Don’t Let Fear Hold You Back from Interior Design

When I ask what’s holding you back from pursuing a career in interior design, one answer comes up more than almost anything else: the fear that the market is too saturated. It’s a valid concern on the surface. If you look around, it feels like there are designers everywhere. Between local professionals, international designers working remotely, and the rise of virtual design, the competition isn't just the person down the street; it’s anyone with a laptop and an eye for style.

I’m not going to sugarcoat it; the market is crowded. Because virtual design is so accessible, geographical boundaries have basically disappeared. I built a national commercial firm without constantly traveling because I could work anywhere from my home base. This means a designer in Phoenix can take a job in New York, and someone in New York can snag a project in Florida. Your local market is now everyone’s market, and that can feel incredibly overwhelming if you’re just starting out.

Here’s where I want you to breathe: you will always be somebody else’s expert. If you’ve followed my content or taken the Degree-less Designer Crash Course, you know what truly sets you apart is your unique position and personality. Think of it like dating or finding a therapist. Clients aren’t just looking for a set of skills; they’re looking for a connection. They want to work with someone who ‘gets’ them and whose energy clicks with theirs.

Instead of worrying about how flooded the market is, focus on how well you’re communicating who you are. You don’t need to be the most eclectic, avant-garde designer featured in Architectural Digest to be successful. You just need authentic energy. Own how you see the world and how you do things, and be comfortable with the fact that you won’t be the right match for every project or client.

Your real challenge isn’t the competition, it’s learning how to be yourself so loudly that the right people find you. Once you master that, your next hurdle is figuring out how to build a team that can execute your vision so you aren’t doing everything yourself. You want to be hired for your specific ‘vibe’ while teaching a team how to deliver that experience to your clients.

Now that we’ve cleared up the saturation myth, I want to hear from you. What other fears are keeping you on the sidelines? And don’t tell me it’s because you don’t have a specific degree—you already know how I feel about that.

If you’re feeling stuck and just need a boost, I offer affordable 30-minute micro-coaching sessions. Sometimes you just need to talk through the noise with someone who’s already been through it. Let’s get you moving.

Valentine’s Special: Because I love y’all, my interior designers, I’m offering 30% off the Degree-less Designer Crash Course this Valentine’s Day. Use code DDLOVE30* at checkout, and let’s get your career moving forward!*

*Sadly, the Valentine’s Day 30% code has expired.

XO

Shira