How To Get Published As A Designer

Getting published takes planning, planning and some more planning!

When it comes to shooting your project and getting published there are many steps to take. The key is to build a plan and work with some talented people. Here are some tips:

1. RESEARCH: Before you do anything the first step is to buy a bunch of mags or search online. Be critical and consider realistically where you can see your project. Are you seeing similar projects to yours in these publications?

2. YOUR TEAM: The second step is to research who the photographers are that the magazine publishes. Using a photographer that is known to them is an ‘in’. I recommend investing in the best photographer you can. Yes, this all does cost money, but at the end of the project the images are all we have to show. Images make your website sing, instagram buzz and serve as the strongest way to sell your work to new clients.

3. STYLING: Then study the styling. House & Garden love dogs and flowers whereas Real Living show a person in the space. The Local Project is pared back styling whereas Belle is more 'decorated' and layered.

4. PROPS: What are the props you need and how will you style them. Shoot styling is so different than styling a space for your client because you are composing a 2D image. It is harder than it seems and I couldn’t recommend using a stylist more!

5. PHOTOGRAPHY BRIEF: Create a photography brief to help you work out what the angles are you want to capture and what props you’ll need. This will help you understand how many shots you hope to capture and it helps the photographer provide a quote. I source images of similar spaces and arrange them on a page which is a handy guide on shoot day also.

6. PREPARE: You need to be able to prepare a few days before so that you make the most of the shoot day, and a few days after if you're returning props (and recovering!) Generally I plan about six weeks out in order to schedule the dates for the photographer, stylist, transport and of course, when suits the lovely client.

7. PLAN: Having a plan will make the day run smoother. You may have met the photographer and stylist on site beforehand. You may even have a assistant or videographer to capture those behind the scenes moments too. It's a big day and I recommend COFFEE! Also bring a little thank you gift for the client. It's a big day for them too.

8. PITCH: You have the photos and you're thrilled - YES!
Next is writing the perfect pitch. More on that another time. Also you'll want to make sure that once you're published you let everyone know, which brings me to my next topic...

The wonderful client engaged me to decorate their incredible house with architecture and interior design by Workroom. I worked with Lauren Egan on the shoot styling and she was amazing. Timothy Kaye was the photographer. It's been seen in The Local Project already and I was thrilled to show more of my decoration work in Vogue Living.