Difficulty is considered subjective -- what you find challenging may be easy for someone else. In general, learning interior design can be an easy or tough endeavor depending on a few factors specific to you. A lot of it depends on how you approach the subject and what your end goal is. Going into any new experience with a positive attitude will make all the difference. In addition, your training method may determine how hard it is to learn interior design. If you decide to go for a traditional degree, certificate program, or bootcamp, you will have different experiences and perhaps find one method more challenging than the other. Plus, these programs are fully immersive and cover everything from foundational skills and terms to design theory and complex software so one aspect of the field may be more difficult to learn than another. You may want to factor in your previous or relevant experience as well as current strengths and weaknesses.
If you are looking for more freedom in your training method, consider a self-paced online course. There are numerous providers that allow you to fit learning interior design into your schedule by allowing you to pick and choose when you study or complete your coursework. Without regular deadlines and check-ins from an instructor, you’ll be responsible for staying motivated and on top of your work. But if you are determined to reach your goal, learning interior design can be rewarding, exciting, and fun. Ultimately, how hard it feels depends on the training method you choose, how you prefer to learn, what you’re hoping to achieve, and how much determination you bring to the class.
What is Interior Design?
Interior design is the art and science of creating aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces that work for the people who use them. It involves more than just picking out pretty furniture and choosing a color scheme. This field dives into everything from layout and material options to sustainable design efforts and fixtures. An Interior Designer is concerned with considering how the space will be used and curating a space based on that need. In addition, they are tasked with ensuring the room is comfortable and tailored to the needs of the occupants, whether it’s a living room in a home or a waiting room in an office building.
This field blends technical knowledge with creative ability in a unique and exciting way. Designers need strong knowledge and experience with architectural processes, building codes, and human psychology to understand what makes a space preferable. These professionals work toward creating a visually appealing, safe, accessible, and productive space. Whether it is a residential home, a commercial office, or a public space, Interior Designers work with every element of the design to shape an influential, productive environment.
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What Factors Impact How Hard it is to Learn Interior Design?
The way you learn interior design can truly affect how challenging or enjoyable it is. If you choose a structured course, whether online or in person, you will get a clear path to follow with foundational knowledge. In-person classes are great for hands-on learning and more personal interaction with the instructors. However, they also require you to commit to a schedule and location, which may be difficult at best and impossible at worst. Online classes, on the other hand, allow you to learn with more flexibility but still reap the benefits of an interactive learning method. Likewise, there are self-paced courses that give you maximum flexibility and make the learning experience more tailored to your specific needs. The key is finding a method that suits your needs and learning style so that you get the most out of the experience.
In addition, the level of knowledge you currently have may play a factor in how hard it will be for you to learn interior design. If you have experience in graphic design or some other form of digital design, you may have an easier time picking up certain skills, like design software. In addition, if you have a knack and appreciation for art, decorating a home and rearranging the space may come naturally. If you’re starting from the very beginning, it could be difficult to learn some of these tools and skills. However, that does not determine your experience outright. Even as a beginner, you can overcome some of the more difficult parts of learning interior design.
You’ll want to consider your learning preferences as well to determine what path would be the most advantageous. It won’t benefit you to sit in a class that doesn’t fit with your learning style, so consider whether you need a structured environment or if you can learn in a less structured setting. In addition, you may need some additional support whereas others could learn new skills entirely on their own. It all depends on your goals as well. If you want to become a professional Interior Designer, you will have to learn the more difficult aspects of the field whereas someone learning for fun or to decorate their own space would have a more stress-free experience. Whatever your reason for learning interior design, make sure the course makes sense to you and matches your pace, interests, and goals.
What Other Factors Should I Consider When Learning Interior Design
Time is a huge factor when it comes to learning interior design. If you have a busy schedule packed with work, family, and other responsibilities, you will want to choose a learning path that works around that. Some courses are intense and require a considerable time commitment. This is especially true if you are aiming for a career in the field. Others, like live online classes and self-paced options, can be more flexible and allow you to fit studying into your schedule however you are able to. It’s important to be realistic about how much time you can dedicate to learning your new skill -- interior design may take some time to master. Between the techniques and tools, you can expect a hands-on learning journey so it’s important to give yourself a chance to grow as a budding Interior Designer.
Because interior design training can range from budget-friendly to relatively costly, you should consider what type of class would suit you the best. You may want a degree, which is going to be the most expensive option. It’s a secure investment if you have the funds and time, but it is not always possible or necessary. Some opt for bootcamps and certificate courses which are less expensive and focus solely on relevant skills. You can also explore self-paced options which are relatively cost-effective or free resources online, which will give you an overview of interior design but not enough to consider a thorough education. Consider your options and weigh the cost-benefit ratio before determining what your next step may be.
