1. Ask Friend or family to let you design a room in their house, and take pictures of your work for the portfolio.
2. Get your friends and family to write letters of recommendation for you or list themselves as references.
3. A leather binder, or photo album can be used to hold all of this information until you have better resources.
4. If you have them, copies of your credentials should be placed at the front of your portfolio to assure your future clients that you are qualified.
5. Put your best work forward. Do not show any work that you are not proud to have done.
There are of Course a couple of items that Interior designers always have on hand at all times. These are rather necessary, even if you are just starting out or want to get started.

Here is a list of some of the things that will be invaluable to you as you start your own Interior Design business. They are simply ways of helping you know what to do to get a possible client base.
1. Sell yourself: You will want to sell the public on your services and abilities. Do as much promotion as you can. Go everywhere that you can think of that hosts design events, and set yourself up as a contender.
2. Mingle: Try to meet as many different types of people as possible. Go to golf and country clubs with a load of business cards on hand. Be sure to have your portfolio on hand in case you get any bites. Go to all of the popular events in your area and start talking to people.
3. Start-Up Help: There are many places that you can go to get help with start up money. This only applies to people who are seeking to lease a studio outside of the home. Check your local government or business assistance programs.
4. Establish your Position: You want to ensure that you can let your community know that you are out there. Handing out flyers, offering special discounts or free services to your neighbors can let the people get a sample of your work. It is a good way to get your neighbors to spread the word.
5. Build your Clientele: I cannot express too much, the importance of approaching homeowners and businessmen with your ideas for refurbishing their spaces.



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