Hello Fabulistas! Whenever I’m asked the most important advice to give young designers, my response is often, "Know who you are!" Confidence as a designer begins with discovering yourself as a creative force. What are you about? What moves you? What stimulates you? Once you’ve figured out the answers to these questions and more, you're able to interpret your client's wishes and even take them somewhere they never thought possible. Another important lesson is that one of the keys to staying prolific is to constantly expand your comfort zone as well as your clients’. Image courtesy Robin Baron Your source of inspiration can surface out of the unexpected. When you begin to learn to color outside the lines, that's where the magic is born! Image courtesy Etsy Fashion runways have always provided a plethora of trends for interior designers to interpret. Having started my career as a fashion designer who transitioned to interior design, I'd even say the two are interchangeable and mutually influential. It shows in the way we use color and texture and also in the way we approach educating and mentoring newcomers. Images courtesy Vogue This season, New York Fashion Week has seen the longest runway in its history. It showcases 3-D freestanding dresses made from typography by the students of the School of Visual Arts (SVA) as part of their art installation “The Language of Fashion”. Curated by Linda Fargo (Bergdorf Goodman's very own visual force), Madison Avenue became a platform for the new designers to exhibit their creations under the mentorship of such heavyweights as Phillip Lim, Alber Elbaz and Michael Kors. Images courtesy The Emerging Designer This leads me to yet another tip for the beginners: find a mentor! Someone who'll understand your sensibility and help you steer it in the right direction. Finding a mentor can also guide you as you polish your vision. One of the ways to do that is to get involved with groups and trade shows that specialize in your area of design. Some of my favorites are ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) and High Point Market (NC) that puts on trade shows for the furniture industry. Image courtesy ASID NY Metro Image courtesy Robin Baron I have always been excited to share my knowledge and perspective with the next generation of interior designers. That is why I am so happy to announce that on September 22nd, fellow designer, Corey Damen Jenkins and I are hosting “Making Your Dreams Come True!” Join us at What’s New What’s Next and learn how to take the first steps in making your design dreams a reality. We’ll lead you through the advantages of discovering who you are as an Interior Designer, recognizing what you do well and, more importantly, how to capitalize on your strengths by telling your story! The event will be held at the Lexington Home Brands showroom at the New York Design Center. Get your free tickets here: http://ow.ly/of3I3040a9X