Dear Mark,
Thank you for writing. Your query faces many designers – how to put design ideas into action toward end product. Obviously all situations and circumstances are different/relative, thus there is no set formula to follow. However, there are some basic steps to consider gathered thru the processes & experience as a “commercial” furniture designer.
Are you striving to be a furniture designer/builder – producing & marketing your own designs - or, designing for a furniture manufacturer/distributor/marketing company for “mass” production – as a “commercial” designer? The scenarios are quite different. The former would obviously take equipment, shop space, hands-on construction knowledge, marketing/sales avenues, etc., etc. – maybe not a “million dollars”, but certainly some capitol. As a “commercial” designer, designs are presented to a manufacturer/distributor which would, upon acceptance/agreement of the design, receive working drawings from you; and with your diligent assistance, prototype, critique, edit, cost, market, etc., your designs. In turn, you would be compensated for your designs and development efforts, which through contractual agreements can be done in a variety of means – royalty, retainer, set fee, etc. – and possible combinations of such.
A “sample/example” of this commercial design approach may be:
- Putting a portfolio of prior designs together and getting new concepts into presentable form (usually sketches ranging from free-hand line drawings to elaborate hand or computer renderings)
- Researching/establishing a “list” of manufacturers you would like to approach – those you believe would do a good job with the designs, production, marketing, etc. This is and can be an extensive process unto itself, and can be initiated by visiting furniture stores/retailers, trade shows/furniture markets, trade magazines/publications, internet, etc.
- Once a “list” is established, begin the contact process, usually with the individual who heads up the marketing efforts, by sending out letters, resumes, possible portfolio sampling, etc., in an effort towards setting up a presentation/interview. This is a continuing and on-going process which takes motivation, determination, persistence, and “thick skin” – as rejection is often part of this process.
-Initial travel to such prospective design clients is an incurred expense to consider. If such appointments can be arranged during markets/trade shows, there is the possibility of seeing several prospects in a short timeframe and in close proximity, etc.
- As presentation/interviews are set, it is always good to have some type of proprietary information agreement with the interviewer – agreement that the designs presented are yours and they will not “borrow” from your ideas, etc. ( P.S. - presentations/interviews are a two-way street, in my opinion, as you are “interviewing” them as well.)
- If/as designs are “accepted”, compensation “negotiations” and contractual topics should emerge and be initially determined - and direction from the client of the development process outlined. Then your work begins!
This, at best is an oversimplified outline, but hopefully may give you some idea and direction. Networking with fellow furniture designers, industry suppliers, and manufacturers is a great way to stay abreast of the furniture industry and related opportunities. A great source for such a network and guidance is the American Society of Furniture Designers (ASFD). Contact executive director Christine Evans @
info@asfd.com for information - there are numerous benefits & various levels of membership available.
Best wishes in your endeavors.
Sincerely,
rb
