Each of us wants to be successful, to be realized, to achieve certain results. And each of us has our own vision of the world, our own theories of success and failure, our own principles and our own hobbies. We have various theories: why the sky is blue, why apples fall, why bees buzz, and why a sandwich always falls butter side down, and more. We seem to be hiding behind various theories. People love theories. But, unfortunately (or maybe fortunately!), theory often diverges from practice. But smart people say: “Theory is good, but practice is completely different.” Well, this article will just talk about practice, and how successful designers cope with their tasks in practice and achieve success.

Let's throw away the theory and start practicing! True, in fairness it is worth noting that this article is not a universal panacea for all ills and problems, it does not guarantee that tomorrow you will wake up as a brilliant designer for whom employers will line up.

Habit # 1 : Know when to stop

You may know football legend Vince Lombardi, who once said, “Winners never quit and quitters never win.” One has only to look around and see that this opinion is wrong.

The best projects failed only because their creators could not come to a common denominator. Successful companies went bankrupt only because their management failed to stop the race for profit in time. The best blackjack players only doubled down instead of backing down. History remembers many examples when warring political forces refused to compromise and suffered only losses. Indeed, winners are not judged, but in order to win, you need to realistically assess your capabilities, abilities, job prospects, and understand your mistakes.

Of course, you will say that there is no limit to perfection. No one will argue with this postulate, but sometimes it’s worth stopping at what has been achieved, because you can always spoil it and make it worse than it was before the “improvements.” Oddly enough, your leaving and finishing work on this or that project can be a good and right decision. So the first habit that everyone needs to remember is to learn to walk away and let things take their course.

Habit # 2 : Find the right environment

We are surrounded by a lot of things, and in this amazing chaos we manage to find exactly what we need every time. We often instinctively know what we need and where to look for inspiration. We feel great when we are surrounded by love, when we are respected, we do a job we love, and have good friends. In fact, we are looking for the most comfortable conditions for existence.

The work environment around us is no exception. There's a little secret here. The right environment not only promotes work, but also encourages creativity. In fact, a lot of inspiration can be found in the environment. Sometimes you just need to take a couple of seconds or a couple of minutes away from the project and look around. The answer is often hidden in simple things. So, looking out the window at the neighboring buildings, looking at the bizarre shapes of the clouds in the sky, or seeing some forgotten book by your favorite author on the table, you can intuitively stumble upon solutions to your problem.

Also, interior design, clothing design, etc. often push us to new solutions. In this regard, another habit of good designers is to surround themselves with things that inspire.

Habit # 3 : Good working atmosphere

Comfort is important to everyone. We love it when at work we are in an atmosphere of creativity, surrounded by people who understand and share the same opinion. What does a good work environment look like?

The answer to this question is well illustrated in Michael Bierut's client presentation. Michael poses a chain of questions: “What am I looking for for a client?” - “What should I look for in a work environment?” The answer to these questions is quite simple - you need trust in others, passion for your work, courage in decisions and intelligence for action. The client is looking for these same qualities. Each of these qualities has an obvious advantage. You can always feel easy and at ease surrounded by like-minded people, when everyone can trust each other.

A trusting relationship with the designer allows interested parties to rely entirely on his taste and professional instincts. So, where passion lives in the work, you can ultimately achieve success in the development of the project, because all the strength of each team member is devoted to such a task. It’s always good when work becomes not only a form of earning money, but also turns into a hobby.

Courage inspires designers to take on risky (but potentially successful) projects and pushes them to bring cutting-edge solutions to market. Intelligence is not a guarantee of genius, but the ability to perceive and understand the real world. Common sense and intelligence unite all qualities and allow you to achieve good results.

Well, one more rule - all four qualities must exist in harmony in order to create ideal conditions work and a good working environment. Remove at least one component and you will have to search for a black cat in a dark room for an infinitely long time: look for the optimal solution and not find it.

Habit # 4 : Combating reality distortion

Imagine the situation. You have spent many days and nights and finally you are ready to show a truly outstanding result. In your opinion, everything is more than perfect, and you are a real design guru. And then day “X” comes and you and interested parties discuss the future (masterpiece in your opinion!) project. Everything is going well, only at the end of the discussion the senior manager will say that everything is fine, but green color better to change it. He will convince you that he knows how hard you worked to find the right combination, to make the site really original, catchy, attractive, but the choice of color is not the best. “Choosing a color is subjective, isn’t it?” - the manager will ask you affirmatively. What will you answer after so many sleepless nights and hot working days?.. Ah...

“How a Web Design Goes Straight to Hell” is a regular post for the blog “Oaemeal” in the usual humorous manner of Matthew Inman. And he writes precisely about how much is decided by one single phrase “design is subjective.” This cliché has penetrated the consciousness so much that it has become a kind of axiom that does not require any proof. It seems that as soon as design appeared, then this axiom appeared and took root so strongly that eradicating it is a real Sisyphean task for all web designers.

