Hi there, designer đź‘‹
I received a few emails recently from designers asking about my AutoCAD course.
I always appreciate when designers reach out with questions - it means you're actively trying to grow your skills.
But when I asked a few follow-up questions, I realized they were working on Mac computers, and my course is designed for PC users.
So I told them something that might sound a little unusual when you’re selling an online course. I told them not to buy it.
Not because I didn’t appreciate their interest.
But because if someone is going to invest their time and money into learning something, I want them to have a good experience and actually succeed with it because I cannot answer any questions in Mac!
That moment actually reminded me of something important about why I started Interior Design Den in the first place.
It wasn’t because I wanted to start a big online business.
My design studio is still my primary work and my main source of income. That’s where the majority of my time, energy, and attention goes.
Interior Design Den started for a much simpler reason.
Over the years, I realized how many designers were quietly trying to figure everything out on their own.
How to present projects.
How to work with contractors.
How to create drawings.
How to source professionally.
How to actually run the business side of design.
And if we’re honest, it can feel like a pretty lonely industry sometimes.
Most designers don’t have a big team around them.
Many are working independently.
And a lot of the practical knowledge in this industry isn’t always shared openly.
I remember what that felt like early in my own career - trying to piece together information, learning tools on my own, figuring out systems through trial and error.
So when I started sharing some of the tools and processes I use in my studio, my goal was never simply to “sell courses.”
It was to help other designers level up their skills and confidence.
Because the stronger your skills are, the more opportunities start to appear.
Sometimes that looks like large design projects. Sometimes it’s collaborations with contractors.
And sometimes it’s a quick consultation that solves a problem in a few hours - like the corridor project I shared last week.
But all of those opportunities come from the same place:
having the tools and skills to bring your ideas to life.
Interior Design Den is simply my way of sharing some of the things that have helped me build and run my own studio.
And if something isn’t the right fit, I’d rather be honest about that too.
Because at the end of the day, this industry works best when designers support each other and share knowledge.
Just a small note from me this week.
If you’ve ever been curious about the tools and systems I use in my own studio - SketchUp, AutoCAD, presentations, sourcing - that’s exactly what I share inside Interior Design Den.
And if the timing is right for you to explore those skills, you’re always welcome there.
See you next week, designer 🤍
Ana 🌸
Interior Design Den
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