Well zuzus, I had quite a break down about a year and a half ago in my confidence because of the way a woman I worked with treated me. I'd heard horror stories of her personality, but went in with confidence knowing what a strong person I was and that I knew my job very well. My students loved me (I was a reading teachers assistant, she the teacher that took my beloved partners place when she retired) and so did their classroom teachers. I took it for eight months and then lost it and walked out refusing to work another minute with her and begged our schools principals to do something about the way she treated the the students. I was an adult and she took me down in eight months. I stayed for the kids, but realized that though I was there for them when she screamed at them, she still kept on screaming at them. I should have stopped her.
I wound up in therapy. What a difference in my confidence. I still have a ways to go, but I'm a long ways away from the lost soul I was.

I thought therapy was for crazy people. I was so very wrong. I think everyone should have a therapist, that can help them through lifes ups and downs. Mine was named Angela. If you take off that last "a" you've got what she really is to me.

~Becky Just think, you just lake a little confidence. You'll be ready to hang out your shingle after a few sessions.

I'm writing this in the middle of the night, up for the *third* night in a row with a migraine, so I'm beginning to doubt my own sanity :), BUT...

I'm thinking I would *much* rather have a designer who started out with a real awareness of the fact that design *matters* to people and that the client's home deserves respect and careful treatment than a designer who thinks s/he is god's gift to the world and any old pronouncement/arrangement s/he made should be good enough for mere humans, who should take what's done, bow down with thanks, and pay up. It's the same with doctors. I'd rather have someone who respects patients as human beings rather than says, as one test-pilot specialist said to me once (back in the 80s), "Come back when you've got something interesting." The relationship is a dynamic, significant part of the transaction.

Combined with the beautiful pics of your work in your own home, what you seem to be showing here is the formula for a wonderfully successful, helpful designer, IMO :)

You're also thinking out possible scenarios ahead of time, which shows foresight and wisdom. If you can think through just how you'd handle each of those situations, if g*d forbid they should happen, you'll be that much closer to not having them happen or blindside you if they do. For instance, what if someone just doesn't get what you're suggesting with a design presentation? It's an issue of communication, beyond just design. Making your case, selling the client on your contribution is definitely a functional part of the whole design interaction. Roleplaying would probably help a lot with that aspect. Just as a practical tactical kind of take on this issue, one thing I see on the HGTV shows that end in "Challenge" is that the winner is frequently someone who prefaces her/his choices with "You said you like...and so I've incorporated it here in this [surface, or feature, or appliance, or whatever]". People *love* to know they've been heard and respected. If you truly hear what they're about, you'll incorporate it into your design response and have happy clients.

Hm, maybe you can start here (or similar places), by offering ideas to people in a no-stress, no-stakes environment, along with your formal study, just to get the sense of how your advice goes over? No one will be offended/mystified/disgusted here; as a very talented professional says over on John Bridge, "my opinion; worth price charged" :). Just an idea.

Good luck! And the caffeine seems to be working on my migraine, so maybe I can go back to sleep -- see, you already helped someone!

"Also, it's the idea that a complete stranger would pay me good money to assist with something so... personal... as the function and aesthetics of their home."

I've always wondered the same thing ;o) That being said, if I needed or wanted the assistance of a professional in your line of work, I would certainly hope and expect that they have your same outlook, insight and thoughtfulness. It does matter. Flyleft hit the proverbial nail on the head.
It sounds like you not only have the credentials to do the job, but you also have the right attitude and the sensitivity to your prospective clients' needs, as well.

I've had a few people who visit my home ask me if I am a decorator (whatever that means). I never considered it as a profession because I thought "taste" was too personal to "force" on someone else. But as I get older (and slightly wiser), I've realized that I know what looks good and works together, even if I wouldn't use it in my own home.

I sincerely doubt that anyone will get angry or disgusted or offended by your design choices. You don't have to decorate for everyone that comes to you. If you get a weird or bad vibe in the beginning, just make polite excuses not to work with that person. I love flyleft's suggestion about verbalizing your decorating decisions in a way to give the client's ownership. Take baby steps to work up your confidence before you take on more challenging jobs. Help your sister or your friend or your neighbor with a decorating dilemma. The most important thing is that you take the first step. Let us know how it goes!

You seem to have everything it takes to be a great designer ; your self confidence might be bolstered by a few business classes in how to manage your small business; how you are going to structure your fee scale, who your suppliers are going to be, how you are going to market yourself, image wise, business cards that catch the eye, flawless and tasteful website, etc...

Being well prepared for your venture could boost your self confidence, preparing in advance will make you more self assured.
Could you team up with an already established firm as a free lancer to begin with ? this would provide you with insight in the business, the pitfalls, what to avoid, etc...