However, this is not surprising: for designers it is a good justification for their work (after all, they like their projects!), for the customer it is their own vision of the site. Don’t forget about one unspoken rule: “more feedback leads to best results" Of course, everyone has the right to their own point of view, but best rule a successful designer is the perception of criticism and the need to listen to other people’s opinions.

Habit #5: Process Operations – Theory and Reality

There is one more habit (as far as it can be called a habit). We often strive to achieve good results, overwhelming success, and it seems that we do everything for this. But in the end, everything does not work out as previously planned. Despite our best efforts, the “gold standard” rule often does not work. Already volumes of books have been written about why our best methods and the techniques often fail (The Design of Design by Fred Brooks and others). It all comes down to the fluid and non-linear nature of the web design process in the real world.

To understand why such failures occur in reality, it is necessary to turn to another book - “Predictably Irrational” by Dan Erial. The author points out that the root cause of process failure is illogicality. Formal processes can work when we understand the irrational nature of humans and leave room for shortcomings. Thus, the key to successful design work lies in how we actually carry out and execute work on a given topic, not how well we adhere to an ideal.

One of the main habits of good designers is studying processes (working algorithms) and “testing” them so that they work well in reality.

Habit # 6 : Everything changes - nothing really changes

Perhaps we are all perfectionists. Everything that appears on the software market today (as before) is created only to improve what already exists. This is a worthy goal, but such a goal can have serious negative aspects. Many ideas, processes, methods, thoughts, techniques have already reached their zenith and are no longer so relevant today.

There is nothing wrong with blindly following a certain code-law: a meticulously worked out sequence of movements and actions, a carefully placed semicolon and, ultimately, a good logical result.

However, at the same time, there is nothing good about this. You can consistently produce good results by following a certain algorithm, but in this case you are unlikely to get something original, extraordinary, worthy of everyone’s admiration. Successful designers know this and always revise previous decisions, are skeptical about everything, question everything, offer new things and listen to advice, look for new methods and techniques.

This habit practically becomes a slogan: “All things change, and we change with them.” Time moves forward, but web design remains and still requires new ideas, techniques and methods from you.

P.S. These six habits are far from a standard and do not guarantee you tomorrow's success. Today you can write a lot of other habits (and every web designer will tell you a lot about their habits). Sometimes it’s worth just observing the work of successful designers, their habits and attitude towards work.

Comments

1. Sabina
   January 31, 2012 at 11:01 pm

   Thank you very much, very interesting written:)

2. Alyona
   February 1, 2012 at 2:29 pm

   Yes, but it’s not always possible to follow these habits. A lot depends on luck here: will you be lucky to find a great team, will you be lucky to stumble upon a customer who will not tie your hands, and so on...

3. 123
   February 1, 2012 at 08:32 pm

   everything is interesting, of course, but the spelling of “tsya” and “tsya” in verbs needs to be repeated urgently!!

   Romanblch Answer:
   March 27, 2012 at 2:00 am

   What is there to repeat? With a difficult verb, ask yourself a question: “what does it do?” For example:

   This world is developing (what is the world doing?) Developing (the suffix “xia” sometimes serves as the meaning of “oneself”).

   After all, we don’t say: the world is developing? what should the world do?

   Im Answer:
   March 27, 2012 at 4:13 pm

   Hm. Yes, but there are no such misspelled words in the article: P

Leave a reply

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Masha Moon

As soon as I found out that my friend Natalya Karpenko quit the company where she had worked for two years as a humble operator, I immediately, armed with a bouquet of flowers, a cake and a bottle of wine, hurried to visit her - to help.

“There are only two advantages to working “for an uncle,” says Natalya Karpenko. “The employee receives a stable monthly income and has no headaches about where to find a customer.” Photo: GettyImages.com/Fotobank.ru

How are you? – I asked Natasha compassionately, involuntarily noting to myself that she looked as good as possible. – Are you looking for a job?

No...” she shrugged indifferently. – It is more convenient for me to work at home.

Operator? – I was surprised, looking around the desk, littered with papers and stationery.

- An interior designer, I have a second education accordingly.

I widened my eyes: somehow it never occurred to me that Natasha would decide on such a risky undertaking as working for herself. “And how are you doing?” – I asked. In reply a friend told me about all the pros and cons of working as a designer “on your own.”

Having received her design education in 2001, Natalya immediately began working in her specialty and, before she found the optimal schedule for herself, she tried a lot: she opened her own office, got a job in various construction companies, but none of these options suited her.

