How to Create an Interior Decorating Portfolio

One of the most important tools interior decorators have when it comes to gaining new clients is their portfolio. A portfolio is a book, either physical or electronic, that showcases a decorator's best work so that potential clients can determine whether the decorator's style is what they're looking for. Creating a portfolio can be done in just a few steps, and is essential to furthering your interior decorating career.

Instructions

1. Create an online or physical portfolio. Having both is advantageous, since you can take the physical one to meetings with clients, and attract new business with your online portfolio.

2. Purchase a domain name from a registrar such as Go Daddy, and hosting for your portfolio from a provider such as FolioLink. If you're on a budget, use a free blogging platform to host your portfolio.

3. Buy a physical portfolio book from you local craft or art supplies store. Choose one with a sturdy, attractive exterior made of genuine or faux leather, and archival-quality interior pages.

4. Take before and after photos of the work you do and have the photos developed. If you do not yet have any clients, decorate rooms in the homes of your friends and family. When taking photos, use different angles and get close-up shots of decorative elements that you created by hand.

5. Choose seven to 10 of the best projects you've completed and post the photos in your portfolio.

6. Add captions, sketches and information about your work--type out captions and information for placement in your physical portfolio. For example, if you redecorated a bathroom, your caption may read the following: “This drab 1970s bathroom was transformed by glazing its old tiles; the addition of a chic lime, brown and cream color scheme; and a large graphic art print.”

7. Update your portfolio periodically as you gain new clients and handle different projects. Showcase the types of rooms and styles you've done to keep your portfolio versatile.

References

• University of Southern Mississippi: TIPS FOR GRADUATES ENTERING THE INTERIOR DESIGN PROFESSION
• Alpha Omega Digital: Interior Design Portfolios

Resources

• FolioLink