Jul 18, 2018
We’ve worked hard to have our design projects published nationally and regionally many times over. To us, it’s a stamp of approval from the highest level of our peers – the editors of the magazines we covet. Our first national publication was a 6 page spread in Southern Lady Magazine. We were (and still are) so proud of that feature! Our next feature is coming up in August/September issue of Southern Cottage which is published by Engaged Media, Inc.
To be totally honest though, we’ve never received a single new client from being published, but it has certainly built our credibility in the eyes of those prospective clients that care about that kind of thing.
So consider this what we call a “teaching episode” for our fellow designers and new designers as we share what we’ve learned along the way on HOW TO GET PUBLSIHED.
2. DESIGN WITH AN EYE FOR PUBLICATION
I remember taking a coaching class from Arkansas designer Tobi Fairley and she said, “When I walk into a home of a new client, I’m designing with the end in mind. With how my design will look when it’s photographed and published.” I didn’t quite understand that as a new designer, but I do now.
This is the approach we now take as well. It helps us to focus on every wall and every corner to make sure that the design is balanced and “full”. When you look thru a camera lens, you see flat and dull areas of a space right away. So if we design with this viewpoint in mind, we won’t miss anything.
3. LEAVE THE SPACE "FINISHED" - IN OTHER WORDS, DESIGN FULLY
A. We aim to leave a space fully designed so that our client has nothing left to worry about. Of course we leave picture frames to be filled and small details like that, but we work hard to incorporate many of the clients personal and important accessories, art and chatkes into the design from the beginning. When we stylize on install day, we include cozy throws, fresh soaps, laundered linens – you name it! This way, the client is thrilled and when we come back to photograph, we don’t have a ton to do.
4. INVEST IN QUALITY PHOTOGRAPHY
A. This is our #1 piece of advice not only to have for your website but to have to offer editors.
i. Average costs
ii. Research photographers and pay for the best
iii. Scouting shots vs. providing professional photography to editors
5. HOW TO PREPARE FOR A PHOTO SHOOT
A. Prepare your client – clean and tidy the space, no need to be home (this will take hours).
B. Fresh flowers the day before – make your own or order ahead – all one color is best
i. Kinds that looks best
ii. Containers that look best
C. Take photos on install day and look back for “holes” or areas that need to be “full” for magazines
D. How to dress a kitchen
E. It’s ok to remove furniture – look thru the lens with your photographer and offer your eye – participate in your shoot
6. REACH OUT TO EDITORS, MEET & GREET!
A. Don’t be shy! They are people too.
B. Get used to the names on the Masthead of each shelter magazine. Reach out on social media.
C. Post original work on social media especially Instagram. Editors are trolling!
D. Don’t be afraid to start locally – blogs, newspapers, etc.
E. Read Amy Flurry’s book “Recipe for Press”.