My latest article for Williams-Sonoma is live on their Designer Marketplace Blog. Head on over to see my tips for “Creating a Compelling Portfolio” that will help you stand out to your ideal customers so you can land your dream jobs.
And if you missed my last article with Designer Marketplace, you can find it here. It’s my 5 rules for Working, Hiring and Virtual Staffing. Some of these tips truly changed my life and I hope if you are a very busy Principal designer, they will change yours too!
Congratulations! Did you know Creative Candles dips the Ivory and whit tapers for Potterry Barn?
“Just because an item looks great to the eye, doesn’t mean it translates well in 2 dimensional photographs.” I couldn’t agree more, and over time & experience I am learning to use the lens to see where the edits need to be… along with instincts
It’s been a challenge these past two years, to transition from working retail (visual merchandising) to executing my passion of design. It’s a huge difference to set a “display” to sell vs. creating a pretty – but livable home for someone. Thanks Tobi for sharing these valuable tips from your amazing experiences.
xo Lynda
What great advice! I also agree with Lynda, styling to sell in a retail environment, and styling someones home is two completely different animals!!
Natasha @ Northern Light Blog
Another great article Tobi! These tips are really helpful for a newbie! Thanks for sharing!
Great to read your blog, every time something to learn. Ciao,
Albarosa
These are great tips–equally applicable for decorative arts venues as for designers. Quite a few questions that I had been asking myself found answers. Thanks. Mary
I love the “Made to Measure” Hickory Chair Charles Hassock “Made” into a cocktail ottoman. I love the graphic fabric combination that frames the base.
this is great- thank you for sharing your insight!
Great pointers Tobi. A few additional thoughts to add to the mix. Sally and I are always thinking about “the shoot” as we’re planning a space – a point of view, a detail, etc. Hire the best photographer you can afford. If the project is a signature project, reach a little if you have to. It’s an investment in your future success!
I fully endorse understanding the profile of your ideal client and knowing their overall lifestyle patterns. Our clients tend to have a particualr emotional and intellectual profile while their estheic tastes are all over the map. (Creating our new website was a bit of a challenge last fall.) We never show the same portfolio twice. It is always taylored to the specific prospect.
Have a great July 4th weekend!
Cheers,
John