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Success by Design - Mastering the Business of Interior Design

Unleashing Your Natural Genius: How to Design with Authentic Brilliance

Unleashing Your Natural Genius: How to Design with Authentic Brilliance

December 23, 20242 min read

Ever feel like your design skills are like an untamed wilderness—a treasure trove of potential, just waiting for the right guide to bring them to life?

When we think of genius, we picture legendary artists, world-changing innovators, or that person in school who could somehow read “War and Peace” in one night. But genius isn’t reserved for rarefied folks in ivory towers. You, my dear interior designer, have a natural genius too—one that’s ready to elevate every room you walk into. The secret? It’s about discovering what’s already within you, waiting to break free and dazzle the world.

Step 1: Ditch the Comparison Game

Ditch the Comparison Game as an interior designer

We all have a tendency to see other designers' Instagram feeds and think, "How does she do it all?" Newsflash: genius doesn’t look the same for everyone. Embrace what lights you up, whether it's sourcing the perfect textured fabric or reimagining overlooked spaces. Recognizing where you shine helps you avoid the trap of imitation and step into authentic brilliance.

Step 2: Reconnect with Your "Why"

When was the last time you asked yourself why you became a designer? If your answer revolves around the thrill of bringing a vision to life, then that’s your genius calling. Finding clarity on your "why" sharpens your focus, guides your creativity, and fuels your drive. And that’s where your best work will flow—from a place that’s uniquely, unequivocally yours.

Step 3: Lean into Your Intuition

Unleashing Your Natural Genius: How to Design with Authentic Brilliance

Your gut is more than just a radar for spotting poor color choices—it’s your creative compass. As designers, we often override our instincts, drowning them out with opinions and "shoulds." Your intuition is your best friend on the road to finding your genius. Trust it to guide you in making design decisions that feel just right and give your work an edge that’s hard to replicate.

Step 4: Celebrate Your Quirks

Genius is found in the quirks—the little things that make your work unmistakably yours. Maybe you’re the queen of cozy nooks or have a flair for balancing the ultra-modern with earthy textures. Whatever your signature style, lean into it! Quirks aren’t mistakes—they’re gifts. Embrace them, celebrate them, and let them be your calling card.

Ready to Unleash Your Inner Genius?

You’re a design powerhouse with untapped potential. Sometimes all it takes is a little coaching to spark a full-blown creative revolution. Book a session with me, and let's turn that untamed potential into a brilliant, cohesive vision. We’ll identify your natural genius and set you up with actionable steps to make sure you’re bringing it to every project. No cookie-cutter solutions here—just a personalized approach that celebrates you as the designer you were always meant to be.

Curious? Inspired? Let’s get that genius of yours unleashed. Book a Personal Strategy Session today, and let’s elevate your design game to the next level.

Dive into the full discussion on Episode 40 of Success by Design to learn how to balance your life! Listen now.

thought habitshabit finderentrepreneurbusiness creativessubconsciousscalingplateauprofitabilityfemale business leadergoal settingboundariesprocrastinationpersonal growthmindsetincrease income & impact
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I'm your host, Katie Erickson

I’m a commercial exterior and interior designer with an MBA and nearly 20 years in the industry. When I’m not leading my coast-to-coast, multi-million dollar firm, I love sharing real talk on the business of design, blending insights from 20 years as a business professor. I keep it honest—balancing work and chasing my two girls around.

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Unleashing Your Natural Genius: How to Design with Authentic Brilliance

Unleashing Your Natural Genius: How to Design with Authentic Brilliance

December 23, 20242 min read

Ever feel like your design skills are like an untamed wilderness—a treasure trove of potential, just waiting for the right guide to bring them to life?

When we think of genius, we picture legendary artists, world-changing innovators, or that person in school who could somehow read “War and Peace” in one night. But genius isn’t reserved for rarefied folks in ivory towers. You, my dear interior designer, have a natural genius too—one that’s ready to elevate every room you walk into. The secret? It’s about discovering what’s already within you, waiting to break free and dazzle the world.

Step 1: Ditch the Comparison Game

Ditch the Comparison Game as an interior designer

We all have a tendency to see other designers' Instagram feeds and think, "How does she do it all?" Newsflash: genius doesn’t look the same for everyone. Embrace what lights you up, whether it's sourcing the perfect textured fabric or reimagining overlooked spaces. Recognizing where you shine helps you avoid the trap of imitation and step into authentic brilliance.

Step 2: Reconnect with Your "Why"

When was the last time you asked yourself why you became a designer? If your answer revolves around the thrill of bringing a vision to life, then that’s your genius calling. Finding clarity on your "why" sharpens your focus, guides your creativity, and fuels your drive. And that’s where your best work will flow—from a place that’s uniquely, unequivocally yours.

Step 3: Lean into Your Intuition

Unleashing Your Natural Genius: How to Design with Authentic Brilliance

Your gut is more than just a radar for spotting poor color choices—it’s your creative compass. As designers, we often override our instincts, drowning them out with opinions and "shoulds." Your intuition is your best friend on the road to finding your genius. Trust it to guide you in making design decisions that feel just right and give your work an edge that’s hard to replicate.

