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CHALLENGE:
I seem to be at a loss when I am consulting with a client in her home and the client asks for a visual example immediately. Clients seem to insist on design examples during my first interview or sales call. I try to sketch out a window treatment design in order to meet the immediate needs of the client, but what can I do to enhance my quick sketching abilities? Have you implemented any techniques when selling window treatments?
SOLUTION:
Sketching your window treatment is a very powerful tool! It is very important that we use all of the tools of our trade when communicating with a client.
In the textbook, "Sketching Interior Architecture," written by John Pile and Norman Deikman (1985, Whitney Library of Design), the authors state that "the most direct use of sketching for client communication occurs when the sketches are made in the client's actual presence as an accompaniment and support to conversation."
Here are some simple steps to start you on improving your quick sketch skills.
1. Start a collection of favorite photographs and specific styles-don't forget to include ideas on favorite hardware choices. Organize the photos according to room or styles.
2. Invest in a few supplies. Here is a short list of what you will need.
· vellum and graph paper, used by interior designers and architects for rendering and floor plan drawings.
· drawing pencils, colored pencils and water color markers work well to add color to your drawings
· a clip board, one that is the correct size for the paper you are using
· a black fine-tip, non-smear pen
3. Start by tracing many different shapes, styles and types of window treatments. This simple process will assist you in becoming comfortable with the sketching process.
4. Practice sketching the window treatment styles without the tracing method. This will take some time, but practice makes perfect! Simulate your fabric choices using the colored pencils or watercolor markers.
5. Always have your graph paper, vellum, pencils and pen close at hand when you are sketching for a client. Once you have created the sketch, fill in the room details with either colored pencils or watercolor markers. This will bring your quick sketch to life.
This method of presentation skill does not require years of experience. The key is to practice, practice, practice. I have used the quick sketch technique with clients, and I also teach this technique to the interior design students in all my classes. Once you have mastered the quick sketch technique, you can apply it to many different interior spaces.
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Editor's note: This is a continuing series of articles written by Sharon L. Anderson that will answer some of the many questions we receive at Draperies & Window Coverings as well as questions Anderson has encountered in her own business. If you have a question you would like Anderson to address, please send it to:
Design Solutions
c/o Draperies & Window Coverings
666 Dundee Rd., Ste. 807
Northbrook, IL 60062-2769
Fax: (847) 498-0231
E-mail: DesignSol@dwcdesignet.com
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Sharon L. Anderson has more than 20 years
experience as a professional interior designer in both commercial and residential design. She has taught at numerous colleges throughout California and currently is an educator
at Moorpark college in southern California.
She is a published author and frequent public speaker.
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