“There are only two advantages to working “for an uncle,” says Natasha. – The employee receives a stable monthly income and has no headaches about where to find a customer. In everything else I only see disadvantages: this is dependence on the manager (which usually hinders a creative person), and a rigid schedule (I have absolutely no idea how to make inspiration come to me exactly on the clock), and the presence of intermediaries between the customer and the performer (sometimes the action unfolds according to the scenario of the children's game “damaged phone”).

It would seem that the above inconvenience can be avoided by opening your own office , but when you become the owner and, most often, the manager of your business, you face other problems. “On the one hand, this is prestigious, and the income may not be too stable, but it is not limited by any boundaries - you can hire assistants and communicate directly with customers. With another - you feel a great responsibility towards your employees, and you also spend a lot of time searching for clients and funds to pay expenses . In general, at that time I creative person I had to retrain as an organizer. But I always wanted to realize myself in the field of design, not management.”

In the end, my friend found the best option for herself - the so-called “ freelancing.” To begin with, in order to have a guaranteed income, She got a job as an operator in a trading company - Natasha was attracted to this position because the company’s working hours were strictly regulated. Then she placed an ad in the newspaper, inviting everyone to use the designer’s services, and got to work. Daily, from nine in the morning to six in the evening on weekdays, Natalya worked as an office employee, and devoted the remaining time to design .

“Despite the fact that I often had to work, almost around the clock (as luck would have it, best ideas For some reason they come to my mind at night), such I liked the diagram the most . Not only was I able to communicate directly with the customer, but I also got the opportunity to choose who to work with and who not to work with. This saves a lot of time and nerves in the end. In addition, you can meet with the client whenever you want, even late in the evening. Customers appreciate this, because during the day they usually earn money,” says Natasha. – A designer’s earnings depend on his productivity and desire to work (not counting seasonality, of course). Another advantage is the competitive cost of the work - a design project by a private designer costs significantly less than the same project purchased from a company. At the same time, with the low cost of services, I now earn more, since I practically do not incur costs and do not pay huge commissions to the intermediary.”

At my envious sigh, my friend laughed. "Certainly, it was still hard, she admitted. – At the very beginning of independent work, you often make mistakes, but you learn from these mistakes. There were cases when an advance was made and the balance was paid finished project didn't pay. It happened that they demanded to do work for free that was not even close to what was specified in the contract. As a rule, these situations arise because the client does not know how to work with the designer. Therefore, we have to take into account all the nuances and take the initiative into our own hands - always clearly state the working conditions, for example.”

In the end, Natasha achieved her goal – she gained so many clients that she was able to calmly refuse the honorary position of operator and devoted all her time to creativity. Now she doesn’t have to advertise in newspapers - many clients come on the recommendation of previous customers.

“In any case, it is very important that there is a person nearby who can soberly assess the situation and give timely valuable advice and support,” Natalya thoughtfully told me goodbye. Apparently, she was lucky in this too.

Originally published at Interior Design. You can comment here or .

Today, many young people are interested in the question of how to become an interior designer, where to start. This profession has become popular relatively recently. But today the services of people talented in this matter are used very often.

General information about the profession

The designer designs the appearance of the house, selects furniture, and combines colors. A true specialist is able to turn an unremarkable apartment into a masterpiece. People often say that those who choose this profession have no chance of realizing themselves. This is a false opinion. If a person is devoted to his dream, if he is drawn to design art and skillfully fights his own laziness, then he will certainly be noticed and appreciated by society. Following a positive assessment comes excellent earnings. If you said to yourself: “I want to become an interior designer. Where to begin?" - let's study all the intricacies of this profession.

Disadvantages of design art

Like any other occupation, being a designer has certain disadvantages that you will have to face if you want to dedicate your life to it. Consider in advance whether you are ready to overcome obstacles on the way to achieving your goal. Get ready for the following disadvantages:

• It won’t be long before you can bask in the glory of completing expensive orders. You will have to work at a loss in order to achieve recognition and acquire profitable clients.
• In order for people to contact you, you must have certain connections. It will take a long time before you can acquire worthy partners who will sell quality furniture and building materials to the client.
• At first, you may experience a severe lack of money, because few people will risk paying large sums to a beginner.
• You will have to master the basics of psychology and work on the stability of your nervous system, because often clients do not agree with the designer’s views.
• If you undertake to carry out a certain project, then you will have to see it through to the end. Clients are not interested in your health status or special family reasons, because of which the order is disrupted.
• Modern design art cannot do without knowledge of computer programs. It will take a decent amount of time to master them.
• It will take many years before you become famous.

So, if you've decided that you can handle these challenges, let's talk about how to become an interior designer. Where to begin? First of all, you need to cultivate certain character qualities in yourself.

educate yourself

An interior designer, whose training is impossible without certain character traits, must have the following personal characteristics:

• Having taste and a creative approach to any endeavor.
• The desire to work constantly and hard, the presence of patience.
• The desire to communicate with any people, to fulfill the client’s wishes, even if his idea seems bad to you.
• The ability to present your project and talk about it in all its colors.
• The ability to combine any colors and shapes and create a single whole from parts.

