Hosted by Editor at Large, last week's Student Design Day Keynote at the DDB addressed How to Succeed in the Design Business, with moderator Susanna Salk. Susanna was joined by top designer-panelists Campion Platt, Amanda Nisbet, David Scott, and Malcolm James Kutner.
The panel eventually came to the ever-important topic of the interior designer's style and voice, which Susanna addressed by asking if the designer's voice is most easily found through schooling or by experience in the real world.
"Finding a voice in your work is the single most important thing you need to have as a designer," said Malcolm. "Without it, you're no different than the client who hires you expecting to have your guidance and skill. For me, today is the same as the day I started, and while I don't know what tomorrow will bring, my voice is always present in my work and continues to evolve and mature. Knowing your strengths and loves and knowing your weaknesses and dislikes is the only way to begin that development of voice, which is exactly how I found it.
After hearing each of the panelists explain his or her personal decisions and path in the design industry, Susanna addressed the ever-important topic of the interior designer's style and voice. The panelists were then asked their thoughts on whether the designer's voice is most easily found through schooling or by experience in the real world.
"Finding a voice in your work is the single most important thing you need to have as a designer," said Malcolm. "Without it, you're no different from the client who hires you expecting to have your guidance and skill. For me, today is the same as the day I started, and while I don't know what tomorrow will bring, my voice is always present in my work and continues to evolve and mature. Knowing your strengths and loves and knowing your weaknesses and dislikes is the only way to begin that development of voice, which is exactly how I found it."
David offered the perspective of tastes and how “good” and “bad” don’t necessarily exist; what does exist, he said, is what is “you” (or your client) and what isn't “you.”
"Everyone is different, and interior design may be one of the easiest examples to see that," said David. "If the traditional route of going to school for interior design is best to you, do it. If that means working for someone else for a few years before going off on your own, do it! But if diving right in and getting your hands dirty without looking to work under someone else first [is it], then do it. No matter what it is, make your decision and your voice will surface slowly but surely, and it'll feel great to find it."
Check back with GoDesignGo tomorrow for more on the Student Design Day keynote for more advice on success in the design world.
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