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Braking the Boundaries as Interior Designer
When I first met “D”. An interior designer, I was astonished to see her work, she specializes in traditional and farmhouse design, with a touch of zen and a modernist sophistication.
One of the things she first asked me after reviewing my work is how she and I never met until now.
D. Told me she wants to take her business one step forward, she also mentioned that winning awards is so hard because it’s “a closed industry” is not even possible, as only the “connected people” win every year.
I was telling D. There is no way to stop a rising start, it doesn’t matter how much people are “connected to the right people” and how much the industry is working for a “word of mouth”.
But the mental and physical barriers of not winning awards, and not getting published may seem impossible.
Trying the same thing and expecting different results
“D.” Had her photographer for many years, he was a great person and a great professional but something there didn’t work, it might be that he was specializing in portraits and real estate.
I asked D, to give me a chance for doing something different, and what I already do for other colleagues around the world
Reviewing the body of work of an interior designer
I always review their existing body of work booth online and offline.
I asked what she would like to see differently, what she believes is missing. Now we had to set the expectation when we as a professional believe how other people view our work.
When two dominants professional work together, there is always professional collusion but D. Was open enough to try different things that might deliver different results.
One of the first projects we worked together on was a commercial community space, The space was transformed in a beautiful and sophisticated manner.
Interior Design Photos That Sells your work
After our first photoshoot that took a whole day, we produce 8 pictures, the right ones that sell! polished and refined to the detail that was featured in magazines.
It was clear to D that the focus on quality rather than quantity was worth it, as before she was used to getting 20-30 visuals per shoot.
Our second project was a single-family home, and we produced about 10 images that day.
The client of our designer was happy with the “attention” she got, after all, she invested most of her money on that project and was feeling the gratitude of being photographed professionally.
Now it’s been a few months since we start working together and this is the time of the year when they submit their work for all those competitions both local and international.
It’s time to Shine
That year there were 4 categories, and for each category, you could submit up to 4 projects, our client D. Submitted only 2 jobs for two categories.
After 5 years finally won first place for not only one, but two projects at the same time, the cycle was broken and we are glad to join the journey.
The event was taking place in the big world market event going twice a year and with international vendors attendance from her industry.
My client was celebrating there her wins and awards, while some were asking who made those images, and they replied “our secret weapon”
At that point, I reminded her of our first conversation, about “why we never met before” and the fact that when people discover the path for success they don’t run and share it around.
Fresh up your branding
The year after I and D. Rebranded her entire portfolio, we went and revisited some of her famous projects, making sure her photography and appearance stay consistent and reflect where she wants to be in 5 years from now, not tomorrow.
In our second year, D. Had won 2 more prestigious awards, got published for her talent, in the third year more publications, unique clients, and more awards were gained.
Becoming a Judge in Interior Design Competition
After winning awards every year, 3 years in a row, the organizers of the competitions request D. Not to attend this time, “it’s not fair” to win 3 years in a row.
But it’s better than you think, now D. Got to be the authority the judges those awards.
I don’t take any credit for my work for the success of D. She’s so talented that she was always at the top, even many years before she had met me, people just didn’t recognize it before as they didn’t get the proper exposure to her work.
D. Had taken her business a few steps forward, she has taken risks, she treats every project is it’s someone’s dream home, small and big.
While many designers were astonished that D. Was traveling coast to coast and taking me along, D. Always knew what need to be done.
Create a Strong Partnership
Creating a strong partnership with vendors, clients, and the community is key for successful business development.
Doing cross-marketing with colleagues and vendors can be a great way to save on cost and increase visibility.
Partnering with big corporate can be ideal for both sides as large corporates are looking for those authentic advertising methods and not just those big advertisements, reach out, create marketing ideas on how to collaborate.
Offer them for you to lead their campaign, you will produce the content and visuals and they will support your advertisement while back promoting their products through your work.
