Help!!!!
all this DIY and Changing Rooms stuff has sparked up my desire to be an Interior Designer. So after 2 years on a paint effects course and 1 year on an Interior Design course,......I need a job!!!!
but at 20 I do not have any experience and my search so far has proved unsuccessfull. I have had no interviews, but some refusal letters, but I am not giving up!!!!!!
I need money to do the commercial orientated second year of the design course, but I cant find anywhere that is willing to help me.
If anyone can sugest anywhere, apart from B&Q, Wickes and Focus (tried them), or a website that I can actually find an interior design job listed would be a great help. I have tried the usual sites like Monster, Fish4 etc but to no avail.
Please, if anyone can, Help me !!!!!!!
thanks
:-)

Have you checked design magazines! They must have a job section somewhere. Also is it feasible for you to do some work experience, that way you may be able to land a job at the same company.

Sorry if it sounds obvious - just trying to help!

I am desperate for some advice on how to paint my brick fireplace and what type of paint to use

You could use masonry paint. the House Doctor used watered down white emulsion applied with a rag, and rubbed it in, to get a more natural washed look.

Hi there, I trained as a designer a few years ago and had the same problem, so I set up my own company! Hard work but well worth it in the end.
There are design magazines with recruitment sections but they seem to concentrate on comercial design, they also usually want 2 years experience which is difficult if no-one will give you a break in the first place.
Don't give up, Keep going and try to do your next year of study if you can - it is all worth it in the end
Elaine W

hi Elaine, thanks for the encouraging words!!! I did do the second year at college, and now i am embarking on a 3 year degree course!!!
i am aiming to set up on my own in the future, but i would like to have some experience so i now what to expect and how to handle things!!!!
i'd like to have an all-in-house buisiness, with carpenters, builders, decorators, the whole package in one place, to cut down on the sub-contracting costs!!! intheory its a good idea, but if it will work in practice i'll have to wait and see!!!

Hi Ya Riah.

I would say - Try Try and Try again. Never give up, try every avenue and keep asking people for help and advice.

I'm coming up to 50 and ALWAYS wanted to do something Arty - loved to draw and paint and do lots of craft ideas but when I left school at 15 you HAD to work, I chose secretarial and did lots of typing jobs and admin jobs up until I was nearly 40 years old and HATED it really. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is, IF you feel that Interior Design is for you then try with all your might to do it and keep at it.

I EVENTUALLY did Holistic Therapies diplomas at 39 to 42 and have been running my own VERY successful Alternative Health Practice from home, pleasing myself when I work, enjoying what I'm doing and LOVING IT ! I still wish I had done something in the Arts - like interior design (as you may recall I do loads of projects at home).

Good Luck - NEVER give up.

Gill.

hiya, i definately wont give up, i 've spent too much money!!! lol my tutor said in the 3rd year there is a chance to do some work experience, and that most of the companies go on to offer the students full jobs at graduation, so there is hope!!! i will get some experience under me belt before starting out on my own, it might be more of a success then!!

Hi Riah,

Have you tried doing an Interior Design course at uni? that's what I'm doing, I'm nearly finished my first year. I don't know where your from but I go to Teeside University and it's brilliant fun.

Hi Riah,

We really must get around to meeting up before the term is over...

Anyway, I do remember Ms Barker saying that the way she did it was by doing projects for friends at a little over cost, taking photo's getting their recommendations and then making up a portfolio of work... i.e. before and after.

You then advertise in the local press and get work by that and by word of mouth - so that you can add these jobs to your portfolio and to your CV.

How does that sound?.

Angela