Interior Design Vs. Graphic Design
Since I've moved to the graphic side of design from the interior side of design I've noticed some major differences, pros and cons. (The Interior Design I'm referring to is more like Interior Architecture, not the decorating side.)
These are my findings.StressInterior Design - High to Really High
With Interior Design, there is so much at stake. Just annotating the wrong finish accidently could cost you $1000s. There are ALWAYS surprises on site (mostly with renovations) and no one wants to take the liability. I was working on a basement renovation with a designer friend of mine, and the contractor wanted her sign off on custom door drawings "stating that XXXX Projects Inc. and XXX Building Materials Ltd. are not responsible for the calculations of the construction of the doors." As designers, we generally want the person who is making the stuff to be responsible for the final measurements, because even when you blatantly dimension the heck out of your drawings, somehow, things don't always end up like the design drawings. Even with 3-D computer drawings, it's impossible to see the final product until it's made. Natural light, even man-made light can change the colour of paint on the walls dramatically. There are always deadlines. With commercial design, it's more intense. With residential design, you can usually gain extra time while waiting for the clients decisions. They usually have a job and a family so aren't generally 100% focused on getting the job done.
Graphic Design - Medium to Low
There are deadlines usually set by unrealistic client expectations, but because I don't have to rely on anyone else to get my job done - this hasn't been a cause for concern yet. Also, if the client doesn't like it, it's VERY easy to move a few pixels around and everyone's happy. You also see the finished product before it's 'finished'. Creativity
Interior Design - High
I find that Interior Design has so much going on in one single project that I'm not expected to drain my creative juices all day long. The client usually has an idea of what they want which we help them with in concept development, then there's space planning, finish selection, working drawings and project management and a lot of 'creative' problem solving. For someone like me with ADD, this is a job come true. There's always something going on that keeps me moving. (i.e. I'm not stuck at a computer 40 hours a week.)
Graphic Design - Really High
I have to be on almost constantly with graphic design. I've come up with so many concepts/designs in a very short period of time compared to Interior Design, most times, with not much to start with. My brain really hurts at the end of those days. Financial
Interior Design - Medium High to Really high (If your'e famous)
Maybe this isn't true for everyone, but Interior Designers generally do pretty well-The bill out rates are $95-$135/hr and up. Granted, these are the same wages I've seen at mechanic shops. So I say medium high because many 'professionals' charge this rate out. And if you're an employee, I'd say the wages are medium-low. (In Canada anyway)
Graphic Design - Medium to High
I think you can make higher wages depending on your skill level and ability to read the client's needs. This is still new to me, so I can't really make a valid call on the wages to expect as a Graphic Designer. With Interior Design, a lot more education is required (I have a degree and I still learn on every job after 8 years) and no one seems to expect you to have a degree in Graphic Design (it's kind of like being an artist, it's easy to pick up if you have the talent and school isn't necessarily required). Although, I would love to go to school for Graphic Design, we're just too busy. Also, I find it relatively simple to guess how much time it's going to take to get a job done, where with Interior Design, you always have to add to the contract, "Changes are extra" because there are ALWAYS changes in the design stage and after. :) Wardrobe
Interior Design - High
Interior Designers should look like they know how to put themselves together, and be presented well. It's kind of like, would you hire an over-weight personal trainer? Probably not. Many of the firm owners shop at Holt Renfrew and buy Hermes Bags. I had a past client tell me she didn't go with a designer who came to their home because she wore frumpy clothes and her hair was frizzy. Yes, it's true. I think my clients must be really nice.
Graphic Design - Low
Well, not really low. But jeans and t-shirts are totally ok. Even grunge is cool. I guess the general look is 'artist' so blatant high-end names brands are not cool.Satisfaction - End Result
Interior Design - Super High
The transformation when things are built in real-life is incredible. That's probably why there are so many before and after design shows. I love to see an inefficient and drab space transform into something beautiful and functional. The end product is often worth the pain! (Like having a baby). I've seen many co-workers (including myself) crying because of the stress along the way, but when it's all done, it's magical and the tears are forgotten. (Kinda.)
Graphic Design - High
It's always wonderful to see your product working and enjoyed by others. The only reason I rate it lower than Interior Design is that you only can experience it on a 2 dimensional level - and the transformation is from white screen to art screen. Not as painful. I base how rewarding the outcome is on how much suffering is experienced along the way. When I decided on Interior Design 14 years ago, (YIKES) I choose it for different reasons than why I've chosen Graphic Design today. They're both creative fields, but in my opinion, very different. Graphic Design fits in with family life. It's easy to work from home and the jobs can generally be finished in 1 - 4 weeks. Interior Design projects are 2 - 24 months, or even longer and there's much more that can go wrong. (Photo 1. The interior designer (girl in black dress) is a friend of mine who always looks that great.)
(Photo 2. The graphic designer is on the far right of the boys - he is one the coolest dressers I know. The other boys are programmers. They were doing a pose for me to look subdued.)