If you think that all these points are about you, let's talk about the pleasant side of the profession, namely career growth.

Career Opportunities

Remember that it is very difficult to advance in your career if you are an employee without connections. If you are interested in how to become an interior designer, where to start, then first consider whether you are ready to work a lot and practically for free in order to acquire a certain circle of clients. You will have to create your own portfolio. To become a successful designer at the peak of fame, you will need:

• Get special education. If you want to become an interior designer without a degree, you'll have an even tougher time.
• Get a colorful portfolio.
• Learn to work in special computer programs.
• Learn a few foreign languages.
• Complete several large and expensive projects.
• Get good recommendations from large customers.

Prepare for the fact that you will have certain responsibilities and they will not always be related to creativity.

Responsibilities of an interior designer

When you're wondering what it takes to become an interior designer, think about your immediate responsibilities and whether you're willing to take on them. This is the first step towards mastering the profession. So, your responsibilities include:

• Both working on large orders and finalizing projects after other specialists.
• Submission to all client requirements.
• Taking measurements of the room and its parts, creating mock-ups for these measurements.
• Working with 3D modeling.
• The choice of all the small details that complement the interior of the room.
• Calculation of future financial costs for the project.
• Working with people involved in the improvement of the premises, monitoring their activities.
• Making changes to the work plan if unforeseen situations arise.

Only at first glance it seems that these are easy responsibilities. Doing them every day is difficult mentally and physically.

How are the projects being implemented?

We looked at how a designer’s work works in general. The implementation of each individual project looks something like this:

• Meeting with a client, forming a first impression.
• Discussion of the task, all its details and deadlines.
• Visiting the room to be worked on, photographing its parts, working on drawings and drawings.
• Decor appearance rooms in drawings.
• Comparison of all drawings and drawings, troubleshooting.
• Discussion of the result with the customer.
• Constant control over the implementation of your project in practice.

And remember that at any of these stages the client can stop the work and demand that everything be redone. It’s hard to prepare for this mentally, but almost every designer has encountered a similar phenomenon.

interior design: where to start

So, if you decide that you want to be a designer, then two ways to achieve your goal are open to you. The first and easier one is obtaining a special education or completing specialized courses. If you can afford it, then your training will take place according to this plan:

1. You are taking a career aptitude test.
2. If you don't have an art school background, you need to graduate from it.
3. You create a portfolio of your own drawings and use it to apply to a university.
4. You study at university conscientiously and with enthusiasm.
5. While you are studying, you will have to independently master the basics of working on a computer, learn several foreign languages, start looking for your first clients, create a positive reputation for yourself, learn from established specialists, and follow new trends in your business.

If you graduate from a university, you will have many chances to work in your specialty, because good universities provide graduates with such an opportunity. But if you don't have the finances to get an education, then learn how to become an interior designer yourself.

How to become a designer without receiving special education

Even though you won't have to spend a lot of money on self-study, this option requires you to work hard and for a long time. In addition, your fate largely depends on a successful combination of circumstances.

So, should you become an interior designer if you decide to learn on your own? The action plan is:

• Learn the architectural design process.
• Get the basics of construction knowledge.
• Explore modern design computer programs.
• Learn the basics of lighting design.
• Learn the theory of culture and art.
• Work on your knowledge of accounting and finance.
• Explore all kinds of design methods.

To master these skills and gain specialized knowledge, borrow appropriate textbooks from the library or use the Internet. For you to start being successful, you need to find your first customer.

But if you manage to find a client, don’t think that the difficult moments are behind you. In the art of design, the hardest work begins after training.

Where to look for orders

Once you have all the necessary skills, you will have to do the hard work of finding your first customer. To find a client, use one of these options:

• Advertise yourself in several newspapers or magazines.
• Talk about yourself as often as possible. News about you will spread throughout society very quickly.
• Place your resume on special websites.
• Create your own website dedicated to your activities. Place your portfolio on it.
• Hand out creative flyers highlighting your work.
• Contact your close and distant relatives and ask them to look for clients for you.
• Contact large and small firms. Perhaps they need a full-time designer.
• Go around the cafes, restaurants or shops you know with an offer of cooperation.

The first rule when realizing yourself as a professional is not to sit idle. Perseverance and patience are your main assets, which combined with a broad knowledge base will lead you to success.

And finally, some more useful information. What do you need to become an interior designer, besides obtaining Check out the list of recommendations from accomplished specialists:

• Understand that you have virtually no room for error in the implementation of any project. A damaged reputation is difficult to restore.
• Don't be afraid to seek advice from more professional colleagues.
• Improve your skills through trainings, seminars or practical classes.

Remember that if you want, you can achieve absolutely any goal. Good luck!

