A designer is someone who designs the shape or construction of something ahead of it’s actually made, usually by sketching or planning. In most cases they are highly creative and enjoy seeing the finished product in all its glory. However, there is more to being a designer than creating beautiful works of art.

To be a good designer you need to have an eye for detail, knowledge of colours and textures, and be able to work with other people and a lot of communication. You also need to be hardworking, have great interpersonal skills and be good at managing time. But what many people don’t realise is that a designer doesn’t just jump into the designing business without any experience. There are a few things you can do to ensure you’re a good independent professional while becoming a designer.

If you’re looking to become an interior designer you can follow either the fast track or the slower one. The fast track involves studying more, acquiring more, and doing more work in less time. This requires finding a mentor, learning as much as possible, and taking on jobs that give you experience. However, for those who want to build a portfolio and be employable in their field, the slower way is the way to go.

One of the main factors in becoming a successful independent designer lies in your ability to produce outstanding and original designs. Interior designers are required to produce interior environments which are both structurally sound and aesthetically appealing. If you’re hired by a firm it’s essential that your designs are of a high standard. Although many firms hire and rely on outside designers, some prefer to be completely self-employed. If this is the case, there are a number of guidelines you must adhere to.

Firstly, you need to produce an excellent portfolio showcasing your best design work. Interior designers are expected to produce original, distinctive and contemporary designs that are both functionally and aesthetically appealing. Your portfolio should be professionally designed, and contain images and photos which show off your best works. You should also aim to include some examples of your latest designs.

As designers you will also be expected to have expertise in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. These are two of the most popular software programs used in the interior designing industry, which means that you will need to have some skills with these programs. The majority of designers work with Adobe Suite, so it’s highly likely that you will have many projects which are based on patterns in this program. Most designers also take part in Adobe AutoCAD, another software program used by architects and interior designers.

Finally, although many designers think they know what they’re doing, it’s still vital that you understand the various aspects of the designing process. Most programs allow users to set up a project on the spot, but it’s still crucial to have a solid understanding of the project from the initial stages until you finish. This is especially relevant when working with Adobe Photoshop, as there’s a whole range of options available depending on your current skills. At the completion of your course, you should be able to identify your areas of strength, and use these to put your learning into practice. Once you’ve completed your training, you’ll be ready to apply for jobs and start developing your own designs.