove of design inspiration, industry news, and expert insight. And so we rounded up top-tier interior design publications that all interior designers need to add to their regular reading list Find a cosy spot and get stuck in...

Azure Magazine

Azure is an award-winning magazine with a focus on contemporary architecture and design, packaged in six visually pleasing issues a year. But even if not in possession of an Azure print copy, you can still get your interior design fix. Azure welcomes readers with full coverage of stylish trends, product launches, designers' stories, and the latest architectural and interior design news. Another reason to add Azure to your digital bookshelf? Azure hosts award shows and galas throughout the year and as a regular reader, you're sure to gain priority access to tickets.

National Kitchen And Bath Association (NKBS)

The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBS) is the world's leading trade association for the kitchen and bath industry providing tools, research, certification, and events to thousands of professionals—in other words, an absolute gold mine! The NBKA Insights tab is a reliable source for critical analysis of all things interior, from research into the future of design to reports on how the financial market is affecting the interior design industry. If you get tired of reading, NKBS hosts video series, from talking with exhibitors about the latest technological innovations in design to interviewing leading names in kitchen and bath design.

Business of Home

Business of Home is such an interior design industry powerhouse that you likely already have it bookmarked to your favourites but if you don't... go and do so! Gather advice directly from industry veterans, get inspired by curated collections and stay informed on the latest happenings in the world of interior design. You should also regularly check out Business of Home's jobs board for exciting opportunities in the interior design industry. The best thing about BOH? The quarterly print edition. Pages of in-depth analysis of the topics that matter most to the interior design community—and the perfect finishing touch when styling a coffee table.

The Little Design Corner

The Little Designer Corner perfectly balances the two sides of being an interior designer: creative and corporate. Clare Le Roy started The Little Design Corner after leaving her corporate career to transition into a career within the interior design industry. The Little Design Corner started as a space for Clare to document her learnings and host online courses for fellow interior designers and architects. Today, The Little Design Corner is not so little but Clare continues to share educational content with her nearly 100k-strong audience. The Little Design Corner blog is an invaluable resource centre for interior design entrepreneurs and is regularly updated with fresh content, so it is worth checking in each and every week! Clare's writing covers social media strategies, customer relations, and even a monthly review of her own interior design business for full transparency.

Elle Decor

After establishing itself as a leading name in the fashion industry, Elle launched a spin-off magazine covering all things interior decor—aptly named Elle Decor. One of the best-selling decor publications in the market, Elle Decor treats home design as a lifestyle. Expect coverage of the latest and greatest in interior trends, stunning luxury home tours and the tales of those who have made it to the top of the interior design industry. ›Plus, shopaholics can indulge themselves by browsing thousands of Elle Decor's featured products.

Oh, and the Visualist blog (what you're reading now).

If you've worked in the interior design industry for some time, you won't be a stranger to having clients try and wangle services and add-ons for free. If you're just starting out as an interior designer, you likely know no different. Self-confidence and strong will are essential in keeping sight of your professional value. The more you know your worth, the easier it is to say no to free work and stand for your prices.  That being said, the art of saying no can't be learned overnight—it takes years of practice!

One thing is for sure though, declining to work for free is most definitely worth it! You reserve your time to connect with interior design clients who genuinely value your skills, and you're compensated justly for your time and expertise. You deserve it!

Don't know where to start? Start putting these tips into practice to learn to say "no" to offering your interior design services for free.

Don't leave things open to interpretation

Before signing the contract, be crystal clear about your services. What's the scope of the project? What areas are up for negotiation? What are your limitations? Stating these upfront will save any debates about what is or isn't included in the price of your design packages later down the lane. There is no harm in accommodating "minor" requests but if those requests turn out to be not so minor feel confident in explaining that you're happy to accommodate the tweaks, for an additional fee for it. You could give a quick financial breakdown, or an estimate of the extra hours you need to achieve their goal in order to better illustrate why you charge the way you do—odds are once a client understands how hard you work, they'll be more than willing to compensate you.

If they still aren't willing to pay the extra, decline politely but firmly. As much as you don't want to get underpaid, you also don't want to ruin your relationship with a potential client.

Separate work and personal life

"Mates rates?" You've probably heard that line at least once in your life, if not more. It's especially popular among relatives and friends who hope to get free services and advice in exchange for kindness. Of course, it is tempting to use your expertise to help out your loved ones but you have to draw the line somewhere. A good way to get around this situation without upsetting anyone could be to point them in the direction of any promo services you're currently offering. You could consider working out a family & friends discount but be frugal in who you offer it out to, you're not entitled to give every acquaintance free labour! If in doubt, just be honest. Explain to your close ones that you cannot afford to work for free at the moment, they won't want to see you go underpaid. It's amazing to have great friends, but their friendship doesn't pay the bills!

Get what you give

When starting out as an interior designer, it is tempting to work for free in order to boost your portfolio and acquire new clients. Whilst we don't discourage taking on exciting projects for the sake of growing as an interior designer and investing in your future, it is important that you see some compensation for your efforts. Perhaps your client works in social media marketing and could offer you some free advice in growing your social media presence in return, or perhaps they're a chef at your favourite restaurant—a free meal would be nice right?

Don't be shy to ask for a little something in return for your services, be reasonable but don't be bashful. Your hard work deserves to be recognised and rewarded.