Designers are those authorities in the fashion industry who dictate fashion standards to us and determine trends. Each designer is famous and recognizable for something different, and each has a special, unique style. Some of these people become real legends in the world of fashion and style. How did they do it? Maybe they are just darlings of fate - or is behind this the desire to make their dream come true and a gigantic amount of work? What made them famous?

Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel (Coco Chanel)

Probably everyone knows the famous Mademoiselle today. They quote her, they strive to imitate her. She had a huge influence on the fashion of the 20th century, founded the Chanel fashion house, and gave the world her signature perfumes under numbers. Coco got her nickname when she sang in a cabaret. She was an extraordinary, courageous and bright personality, with great willpower and impeccable taste. We owe modernization to her women's fashion, borrowing many elements from men's wardrobe, the popularity of the versatile little black dress, pearls, tweed suits, small hats, costume jewelry and tanning.

Coco Chanel made luxury practical. Most of all, she valued comfort in clothing and embodied this principle in her collections. She said that “luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury.” Among Mademoiselle's clients and acquaintances there were many world celebrities. In one interview, when asked what events in her life aroused her interest in art, she answered: “Living in orphanage under the supervision of nuns, I learned to sew. They taught me basic seamstress skills, then I was already smart enough to understand the method. I really got my hand and focused on design already in early age, that’s why I got famous clients so quickly.”

Chanel opened her first store in 1910 in Paris. They sold hats there. Later, clothes also appeared in her stores. Interestingly, the very first clothing Chanel created was a dress made from a sweater. People paid attention to her outfit and asked where she bought it, and in response, Coco offered to make the same outfit for those interested. She later said that her condition was "based on an old sweater that I wore because it was cold in Deville."

Karl Lagerfeld

One of the most influential fashion designers, a man of phenomenal efficiency, a multifaceted nature, the owner of many talents. This world-famous designer of German origin has led the Chanel fashion house since 1983. In addition, Karl is a designer and founder of his own fashion brand, a talented photographer, director, owner of a publishing house and a personal library of 300 thousand volumes. Lagerfeld says about himself: “I’m like a chameleon, several people live inside me at the same time. Creating for me is like breathing. I don't even think about it. When I sit in the Chanel director's chair, I am Chanel. When I go to Rome and I am in the House of Fendi, I am Fendi. I start working on a new collection the day before the previous one is shown.”

His creative abilities were already evident in early childhood. He studied at the Lycée Montaigne at the Syndicate of Haute Couture on the same course as Yves Saint Laurent. Lagerfeld collaborated with big amount famous fashion houses, created fragrances, lines of ready-to-wear clothing, shoes, and accessories. After he created his first collection in 1966 fur products for Fendi, which was a huge success, he attracted the attention of the most influential people in the fashion world.

In the 70s, Lagerfeld began collaborating with famous directors and creating costumes for actors at La Scala. He breathed a new breath of life into the Chanel fashion house, becoming its leader and designer, saying: “Yes, she said that fashion dies, but style is immortal. But style must adapt, adapt to fashion. Chanel had her own life. Great career. It's over. I did everything to make it last, and continue to do so to make it last forever. My main task is to try to transpose what she did into today. Guess what she would do if she lived here now, if Mademoiselle were in my place.”

Friends call Karl the Kaiser (Caesar, in German) for his amazing ability to do several things at once. He hides his age and worries that there is not enough life to realize all his creative ideas. Lagerfeld loves books (he even created the Paper Passion fragrance with the smell of a freshly printed book), draws illustrations for works, cannot imagine life without photography, sews costumes for cinema and theater, produces perfumes, runs his own brand, creates hotel designs, makes short films and organizes exhibitions, produces women's collections.

Elsa Schiaparelli

A famous Italian designer of the first half of the 20th century, who is considered a surrealist from the fashion world, the main rival of Chanel, the creator of the ready-to-wear style. Elsa was born into an aristocratic family, from childhood she studied painting, art history, and loved the theater. While working as a tour guide in Paris, Elsa observed how the wives of rich Americans were least interested in architecture and most of all - fashion stores. Presumably, it was then that she came up with the idea of ​​shocking the public with unusual clothes.

Having met an emigrant from Armenia, knitted sweater whose work Elsa liked so much, she persuaded her to create unusual clothing models together. The fruit of their labors was a very unusual black wool dress with a bow in the shape of a butterfly. Thanks to their work, they attracted attention and received a large order from the store sportswear Strauss. It was this order that brought fame to Schiaparelli and the knitwear factory to the Armenian diaspora. Elsa founded her own fashion house. As she originally intended, she shocked the public with her collections. They embodied her wildest fantasies and dreams, expressing something irrational and incomprehensible. Every item was unique. Many were created in a single copy. Hearts, constellations, hugging arms, snakes, giant flies, unusual designs, embroidery and fancy accessories - all this attracted attention and shocked.

