Monday, September 19, 2011

Self taught interior designers

Back in the day, people seemed to love anyone creative that was self taught. Whenever I watch a documentary or hear a story of someone from the past, usually self taught finds its way in the story telling. Its no secret around here that I love interior design, and I have for many many years now. But unfortunately my past was not one structured with a formal education in design. Does that make my talent, or those like me less worthy of all that comes with the title of INTERIOR DESIGNER? Clearly not based on the names listed below of these successful interior designers. I have shared with you guys some of the disappointments I have experienced, but what people forget is there is a starting place for everyone. And you never know what the future holds for anyone. So if there is something that you love to do, your good at it, and you are not formally trained in it. Don’t let that stop you. Fight for yourself, and for what you believe to be your gift from God. Everyone has at least one, but possibly many more. I have a daughter and a son to show & teach that anything is possible when you try. They are watching me.
“WHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES, AND YOU LOOK DOWN. THERE WILL BE A KEY RING FULL OF KEYS TO UNLOCK EVERY CLOSED DOOR IN FRONT OF YOU”
The talent of Nate Berkus, Cortney & Robert Novogratz, Brian Patrick Flynn, and Vicente Wolf shows that it is possible. I am sure their roads and journeys were not lined in gold and sparkling Swarovski crystals. But their success, and living their passion surely is I’m sure.

des

image
image
image
image




des

This undated photo courtesy of  HGTV shows a room designed by Cortney and Robert Novogratz, from HGTV's "Home by Novogratz,"  at a home in Rockaway Beach, New York. Striped staircases and lavendar walls? Many homeowners are trying out the bold, unexpected use of color that high-profile designers have been preaching. Photo: HGTV / AP


image
image
image

des





image
image



des





image
image 2
image 10
High Fives & Hugs,
Tamara Styles
images via Google images

19 comments:

Tiffany said...

Love all their styles.

Peace, Love and Chocolates,
Tiffany

Unknown said...

These designs are to die for, what I wouldn't do for a makeover on my house.. WOW..

Elisa @ What the Vita said...

A beautiful way to start my morning.

I know some states require a license of some kind before you can get paid to decorate others' homes..? Does this apply to Texas?

Brixton Nole said...

I agree! With access to the internet (yay for Google and You Tube!) folks can learn and practice to be ANYTHING they want as long as they have the dedication and the drive! Keep your head up, when its your time no one can stop you!!

###### said...

Not sure about that law in texas elisa..

None said...

Hi, new to your blog...

I DO NOT believe that formal training or a 'piece of paper'(degree) is required for everything. Doctor? Yes. Interior Designer? Not so much.

I believe in my heart, that's a way of keeping "certain" folks out of the game, by requiring formal training on everything nowadays.

You definitely without a doubt are 'GETTIN' IT...you know what I'm sayin'...you have an undeniable, god-given talent, and an eye for interior design from what I see on your blog. And don't worry, when that one door opens...you will have 'GOT' it, without the formal training...TRUST.

Unknown said...

I agree with Donna's comment. I think if you have a passion for it, study, train yourself, and work hard...it can happen. Just because you don't go to school doesn't mean you still can't intern or do an apprenticeship. There are still ways to get the experience you need/want.

(JIN) Love, Loss & Lacquer said...

I think as long as you're passionate about something - there's a way to make it happen. You may have to work a little harder to proof yourself to people who want to see "the piece of paper" but at the end of the day talent is talent. From what I see here on your blog, you are going to be just fine. You can do it!

Liz said...

I think you can have a natrual God given talent without a degree. Nothing wrong with going to school to enhance it but I don't think it's required. God will open doors for us and your talent in design brought you to the Nate Berkus Show. I personally love all the designers but my favs are the design blogs beacause they feature realistic home designs on a real budget and show you how creative you can be to create a home that reflects you:)

Loretta said...

Tam, go for it. GOD has blessed all of us with a talent. It is something that you can not learn in a classroom nor online studies in design or any other area. It is truly a gift from GOD. I read your post about others in the business not encouraging and helping. When GOD is with you that's all you need. Look girl with you being on Nate's show GOD is already working on your behalf. The designers you featured shows that success is possible with out the degree. Step out!!!

Jane said...

Some of the interiors aren't my taste, but I can appreciate the aesthetic nonetheless. Thank you for this post, it came just in time; as a friend recently laughed off my aspirations.

TEST said...

I needed to ride this for my own personal journey and feeling like being not formally trained is an issue. It is not! And you just proved it to me!

Thank you Tam!

Mavis said...

YES in Texas to call yourself an interior designer you must have a license. It's more to just decorating/designing if you're working in someones home there is a possible chance of an accident. You should be insured and bonded, among other things. We'd like to think about making something pretty but it's more too it than that.

Now, a decorator is all together something different. Laws have changed and vary from state to state and some people have been "grandfathered" in it they have been in business for a certain length of time.

Even if anyone is a naturally talented in "decorating/designing it's always good to have your credentials and all other paperwork to back you up, unless your work is so awesome no one really cares

Sing of Singature Style said...

I agree. Formal training and education is nice, but it's also acceptable to be self-taught in some fields. Sometimes you just have a knack or an eye for certain things. I think that is especially true for artists who are creative and that doesn't always need to be nurtured in a classroom, sometimes it actually hurts them.

Anonymous said...

There is a lot to be said for natural talent coupled with passion. Great post!

Anonymous said...

I agree with Mavis the difference is the title Interior Designers usually have to be licensed and are regulated, whereas Interior Decorators...not so much. I've learned that designers are taught to change structural elements so there is a liability factor that has to be considred.

Anonymous said...

Tam I would hire you in a minute... People are born with gifts and certain things can be done using that gift... I am a self proclaimed comedian...no formal classes/training... and I practice my art and think I am pretty good at it...and have been told so by others... because I have not been on TV or movies does not make me less funnier than Chris Rock or Somore... just means I haven't been opened the right door yet.

###### said...

You guys are so encouraging. Thanks for the response to this post. I agree...regardless of what it is...(minus a position that deals with the lives of others)if you have the talent, and drive...go for it. We most of the time just have to get out of our own heads...and not worry about what other people have to say.

Rashon Carraway said...

Well,

I am a fan of them both. Then again I am a recipient of self-taught. I think.

While there are some professions that one would certainly look for credentials, decorating isnt one of them.

There are several degreed designers I dont care much for as well as there are self-taught designers I dont care much for. The main objective is being confident in what you do and the world will feel that.

I never thought I would be making over people's living room on national tv. I didnt study for it, neither did I get a degree in it, but because I had the "eye" on of your favorites, Nate Berkus saw that and has given me a piece of his platform.

Now if I was degreed would it have happened. I dunno.

But Tam, you do it. Go for it. The only person stopping you is YOU!


Rashon aka Mr. Goodwill Hunting