4 Mistakes That All Beginning Designers Make
Iolanta Fedotova is an expert, interior designer, member of the Russian Designers' Union, based in Italy
Denying that you're a beginner: at your first project, when the client asks their first question like "how do we do this?", you will be found out. Because you'll give vague answers.
What to do instead: say right away that this is one of your first projects and lower the price. There are plenty of people who want a decent project for a small fee.
Inventing design without knowing how to implement it: you must immediately visualize how your ideas will be made in practice, from what materials and in what way.
What to do instead: if this is your first project — seek practical advice online, reach out to acquaintances who are architects, experienced designers, or builders.
Fearing to ask for advice and admit that you don't know something: not knowing certain things is normal even for designers with lots of experience. Nobody can know everything.
What to do instead: ask what and how from builders, other designers, forums. Technology moves forward: even if you studied design for five years in college, it doesn't mean you know everything. It's quite possible that plumber Pete knows more about toilet installation than you do — consult him!
Forcing your opinion or blindly following the client's wishes: in the first case, there's a chance that the client won't like your suggestions; in the second, you may feel ashamed that it's your project.
What to do instead: find the golden mean — listen to the client’s wishes but implement them skillfully and beautifully. Sometimes, tactfully dissuade them.
On the cover: Iolanta Fedotova's design project.
Also read:
- How a Designer Should Communicate Their Vision to the Client: 5 Rules
- 10 Mistakes of a Beginning Designer: British Version
- The Post That All Beginning Designers Should Read
