Dreaming of displaying your design talents in front of the camera? Designers who made it big on the small screen get candid about what you need to know.

Whether it’s the sugar high of celebrity or the practical appeal of licensing deals that may follow, many designers dream of landing their own television show. Others roll their eyes at the mere mention of HGTV— there’s a perception, true or not, that high-quality design simply can’t possibly happen on a TV-friendly timeline, and that home makeover shows have filled clients’ heads with a whole host of unrealistic expectations.

For those who are eager to get in front of the camera—or who have ever been curious about the experience—BOH spoke to an array of designers with television experience about the realities behind the scenes, from getting scouted to designing on seemingly impossible timelines to capitalizing on a newfound level of notoriety.