Professional designer? What it really takes to be a professional
Design professionals need to be professionals, but professional at what? You could say, “Design, of course!” True – objective. A design professional must be a professional in several fields. Your chosen service area is an obvious scenario. However, as any designer will quickly discover, he must be savvy in business and marketing if he wants his natural gifts and chosen expertise to have a chance to flourish. For many of us, this reality presents a challenge. We’re in the field of design because we think in color and shape, not dollars and cents! We visualize full color palettes and spectrums, not black and red numbers! However, we must be able to think and speak in exactly these terms, and more, if we are to succeed in delivering our vision and talent to consumers.
Designer Society of America offers a wide range of resources and knowledge for designers and related professionals, from books and learning tools to personal training and up-to-date blogs. DSA communicates in a clear, focused, and energizing style. The Designer Society of America points out the many pitfalls and dead ends facing small and growing businesses, while offering valuable information and instruction on marketing and sales principles. If you want to get started with smart marketing and sales strategies (that allow you to continue doing what you love!).
The Residential Interior Designer Education (RIDE) course is available to both aspiring interior designers and interior designers looking to advance their education, career, and professional status in the interior design industry. If you are motivated to succeed and are dedicated to your profession, successful completion of the RIDE will train new designers and increase the credentials of currently practicing designers. The RIDE course will enhance your status by meeting potential new clients, as well as increase your credentials among fellow residential interior designers who have also achieved this higher level of certification achievement. The RIDE program is recognized as an industry standard for excellence, and certification can be the career boost you need to grow your business and your reputation.
Certification is not a substitute for years of hands-on experience in the industry. But whether you’re just starting out or already working in the field, certification can provide valuable professional validation.
If you are an experienced, Certification still has value. Just like attending conferences, trade shows and seminars, earning Certification from a trusted vendor demonstrates your commitment to continuing education on industry trends and best practices and ongoing professional development.