Step 4: Celebrate Your Quirks

Genius is found in the quirks—the little things that make your work unmistakably yours. Maybe you’re the queen of cozy nooks or have a flair for balancing the ultra-modern with earthy textures. Whatever your signature style, lean into it! Quirks aren’t mistakes—they’re gifts. Embrace them, celebrate them, and let them be your calling card.

Ready to Unleash Your Inner Genius?

You’re a design powerhouse with untapped potential. Sometimes all it takes is a little coaching to spark a full-blown creative revolution. Book a session with me, and let's turn that untamed potential into a brilliant, cohesive vision. We’ll identify your natural genius and set you up with actionable steps to make sure you’re bringing it to every project. No cookie-cutter solutions here—just a personalized approach that celebrates you as the designer you were always meant to be.

Curious? Inspired? Let’s get that genius of yours unleashed. Book a Personal Strategy Session today, and let’s elevate your design game to the next level.

Dive into the full discussion on Episode 40 of Success by Design to learn how to balance your life! Listen now.

thought habitshabit finderentrepreneurbusiness creativessubconsciousscalingplateauprofitabilityfemale business leadergoal settingboundariesprocrastinationpersonal growthmindsetincrease income & impact
Back to Blog
Unleashing Your Natural Genius: How to Design with Authentic Brilliance

Unleashing Your Natural Genius: How to Design with Authentic Brilliance

December 23, 20242 min read

Ever feel like your design skills are like an untamed wilderness—a treasure trove of potential, just waiting for the right guide to bring them to life?

When we think of genius, we picture legendary artists, world-changing innovators, or that person in school who could somehow read “War and Peace” in one night. But genius isn’t reserved for rarefied folks in ivory towers. You, my dear interior designer, have a natural genius too—one that’s ready to elevate every room you walk into. The secret? It’s about discovering what’s already within you, waiting to break free and dazzle the world.

Step 1: Ditch the Comparison Game

Ditch the Comparison Game as an interior designer

We all have a tendency to see other designers' Instagram feeds and think, "How does she do it all?" Newsflash: genius doesn’t look the same for everyone. Embrace what lights you up, whether it's sourcing the perfect textured fabric or reimagining overlooked spaces. Recognizing where you shine helps you avoid the trap of imitation and step into authentic brilliance.

Step 2: Reconnect with Your "Why"

When was the last time you asked yourself why you became a designer? If your answer revolves around the thrill of bringing a vision to life, then that’s your genius calling. Finding clarity on your "why" sharpens your focus, guides your creativity, and fuels your drive. And that’s where your best work will flow—from a place that’s uniquely, unequivocally yours.

Step 3: Lean into Your Intuition

Unleashing Your Natural Genius: How to Design with Authentic Brilliance

Your gut is more than just a radar for spotting poor color choices—it’s your creative compass. As designers, we often override our instincts, drowning them out with opinions and "shoulds." Your intuition is your best friend on the road to finding your genius. Trust it to guide you in making design decisions that feel just right and give your work an edge that’s hard to replicate.

Step 4: Celebrate Your Quirks

Genius is found in the quirks—the little things that make your work unmistakably yours. Maybe you’re the queen of cozy nooks or have a flair for balancing the ultra-modern with earthy textures. Whatever your signature style, lean into it! Quirks aren’t mistakes—they’re gifts. Embrace them, celebrate them, and let them be your calling card.

Ready to Unleash Your Inner Genius?

You’re a design powerhouse with untapped potential. Sometimes all it takes is a little coaching to spark a full-blown creative revolution. Book a session with me, and let's turn that untamed potential into a brilliant, cohesive vision. We’ll identify your natural genius and set you up with actionable steps to make sure you’re bringing it to every project. No cookie-cutter solutions here—just a personalized approach that celebrates you as the designer you were always meant to be.

Curious? Inspired? Let’s get that genius of yours unleashed. Book a Personal Strategy Session today, and let’s elevate your design game to the next level.

Dive into the full discussion on Episode 40 of Success by Design to learn how to balance your life! Listen now.

thought habitshabit finderentrepreneurbusiness creativessubconsciousscalingplateauprofitabilityfemale business leadergoal settingboundariesprocrastinationpersonal growthmindsetincrease income & impact
Back to Blog

Here's What listeners Are saying...

Listener Reviews

insightful conversations & super RELATABLE!

Excited for a podcast directed towards interior designers that covers the business and creative mindsets needed to run a successful firm. Throwing in life balance to every conversation makes this super relatable. Great conversations.

Colorful Conversations is like having a fun chat with your artsy friend who also knows how to create success! Katie's podcast is a must-listen for folks who love design and want to make money from their creative passions. She keeps you in the loop about the latest design trends while dropping priceless tips on turning your creativity into a successful business. Whether you're a design enthusiast or a budding entrepreneur, Katie's show is a goldmine of ideas and inspiration. So, tune in and get ready to blend style and success with her friendly and informative episodes – you won't want to miss it!

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