My former CAD (Computer Aided Drafting) instructor, Julian Inchaurregui of West Valley Occupational Center, invited me to speak to his architectural CAD class as a former student and someone working in the design industry. I put in a lot of thoughts and even prepared flash cards. I want to document this in writing while it is still fresh in my mind. Since this is in written form and I am doing this after the face, it is not exactly how I presented.

Julian and I

I was in this program from 2003 – 2004. Since then, I have started my own business providing presentation and documentation to design professionals.

Today, I want to share with you my personal journey, talk to you about self assessment, and marketing and branding for yourself. I will give you some business tips and advice at the end. Hopefully you will learn from my mistakes.

I am from Taiwan and came to the States for college education. I got my bachelor’s degree in interior design from California State University, Northridge. While in school, I have interned for a hospitality design firm inWest Hollywood. Upon graduation, I interned for an interior designer firm and showroom in Westlake Village. I later worked for my college professor and her husband for two years in Santa Monica doing home renovation and interior design. My next job was kitchen and bath designer at The Great Indoors. After a year, I realized the retail business was not right for me. I quit the job and enrolled in the CAD program here (West Valley Occupational Center). A few months in the program, because my design background and solid manual drafting skills, I started getting small drafting job. Now I have my own business catering to interior designers, architects, engineers, contractors, property management companies, developers, home owners, and business owners.

How did I figure out to do what I do? Once I started working, I found there are many tasks I don’t enjoy, but I still like the industry. Although I did not plan on this, I ended up getting a lot of work for drafting. I discovered by providing supporting services, I can work on high-end residential and large commercial projects. Most architects and designers let me be involved in the design process. This discovery took me a few years. I wish I done a self-assessment sooner and focus my energy on getting work I like.

An easy way to do a self assessment is to create two columns on a piece of paper. One column is for tasks you like and want to develop more skills, and the other column is for tasks you wish to avoid.

My Self-Assessment Chart

Now you have a list of tasks you enjoy, let’s start considering career options in the field of your choice. For example, in the interior design field, you can be a designer, an office assistant, a drafter, a renderer, a photographer, or a sales representative. All of these positions allow different levels of creativities and require different skills. Looking at my self-assessment chart, no wonder I started moving towards behind-the-scene tasks.

What is marketing? Why should we do marketing? What if you work for a company and have no contact with clients? Marketing or branding starts with each individual. Every drafting project is unique, and we as drafters do not need to be all the same. We need to create our own celebrity and distinguish us from others. We are not machines. We need to establish ourselves as real people and connect with our clients. Through branding, people will learn my style, my interests, and my specialties. This way, I attract only the right clients. No one can guarantee your employment will last forever. That is just the nature of the business. If you continually build a professional reputation, you can easily flow from one job to another. In this day of age, you need to have an online presence. Do you know how many Michelle Chiang there are on the Internet? I need to work extra hard. Most of you shouldn’t have this problem.

How do we market? First, you need to target a specific clientele. Then you start prospecting and networking. In my case, I am targeting small interior design firms as my clients, and I attend seminars and industry events either meeting new designers or building a relationship with showrooms. I have had been referred by sales consultants from showrooms. It is important to create value for your services. Clients want to know what is in it for them from working with you. Being unique and memorable increases your chance of being hired. It can be a non-design-related skill you have, or a signature item you hand out, or a specific way of working. Playing the piano is my hobby. It had allowed me to connect with people outside the design circle and help me to stand out. I have actually met a designer through playing the piano for a friend’s event and had worked with the designer on a few large projects.

Here are some tools for branding and marketing:

• Business cards
• Information sheets / brochures – This replaces traditional resume. My information sheet includes my bio, services I provide, and testimonials from clients. I do revise and update the information as needed and cater to a specific group. (Information Sheet Sample)
• Portfolio – Printed, on-line, and on your electronic device you carry with you all the time.
• Social media – Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are three major social media websites.
• Website / blog – I use my blog to express myself and establish my unique style.
• Promotional gifts – I had my friend made me custom handmade soaps that matches my business card design and with the scent of my choice.
• Email newsletters – I send out a list of industry events to designers on my mailing list. This is my way to stay in touch and showing I am interested in working with them.

Now, let me give you some general business tips & advice:

• Invest in yourself & your business – I attend seminars and industry events whenever I can. It is important that my clients know I am up to date with what is going on.
• Be a people person – No project is done by one person. You will need to be able to communicate and collaborate with others.
• Be professional – It is important to be dependable and trustworthy. Your appearance also plays a big part. Remember, people don’t see you as just you. You are representation yourself, your company, your boss, and your colleagues.
• Get support / join professional organizations / make friends – Belonging to an organization has been very beneficial for me. I also keep in touch with friends in the business to support and help each other.
• Give back – Think about how much help you have received along the way, and give back however you can.

This is all I have today. Thank you all for being here. If you have any question or comment, I can be contacted by phone, email, Facebook page, and blog.

My Flash Cards