I would hire you in a heartbeat.

When we read posts about nightmare designers, they're always people who don't care, people with TOO much confidence, people who force their aesthetics on their clients, people who DON'T understand that decor IS personal.

I think you're ahead of the competition already, because you actually care about what the client thinks. Do you know how rare that is?

Your fears are actually the healthy foundation for a world-class design philosophy. You just need to re-think, and re-word, your feelings into a positive expression of this philosophy.

For example...

"I have a bachelor's degree in interior design, a master's degree in design and planning, and real-world experience in several design-related fields.

I believe that the function and aesthetics of your home is completely personal to you. Nobody knows your home and your life like you do. Your lifestyle and your personality are the keystone of my design work. I will work with you on every detail until you are happy and comfortable with your new decor.

Because your home is all about YOU.">

A designer who is not pushy, who isn't pushing a personal design agenda and who questions a client with - how is this feeling to you, does this work for how you live? What a breath of fresh air.

*****Just re-read what I wrote below and decided to add this disclaimer - This is MHO only - It's the truth in my experience so please don't anyone go off on me!*****

I have to say, you sound more like an artist than an interior designer and most of the designers I know are *creative* but that's not the same as being an artist. Creative designers are a breed unto themselves and although very good at what they do, can be difficult to be around and I've worked with a lot of designers as a decorative painter. Artists tend to question their personal value on a daily basis and often live in fear that they really have no talent and will soon be found out! No offense meant to artists out there with strong egos but you are not the norm! Therapy is never a bad idea (again IMO) but it won't guarantee an ego makeover - however, it couldn't hurt ;-)

Just want to add, I think YOUR living room was the first room I ever saw here and it's been in my inspiration folder ever since. Do I owe ya anything???

I think you should go for it - hang that shingle.
Deb

I hate when the old self doubt raises it's ugly head. And we all have experienced it's look.

I have two regrets in my life that I allowed fear to take over.

I think I have told this story once before on here. But I think it is worth telling again.

About thirty years ago I wanted to get into the decorating business. I was going to buy into Decorating Den, which cost ten grand at the time. I saved up four thousand dollars and then talked myself out of it. I have regreted that so much over the years.

Then before that I lived in a very chic high rise back in Michigan in the Detroit area. Many big automotive and music people lived there.

I was a big Liza Minelli fan. Your probably too young to remember her in her Cabaret days.
At any rate, I had met a man in my building that was in recording business and who knew her and her mother Judy Garland when she was alive. He was very successful very and gay. lol

But he told me her sister Lorna Left was going to be at the Fisher theatrea doing a play. And since I was a fan of her sisters would I like to be her dresser. It payed $120.00 a night for three to four hours of work for six nights I believe. I was too scared and declined the offer. I have regreted that too. Now would I of become a big broadway star, that is doubtful. I mean where is Lorna Left at now and who even knows who she is?

I was a hairdresser at the time and doing great and felt at home in my field.

My point is don't let fear or self confidence stand in your way. Do what you have to do to get it, but do it. Life is too short and you are too good not to follow your dreams.

I can't wait to hear what you do. Please Please go for it.

.....Jane

Zuzu can you post a picture of your living room?

Zuzu, Is this your website below? If yes, you have NO worries! And are you the woman with the 'famous' living groom on the HGTV boards with the 4 chairs surrounding a round table that everyone has gone gaga for since they saw it?

I think the world will beat a path to your door!

Here is a link that might be useful: chandeliers

Now I am dying to see your pictures, please post.

Lorna Luft is the correct spelling, not that it matters.
Now let's see those pictures. Your chandeliers are very pretty indeed. Thanks my3dogs!

One way to get into the decorating field and start your resume is simply to start a Blog -- show photos and tell stories about how and why you decorate your own home. Go through each space or room and explain the how and whys of your decisions.

Talk about how you feel about home and decor ---- how you find treasures ---- and other decor issues.

Yes -- if possible -- start with projects for friends and family. Again -- the key is to create a resume of Before-and-Afters! For clients -- thats a key part of choosing any designer -- no matter how many degrees they might have! ((although that does help too -- of course LOL!))

Jan

Do you have a friend that has lots of self confidence without being arrogant? Perhaps that gal can work with you part time to help you get your business going. Have you ever worked in sales? Consider taking a part time job selling beautiful things this fall. Many retail stores are hiring now. If you sell furniture or home accessories you could also get a discount. I like the advice about taking business classes. Plus there are many programs to help one start a new business. Join your local chamber of commerce. Vistaprint.com has great prices on business cards.

Trust in God. He gave you all your brains and talents of which we have seen evidence here on the forum. Take baby steps.
Also create a large portfolio of all your work. Start with your own house. As you gather more clients you will gain more confidence. You will run into difficult clients but most will hire you because they like or even love your work.
I wish you the very best zuzu.