Beyond time and cost, there are a couple of other things that can make your journey to learning interior design less stressful and more effective. First, consider the resources that you may need. Some classes and programs offer you design software during your time enrolled in the class, so you may not need to worry about purchasing a subscription to AutoCAD, SketchUp, or any Adobe Creative Cloud applications. Some courses require you to invest in these tools so it is best to double-check. In addition, you could consider ways to get more experience outside of the classroom, such as offering up your services to a friend or practicing at your home. Since interior design is always evolving, staying on top of trends and connecting with other designers through networking events can also help you stay updated with the class you choose and the field as a whole.
How Can I Learn Interior Design?
Live online classes are a great way to enjoy a traditional classroom experience but from the comfort of your home. You will learn from an experienced instructor, log in at scheduled times, and complete hands-on projects just like you would in an in-person class. You can ask your instructor questions and chat with classmates. Plus, the course is structured to give you as much immersive experience as possible despite the virtual setting. Being able to connect with others is useful for networking and gives you multiple perspectives. In the end, you’ll end up a more well-rounded interior design professional.
If you are someone who likes to learn at a pace that suits them, you can opt for self-paced, on-demand classes. They are a great option for someone who needs or prefers additional flexibility to support them through the learning process. With this method, you will watch pre-recorded lectures, go through modules, and complete various lessons to help you pick up the skills and absorb the material. While you don’t have live interaction between an instructor or peers, many of these courses offer support through emails, chatbots, or discussion boards. This option is great if you have a busy schedule or want to build upon your skills on your terms.
In-person classes are for those who thrive in a traditional classroom setting because you get to learn face-to-face. You’ll get hands-on instruction and direct interaction with the material, which is great for a beginner who needs that extra assistance. Of course, this requires you to have adequate transportation and time to make the commute. Depending on your location and schedule, this may be tricky, but if you’re someone who values a structured, traditional learning environment, this could be the best option.
Overall, each learning method has its perks and downsides that could vary based on learning needs, schedule, location, and goals. Live online and in-person classes offer interaction yet require you to follow a more structured schedule. On-demand classes are self-paced and flexible but do not offer the interaction that some students may depend on to acquire new skills. No matter which method you pick, the key is to make sure it aligns with your needs and preferences and helps you develop the skills you need to succeed in interior design.
Learn Interior Design with Hands-on Training at VDCI
VDCI offers a variety of courses that can help you build a solid foundation in interior design and other related fields and skills. For instance, the CAD Certificate Program spans eight months, totaling 280 hours of class time. This is a part-time, totally online course that offers flexibility for busy schedules but still gives you a thorough education in computer-aided design software. Specifically, you will learn how to master AutoCAD, which is an industry-standard software for creating floor plans, layouts, and design blueprints. The program covers everything from fundamental tasks like creating drafting symbols to more advanced techniques like demonstrating layer and file management. Above all else, it will prepare you for a field in interior design, architecture, or a related field. You will have access to a flexible payment plan and free student software. In addition, you’ll earn several credentials, including a verified certificate of completion and an AutoCAD Fundamentals and AutoCAD Professional badge.
Likewise, there is an AutoCAD Fundamentals course that lasts 12 weeks, totaling 60 total hours of instruction. This is a part-time, fully online course that gives you thorough instruction in AutoCAD essentials. This is a great course for beginners who want to learn the foundational skills that will set them up for success in the future. You’ll learn how to create kitchen and bath fixtures, design a floor plan, and integrate information into one concise file. In addition, you will learn how to apply layer management, user coordinates system development, and even practice creating sheet layout environments. This course gives you flexible payment options and free student software so you are set up for success.
If you want to start simple, consider the Introduction to Photoshop course from VDCI. Here, you will learn how to navigate and use Photoshop for imagery enhancement. In addition, you will learn how to adjust, enhance, and refine imagery for marketing purposes. This course can be hugely beneficial for an Interior Designer who wants to provide their clients with the best design mock-ups possible.
You could also consider the Introduction to InDesign course where you will learn how to design brochures, flyers, business cards, books, postcards, and other digital publishing projects. You’ll learn how to create and adjust graphics as well as draw shapes and design your work for a commercial printer. In addition, you will learn the design principles and practice designing images with varying file types, purposes, dimensions, and colors.