It was Elsa who first invented the concept of “boutique” (a store that sells small series of designer clothes). Many celebrities collaborated with Elsa and gladly purchased her clothes. Schiaparelli had a contract with Hollywood. She was friends with Salvador Dali (it was he who gave her the idea for a dress with lobster and parsley and a phone bag). Under the influence of Dali, Elsa created her most unusual things: a hat in the shape of a shoe or an inkwell, gloves with pockets for matches. Costume jewelry was the embodiment of the strangest ideas; lollipops, medicines, erasers, feathers, pencils, and dried beetles were used as materials.

Elsa often called her fashion house crazy. The popularity of Schiaparelli's collections was enormous; everyone wanted to have these strange clothes, even the Duchess of Windsor herself. But when she had to leave for the United States due to the outbreak of World War II, it was as if they had forgotten about her. Upon returning to Paris in 1944, her style was no longer in demand. Chanel dominated the fashion scene and Elsa decided to leave the fashion world.

Both talented women were fashion innovators, but very different. Chanel created within the framework of the classics, without focusing on brightness and catchiness. Elsa was extravagant, loved to shock and provoke. The contribution of both to fashion is undoubtedly invaluable, although the Schiaparelli brand has not existed for a long time. Elsa's ideas and discoveries can be seen embodied in modern fashion, she seemed ahead of her time. Unusual color combinations, fuchsia color (shocking pink - this is also Schiaparelli’s idea!), bottles in the form female body, fur shoes, ankle boots, unusual bags - all these are the ideas of the talented Elsa, who had a huge influence on the world of fashion and style.

Christian Dior

One of the most famous French fashion designers, to whom we owe ultra-feminine new-look dresses. He had artistic talent, and in his youth he dreamed of becoming a great artist. After his private Art Gallery went bankrupt, he experienced difficult times, poverty and unemployment, but fate seemed to be preparing a different path for him. He began to design theatrical costumes and draw sketches for French fashion magazines. And these sketches became incredibly popular, he began to collaborate with the fashion department of the Figaro newspaper, and he was noticed. I decided to specialize in clothing models, although sketches of hat models were much more popular. Dior was noticed by the famous fashion designer Piguet, but because of the war, Dior's career did not start then.

Upon returning from the army, Christian began working at the famous fashion house Lucien Lelong, where he learned a lot. In 1946, thanks to the financing of a textile magnate, Dior's fashion house opened in Paris. At the age of 42, he became famous; his first collection, which he himself called “Crown Line,” was considered revolutionary and was a resounding success. Just imagine post-war period, when women were so yearning for beauty and sophistication, for emphatically feminine and luxurious outfits. Dior, incredibly sensitive and talented, felt the mood of society, its desires and dreams. Parisian women were so tired of masculine jackets and short skirts that they greeted Dior's collection with delight. Feminine silhouettes, luxurious and bright fabrics, cinched waists, ankle-length skirts (either full or straight), small round shoulders - everything in this collection was the very embodiment of traditional femininity and charm.

But not everything was so rosy. Feminists criticized the collection, saying that the return to crinolines and corsets indicated oppression working women. Many believed that after the war, luxury and brightness were inappropriate and blasphemous. However, despite the criticism, the new look captivated the public. Dior's popularity was stunning; his name became associated with luxury and good taste. Each of his collections was awaited with bated breath, and each was a success.

It was only in 1954 that there was a slightly dangerous moment for Dior’s career, when Chanel returned to the fashion arena, who could not stand the “horrors of the 50s,” as she spoke of Dior’s models. But Dior very intelligently came out of the situation by releasing new collection, light and relaxed. Different than before, but still just as feminine. Silhouettes were more natural, lines softened. Dior’s personal assistant once said after the great couturier’s death that “if Dior had lived, fashion would not be in such a deplorable state as it is now.”

Yves Saint Laurent

One of the leading fashion designers of the 20th century, whom Christian Dior chose as his successor. Since childhood, he drew and loved the theater, made home puppet shows, glued costumes and painted scenery. Laurent worked as an assistant to Dior and was fascinated by his genius, and Dior, in turn, immediately recognized his young man future master.

At the age of 21, Laurent becomes the head of one of the most famous fashion houses after the sudden death of Dior and literally saves the brand from financial ruin. He presented his first women's collection, a softer and lighter version of the new look with an a-line silhouette. Laurent was the first to introduce French fashion to the USSR (1959), flying here with 12 models.

It seemed that bright prospects lay ahead as a successor who lived up to the expectations of the late Dior. But it was not without envy and troubles. The owner of the fashion house Dior (Marcel Boussac), according to rumors, insisted that Saint Laurent be sent to military service to Africa, thereby wanting to get rid of the designer. There he learns that he has been fired from the Dior fashion house.

