Dear Sean,

I am a young woman who has just been laid off from my graphic design job at a creative firm. I’ve always felt interior design is what I’m meant to do, but am not sure how to get into the field. I went to school for graphic design, so I have basic art skills, but what other courses should I take to help me get a job?

Young and Naive

Dear Young and Naive,

The beauty of the interior design industry is that it is open to everyone. There are many world-famous designers who do not have a formal education in the field. And there are many who do. This means that there is no single way through the door. As for courses, I think you would do well to include CAD and AI, among others, to round out your significant art abilities. You can explore and learn more about the other nuanced skills designers employ through resources like Business of Home’s weekly digital workshops, and by meeting professionals who are currently in the trade. What I would like to focus on here is the mindset you will need to bring from the start.

That mindset requires you to be three things: curious, voracious and vocal.

You will never be able to do any of this work unless you are willing to ask yourself and authentically ponder the answers to these questions: What inspires you? Where do you find yourself drawn? (It can really be anything related to design.) Which designers embody your inspiration—who brings you into their world and their vision? What else can you know about them, their work, their firm?

Next, how far down the rabbit hole are you willing to go in your research, reflection and education (self or otherwise)? Do the work. Voraciousness brings not only knowledge but self-awareness, including an understanding of the necessity of risk. The deeper you go and the more thought you put into every design decision, the better you’ll be able to explain them—and as such, preserve your vision. You simply have to share your convictions. This is never as much about having the right answer as it is about having the reasoned answer. If those who would hire you know that you will do the work to really appreciate what has been asked of you, then you will be encouraged to use your voice.

Finally, risk your job every day by saying—and believing—that what you produce is your very best, and your opinion matters to you. If you are curious and voracious, you will be compelled to use your voice. It makes no difference if you are right, only that you are passionate and humble enough to learn. Fighting for what you believe in is always valuable, so long as you are willing to move on if others with the power to decide do not see things as you do. And make no mistake, learning how to present an idea effectively is everything for an interior designer. Practicing this skill in every moment where you are given the opportunity is how you will find your way.

Show up for interviews not just willing to do the job, but confident that you can add value. This is not school, and you are nobody’s child. Only your best will suffice—there is no such thing as a draft, and you will not be forgiven for just getting it done. Nor will you be rewarded for doing more things in less time. The entire point of the design business is to make promises and keep them: neither underpromising nor overpromising; only vowing to do what it takes to deliver your best work.

We all start where we need to start, but purpose and intention is what will bring you forward. Yes, learn the skills you will need to support your job—but curiosity, voraciousness and the power of your voice are what will define your ability to have a career. Good luck.

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Sean Low is the go-to business coach for interior designers. His clients have included Nate Berkus, Sawyer Berson, Vicente Wolf, Barry Dixon, Kevin Isbell and McGrath II. Low earned his law degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and as founder-president of The Business of Being Creative, he has long consulted for design businesses. In his Business Advice column for BOH, he answers designers’ most pressing questions. Have a dilemma? Send us an email—and don’t worry, we can keep your details anonymous.