Event Decor – How to Become an Event Designer
Summary/Abstract
Event design is an inspired art form blending color theory, with the design of space and logistical flow. A very different approach to themed events and not the same use of formal philosophies of design. Event designers come from a variety of backgrounds but most have a passion and an “eye for design” early on that is recognized by others. Event Design education is available through local colleges and universities leading to a Certificate in Event Design or a Certification as an Event Designer.
What type of person becomes an Event Designer?
“Designers are the natural-born risk takers who aren’t afraid to let their creative minds take over and leave the limitations of “the norm” behind.”
Preston, shared his journey and how he was able to build his company and his brand to what it is today. His explained his design style is based on his ability to not control his imagination and let his creative process flow. He explained his process in 4 steps:
- Inspiration
- Concept
- Design
- Production
“Even gravity doesn’t exist in my design process, just as a child will say he can fly like superman.”
Another amazing Celebrity Event Planner, David Tutera, started out designing balloons for parties and was asked by someone who saw one of his balloon designs if he could plan a bat mitzvah. At the time, he didn’t even know what it was, but said “yes” to get the job and learned as he went along by listening to his client’s vision to make it a success. Now he is one of the most famous celebrity event planners on television. David explained that when he designs he likes to spend time with his clients to get to know their style and vision. He has learned over the last 30 years, the best way to design for his clients is to understand their goals but to exceed expectations. Great advice for anyone in business. As well as a full-proof way to open doors to new referrals and a successful business in event design and decor.
LWPI recently had a chance to sit down with Kevin Lee, one of the most sought after event designers in Hollywood, with a Celebrity A-List of clients such as J-Lo, Mariah Carey, Brad Pitt, Oprah Winfrey… including Hollywood’s event of the year…the Governor’s Ball after the Oscars. Kevin was gracious enough to share his story with us and his philosophy for planning events for some of the most wealthiest people in the world. Kevin says:
“I learn all that I can about my clients and their personalities along with their wish list and design style in order to create an experience I know they will love.”
Good Advice
What’s interesting is all three of these interviews with expert designers, revealed their mutual focus and concern for client expectations. There seems to be an understanding that a client’s style comes before their own opinions of style and design. So even when they don’t agree with a certain design style the client is always right, because when it comes to art…beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
These famous event designers all have an amazing “eye for design” and a signature style, but they all have the same goal and that is to meet and exceed the client’s expectations.
What should you know
The best way to get started as an event designer or event decorator is to check out your local resources. There are many vendors and event rental locations that will have everything you need from lighting to linens, tents and tables, glassware, flatware, props, themed events, event staging, and event themes. Take a trip to your local rental facility and get a tour and price list of their inventory. Many event rental companies are very happy to educate industry planners and designers on their services and rental inventory. In many cases, you will gain even more ideas and inspiration so take pictures while you are there.
Another type of event decor resource you should consider are your local craft stores such as Michaels, Paper Source, JoAnns, and even Target or Home Goods. When it comes to props and tablescaping details many of these stores carry very affordable crafting options to create a cohesive design all the way down to the smallest details.
In many cases, as an event designer you may not be able to just buy what you have in mind. It will have to be constructed or built by a carpenter or an artist. Knowing professional trades men and women in addition to your local craft stores and party rental companies will round out your network of resources you will need to support your craft.
Where can you get started as an Event Designer?
Event Design Classes and Courses
Many colleges offer event design programs and will help you to learn the fundamentals of design along with the tools to create your own signature style for your company or brand. Most design programs will include color theory in addition to the many different types of style and themed events. One of the most common mistakes made by beginners is confusing a themed event with design.
Become an Event Designer with Lovegevity
Event designing lets you use your creativity to the full, and a course in Event Design at Lovegevity could lead to an exciting and fulfilling career.
If you are thinking about becoming an event designer, it has never been easier with a course that will suit you from Lovegevity. We work with leaders in the industry, and our courses are accredited by over 2200 colleges and universities. You can learn all the tricks of the trade and discover how to become an event designer.
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Use Your Eye for Detail to Create a Magical Environment
Creativity is key when it comes to design, but it doesn’t mean that you always have shown talent in art or music. Perhaps you have just created a beautiful home and others are always commenting on your skill to create inspired designs.
If you like the thought of transforming spaces into magical environments that satisfy even the pickiest of clients, then learning how to be an event designer could be just the thing you are looking for.
At Lovegevity, we give you the theory and opportunities for practical experience to give your career everything it needs to get started. The more experience you get, the better you will become, so make sure that you are always on the lookout for opportunities that are near to you and volunteer your services.
With a Certified Event Designer or Certified Event Planner course, you will have all you need to get started, as well as letting your clients and potential employers know that you understand the in and outs of the process.
When you study with Lovegevity, you will also have the opportunity to build a professional portfolio that showcases your work.
Lovegevity: Giving You the Certification for Your Dream Job
We have financial assistance available so that you can embark on your dream career, and for many of our courses, we offer a 12-month payment plan to spread the cost of your education.
When you learn with us, you can expect to gain the knowledge you need to succeed in the world of event design, and you will have step-by-step guidance that supports you throughout, including ongoing support and how to grow your business.
With Lovegevity, you can find your own creative style and learn how to adapt it to suit the needs of your clients and create a design that meets your customers’ expectations. You will also learn how to utilize the materials that you have access to, as well as learning how to obtain wholesale design materials to create the perfect backdrop to your events.
We help you to establish vendor partnerships and sell your services to others in our Signature Wedding and Event Design course, so whether you are just starting in the design industry or you want to offer more from your current business, Lovegevity can help to ensure its success.
If you have any further questions about how to become an event designer or how one of our courses might benefit you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us and request more information.
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How long will it take to become an event designer?
Many courses are offered online with hands-on design projects which really help to build your confidence. Whether you take an event design class online or a weekend webinar workshop or a semester long course on campus, your journey from beginner to expert will be filled with continuous learning as the industry continues to evolve year after year with new techniques, new technology, and new trends. When attending your event design education you will be introduced to other industry professionals to help grow your list of event decor resources.
How to get started as an event designer?
After achieving your Certificate in Event Design you may also consider an internship to practice your level of creativity and design skills. An internship will provide you with new opportunities, experiences, and challenges to further expand your fund of knowledge and grow your confidence. When you get the chance to volunteer or intern for an event try and take advantage of the learning opportunity. There is always room to learn new things when it comes to event decor. Check out LWPI’s calendar of events for upcoming internships in your area.
Another way to exercise your newly learned skills is to volunteer for your local church, community center, or city event planning committee. With your Certificate in Event design or Event Planning Certification you can apply to be on your city’s event planning volunteer committee. This is a great way to network and gain new referrals.
Review and Summary
So let’s review.
- To become a professional event designer you don’t need to be an exceptional artist or visionary, many famous designers discovered their talent when others first pointed it out.
- An eye for design means you have a sense of style that comes natural and if others have said that to you…you might be a great candidate for a career in event design and decor.
- To get started in the event design industry there are many educational options through your local college which will provide you with a professional designation, such as Certified Event Designer or Certified Event Planner.
- Attending design workshops such as tablescaping, draping, lighting, and tenting will help provide additional hands-on experience in specific areas of design.
- You can gain additional experience as an event designer by finding a local internship or volunteering your time on a planning committee or for your local church.
We hope this information was helpful to anyone considering a career in event decor and design. we’ve also included a free worksheet on how to plot a floor plan to add to your event design tools. This is one of the most essential skills of event design as it creates the canvas.