In 1961, the brand appeared Yves Saint Laurent (Yves Saint Laurent), his first collection was a great success. Oriental motives, bright colors, inspiration comes from African countries. Saint Laurent also produces perfumes, works as a theater designer, and creates sets and costumes.

The ideas of Laurent's subsequent collections also received great recognition and became a unique fashionable classics: women's tuxedos (later they became a signature feature of the brand), pantsuits, high boots, turtleneck sweaters, black leather jackets, safari style dresses, ethnic motifs. Laurent becomes the first designer to launch a full-fledged ready-to-wear line, as well as the first designer to have an exhibition dedicated to him during his lifetime at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Giorgio Armani

The Italian fashion designer is called a fashion pioneer of the 20th century, a master of tailoring, an adherent of quality and a great esthete. Since childhood, Giorgio loved art and theater, he himself drew and sewed outfits for dolls. He had a dream of becoming an actor, but his parents insisted on becoming a doctor. After two years of study, Giorgio dropped out of university. He found himself in the world of fashion. Armani created his own brand in 1974, and before that he worked as a window designer in a large chain department store, and also created men's clothing for Nino Cerruti.

Armani's professional skills in working with fabric led to the fact that, in fact, thanks to him, the approach to tailoring men's clothing completely changed. Lightness and smoothness appeared, which, along with simplicity and conciseness, provide his products with special chic and convenience. After a stunning success men's collection, Armani began to present women's collections, paying attention especially to working women. In his collections, traditional views harmoniously coexist with the most modern trends. He modernized the classics with great grace and taste. Luxurious materials, experiments with combinations of fabrics, functionality and versatility, casual elegance are the hallmarks of Armani collections.

Ralph Lauren

The famous American designer, who is called the king of the ready-to-wear dress, “discovered America in America.” His company (Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation) produces accessories, clothing, underwear, textiles, furniture, wallpaper, perfumes, and dishes. Lauren has been named Designer of the Year three times and has also been named a Fashion Legend by the US Design Council. For many people, Ralph Lauren is an example of how a person from a low social class can achieve great heights with a dream and talent. A native of Belarus (his parents met and married in the USA), from a poor large family, Ralph set his sights on achieving success from a young age. He was amazed by his classmate's wardrobe, which belonged only to him, and in which clothes were so neatly laid out. In Ralph's apartment there was one closet for everyone. Since then, the future designer decided to work and save money for his dream.

It is interesting that Lauren does not have a diploma in fashion design, but at the same time he is one of the world's best designers. He does not sew clothes himself, but is an inspiration, a designer, and thinks through each collection to the smallest detail. The designer himself says this: “I never went to fashion school - I was a young guy who had his own style. I could not imagine that polo would become what it is. I just followed my instincts."

At first, Ralph worked as a salesman (selling clothes, gloves and ties), then became a tie designer, creating a new model(he was inspired by the novel “The Great Gatsby”): a wide silk tie (at a time when thin ties were in fashion). Thanks to an investor, Lauren and her brother opened a store and their own brand, Polo Fashion. People wanted high-quality and stylish things and accessories, the brand was gaining more and more popularity. Lauren produced collections of ready-to-wear clothing (first for men and then for women) and accessories. He was the only one who began to produce sports shirts in 24 shades.

Lauren's collections combine chic, sophistication and at the same time ease, simplicity and brightness. “My clothes are a vision of what I believe in. Someone once told me that I was a writer. It's true - I write through my clothes. It embodies a story, not just clothes,” Lauren said. Ralph's wife inspired him to create collections women's clothing: “My wife has good taste and her own style. When she wore shirts, sweaters and jackets bought at men's stores, people always asked where she got it. I associated her appearance with a young Katharine Hepburn - a rebel girl on a horse with hair flying in the wind. I designed shirts for her." Lauren introduced Western clothing into fashion. And polo shirts never seem to go out of style.

The boy Ralph's dreams have come true: he is one of the richest people in the world, he has a strong family, three children, he owns a ranch and is one of the world's largest collectors of vintage cars.

Roberto Cavalli

The famous Italian designer calls himself an "artist of fashion" and is famous for his exotic and spectacular collections of clothing and accessories. His fashion house adheres to the philosophy of femininity, chic and bright temperament. The designer himself said in an interview that his fashion “became successful and relevant because other designers continued to produce monotonous things... For a long time, designers tried to dress women equally with men. I changed this trend. I try to emphasize with my clothes the feminine, sexy side that is present in every representative of the fair sex.”

His grandfather, the famous artist Giuseppe Rossi, and his mother, who was a dressmaker and designer, had a great influence on the development of Cavalli's talent. As a child, helping his mother with sewing clothes, Cavalli realized that he wanted to study design and fashion. He was one of the best students at the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence, studying textile printing technologies. Even then, he created a series of floral prints, which attracted the attention of large factories in Italy. Cavalli always loved to experiment; while still studying at the Academy, he began to invent different ways dyeing leather and fabric, he was then only 20 years old.

