Materials
Design tools are one of the most important aspects of good design. Having what you need in order to create a presentation is the key to it’s success. If you present yourself as designer, local companies are more than happy to contribute to your collection of materials. And if you are not a designer but a “wannabe”, then just say that you are a “designer” and you will have the same success! Since my profession is based on color, my collection of materials includes: Fan decks(paint chips) , books on color and how it works, inspirational magazines and printed matter that I pick up on my travels, objects that I find that can translate a design idea and of course, the actual stuff that it takes to put the presentation together, glue, rulers, cutting tools etc.
In addition:
Along with the design tools that you have on hand, it is also necessary to consider materials that may already be installed at a job site. Unless you are a mind reader; which I am not, it is very important to get as much information out of your client as possible before starting a project. This information is not only useful, but it gives you a head start without having to play the “guessing game” of what your client likes. And the last thing to remember when doing a design project is to “have fun”. I think that this is the most important design tool that you can include in your collection!
ok — so here’s my question. how do i get my hands on fan decks? as more and more stores are no longer carrying paint chips (one salesman told me it’s not cost effective) and even fewer have sample pots, it is nearly impossible to choose paint correctly for our rooms based on one tiny chip viewed in the harsh lighting conditions of the hardware stores!
Hi Nikki,
I am glad that you asked! It is easier than it sounds. Do you have a business card or a name that you call yourself as a designer? All you need to do is send a fax with your card or name atached requesting a “manafal” (hebrew for Fandeck). For TAMBOUR the # is: 09 892 5667 and NIRLAT the # is: 03 619 4465. NIRLAT also has the “Design Center” in Ramat Gan that you can physically go to with this information and they will give you one there. This is how I got mine,Good Luck!