Transferable skills: graphic design meets interior design

9 Sept

designing across disciplines

“While in many ways the two disciplines are worlds apart, there’s certainly a lot of foundational skills from my experience in graphic design that have helped me navigate the world of interior design.”

I’ve been in the design industry for nearly 15 years — most of that time working as a graphic designer (what I’m formally trained in). But when the opportunity arose to start specialising in interior design and styling as well, I jumped at it.

Interior design is always something I’ve been obsessed with — I remember as a kid my mum worked as a designer for a local builder, and had CAD software installed on our home computer that I would spend hours designing floor plans on. I don’t even think I was 10 years old, but this was how I was choosing to spend my free time.

When it was time to apply for university, I was certain architecture was the path for me. I had studied it throughout my later years at school (enjoyably) and thought it would be a great foundation for a career that could merge into the world of interior design.

But then came my first year – I hated it. It was not at all like it had been during school, and it felt like a world I didn’t belong in. That’s when I decided to change my degree to graphic design.

If I had known then what I know now, I probably would have invested in studying interior design instead of architecture – or pursued the skills I was really interested in, such as drafting.

Nevertheless, I’m grateful for my experience studying graphic design (which also led me to complete a degree in marketing and communications – something that has helped me immensely in running my own business). And while in many ways the two disciplines are worlds apart, there’s certainly a lot of foundational skills from my experience in graphic design that have helped me navigate my new path in interior design and styling.

Colour theory

A lot of the science and psychology behind colours that is utilised in graphic design, also translates to how colour can make spaces feel in interior design.

As designers, our specialty is knowing how to use colour to make you feel a certain way in a space and as a tool to create contrast and depth – whether that space is a webpage or a bedroom.

Layout + spatial design

Just like a graphic designer needs to know how to successfully layout content on a page, so does an interior designer within a room.

A good designer knows how to maximise a space for both functionality and form, and make them work harmoniously together – culminating in a space that is truly a joy to be in.

Visual hierarchy

Similar to the above, visual hierarchy is important when designing and styling spaces, just like it’s important when typesetting on a page.

It’s within the principles like the rule of thirds and the golden ratio that span across both disciplines, and is a visual cue that makes a space feel balanced while guiding the viewer where to look and where to go next.

Creating floor plans

While CAD software is needed for interior design projects where builders are engaged or statutory approvals are needed, creating basic floor plans for concept stages or styling projects doesn’t have to be so heavy-handed.

My experience in graphic design and being proficient in Adobe Illustrator has given me the skills to draw up basic plans to scale for clients to help them with styling, without needing to draw up full technical plans.

Preparing client concepts + presentations

Being a whiz in design programs also makes it easy for me to design high-quality client concepts and presentations that can portray my vision for their project in the best way possible.

This can not only help with the communication of key stages or intentions behind the project to avoid any confusion of what will be happening and when, but also let the design concept shine. A win win for both of us!

I guess what I’m ultimately trying to say, is that it’s never too late to pivot your career path or discipline as a designer, and the skills you already have under your belt will help you more than you know.

My career has a designer has taken many twists and turns so far, but every step of the journey has helped get me to where I am today and informs every aspect of the projects I undertake.

It’s never too late to try something new, your past experience will guide you more than you know.