And so, these experiments led to the fact that in the early 70s, Cavalli himself invented and patented a leather printing system that made it possible to dye it in six different colors. This revolutionary invention instantly became popular with various fashion houses. Stretch denim jeans are another hit from Cavalli, providing the House with prosperity and success.

Roberto Cavalli's bright and extravagant clothes are in great demand among fashionistas around the world, worn by the most glamorous celebrities on the planet. Cavalli believes that a woman should have character and a strong personality. In one of his interviews, he said: “Beauty comes from within, and is a reflection of the individuality of each person... Beauty is a calling card that helps at the first meeting, but is completely useless at the second.”

Valentino Garavani

The founder of the fashion house Valentino, a famous Italian fashion designer, loved to draw since childhood, in his youth he loved art and was interested in fashion. He was an apprentice, studied at the School of Fine Arts in Paris, and at the School of the Chamber of Haute Couture. He worked in several fashion houses, then opened his own atelier. His works were distinguished by sophistication, excellent cut, expensive fabrics, handmade decoration, and sophistication. In 1960, the Valentino brand appeared.

Thanks to a meeting with the architect Giametti, the future general director of the fashion house, Valentino gets the opportunity to engage only in creativity, without delving into the intricacies of business. He himself said: “I only know how to draw dresses, receive guests and decorate a house, but I don’t understand anything about business.” One of the collections of the 60s featured red outfits, which later became the hallmark of the Valentino fashion house. The fashion designer says: “Red is the most best color. It suits any woman, you just have to remember that there are over 30 different shades of this color.”

For many years, the designer has dressed celebrity celebrities; many of them preferred to purchase exquisite wedding dresses from him. Among his clients were such legendary personalities as Jacqueline Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor. At the Oscars, many actresses shone in outfits from Valentino. In 2007, the famous fashion designer announced his retirement from the fashion world, and in 2008, a farewell show was held at Paris Fashion Week, where all the models walked the catwalk in red dresses, and the audience gave a standing ovation.

Nowadays, creative professions are becoming increasingly popular. One of them is a designer. Although at first glance this specialty seems easy to understand, in reality it is not so simple. After all, it’s not enough to just become a designer; it’s important to be successful, competitive and in demand in your field. But how to become a successful designer - to achieve heights in such a popular and vast industry?

What should a designer be able to do?

Of course, only a specialist competent in his field, possessing certain qualities, skills and knowledge, can become successful. To succeed in the design profession, you must:

• have original image thinking, the ability to avoid standardization and uniformity;
• education. Of course, you can do without it, but in order to master the basics of sketching and drawing models, talent alone is not enough. Therefore, it is necessary to obtain specialized education. Nowadays the specialty “Designer” is available not only in higher educational institutions, but also in colleges. In addition, there are even short-term courses;
• the presence of developed aesthetic and artistic taste, a subtle sense of style, knowledge of the latest fashion trends;
• ability to listen and understand the wishes and preferences of the customer, non-conflict;
• constant concentration on the work process;
• perseverance and love for the same type of monotonous work;
• Availability creative ideas and understanding how they can be brought to life;
• ability to pay attention to details;
• knowledge of basic operating technologies;
• desire to constantly develop.

In fact, this is only a small part of the skills and knowledge that a designer should have, but without them it is unlikely to achieve success.

In addition to the required skills, a designer must also constantly strive for self-improvement. To do this, you need to expand your horizons, read classical and modern literature, follow trends in music and cinema, because you can learn from these sources a large number of ideas and learn from the experience of predecessors.

A successful designer is a talented and purposeful person. And if the first is given by nature, then in order to acquire qualities that can lead to recognition, you need to regularly work on yourself. You can also attend special psychological trainings to gain confidence in yourself and your abilities.

Of course, the success of a designer also depends on the ability to communicate with clients, so you need to have good manners, be punctual, talk politely with clients and accept their preferences. Any manifestation of arrogance is unacceptable.

Inspiration for a creative person plays a very important role, because all his work is built on it. Therefore, in order to always have plenty of ideas and strength to implement them, you need to get proper rest, avoid overwork, and take care of your own spiritual and physical health.

Offer your services on the Internet. For this, there are special freelance exchanges, message boards, forums, etc.

Nowadays, many modern gadgets and programs have been created that can make a designer’s work easier and make it better. Use new technologies to develop your business.

Becoming a successful designer is not an easy task, because the competition in this industry is quite high. But if you have talent, the desire to work and develop, you can achieve your goal.

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What other skills, abilities, and knowledge do you think a successful designer should have? Share your opinion, and perhaps experience, in the comments to this article.

Good luck and see you in the next article.