It's all been well said, Zuzu, but I would add that by the time someone decides to consult a professional for this sort of thing, they really, really want help, & they really, really WANT your feedback & insight & won't feel you're pushing anything on them. You are obviously a very sensitive, thoughtful person, & you don't need to fear coming across in an arrogant fashion, but also remember that generally people consulting you will feel quite eager to hear what you have to say & will find it interesting & useful.

I've been able to offer helpful suggestions to people in my life regarding decor that were appreciated. However, when it comes to my own place, I'm mystified! I agonize over decisions I've made, money I've spent & wonder what is salvagable, what is not. Almost daily I ponder over the mess I feel I've made! My point is, if I was in your area & called you to come help me... listen, I'm so ready to hear what you have to say! Don't feel trepidation, just give me what you've got, girl! If something you suggest doesn't feel right, I'll tell ya! It's give & take, yes? There will be a sharing of ideas, yes? But in the end, I'll have a different perspective on things & you possibly will have solved a very vexing problem for me & maybe I can relax in my home instead of stressing over it. See what you could do for people? Get out there. ..you have so much to offer!

"...it's the idea that a complete stranger would pay me good money to assist with something so... personal... as the function and aesthetics of their home"

Look at it this way: there are loads of people like me who have no visual spatial skills. I would LOVE a pretty home, but I can't pull it together -- can't arrange furniture well, can't balance a room, can't arrange pretty things on a table, mantle or wall, can't edit out unnecessary visual clutter. I can pick colors, but good interior design is so much more than picking colors. I thought I could learn by studying magazines & reading books, but I truly don't have the arrangement skills. That's where someone like you can really, really help out someone like me. Also, it's more cost effective to higher someone like you, otherwise we decorating klutzes waste money on design mistakes.

As for making a room personal, please read Billy Baldwin's books about how he loved to decorate someone's home then advise them to "mess it up!" He felt a room was only finished when the client added her own photos & needlepoints, & moved the furniture around a little. That's what made the room personal, he thought. I think it's a wonderful attitude. Perhaps if you enter the design business with the same point of view?

Zuzu, go do it, girl!! Just get out there and go for it! Any job can be intimidating initially; but after you get a few under your belt you'll feel more confident. What is the worse that can happen to you???

"would I be giving them their money's worth, in their mind? What if they didn't feel that I did? What if they were offended/mystified/disgusted/enraged by my suggestions? That would be tough for me."

Keep an open line of communication. Besides, you present your ideas for their approval before anything is done. If your customer truly was not satisfied with your work and told you this, work with them on it. But I doubt that's going to happen. :)

Oh, sorry guys. That last paragraph was not supposed to be italicized. How do you "un-italicize" something, btw?

Close your html by putting a and then whatever code you used to start it, followed by >.

So to un-italicize

Stupid preview took out MY hmtl & converted it to nothing.

To close your hmtl, put the same html code you used to start, but with an / in front of it.

So to italicize, you used the angled bracket i and the closed angle bracket.

To undo, use the angled bracked /i and close the bracket.

Zuzus, From all you said, I absolutely would get a job soon in sales, and preferably in a higher end store. From that, you will be able to see how you handle the real-life interaction process. You'll be able to see how you handle the rejection when someone doesn't like what you suggest. You'll be put into a position where you HAVE to offer opinions.

When talking about subjects other than interior decoration, are you quiet or outgoing? If quiet, I'd also suggest that you get into something like a Toastmasters (public speaking) group.

I'm at a point in life where I absolutely believe that to get through and over any personal issue, you have to do the behavior that causes the issue. Meaning that if you are uncertain about advising others, then you have to get in positions where you advise others. Same with public speaking and so on. So, I vote for a sales job and public speaking group and see how you respond.

zuzus_petals, I agree with everyone here who said the things you think give you difficulty are your biggest assets. I would love to have someone help me who listens to what I want and make suggestions instead of telling me what I have to do to a room.

In reading what Deb said about your living room if you are the lady I'm thinking then I can't imagine you being afraid to hang out your shingle! Zuzu, I too have loved your living room since the first time I saw it and I think everyone on this board has Ooooooh'd and Ahhhhh'd over it so you know you have "IT". You know, what "IT" takes.
I agree with Deb on your being an artist too. Artist seem to be surprised when other's think what they do is valuable. I've heard something similar from Deb about my woodworking and sewing. When something comes so easy it's hard to realize it's worth to others. I'm working on it still. I need to get back to seeing Angela again.
~Becky

Wow. Thanks so much for your kind words and thoughtful suggestions. I've been away from the computer all weekend, and it was such a boost to return to this.