So you would like a career as a Luxury Event Designer?
From as early as I can remember I always wanted to be part of an amazing production whether it was a high school sports day or a birthday celebration…
I always kind of knew how things should look and be scheduled. This later led me to a career in Event Design, a multi billion dollar industry worldwide. I have had the pleasure to learn so much along the way and also put together some pretty awesome events for my clients. A couple of times I have been asked what makes a great Event Designer. So I have put together some tips that could guide anyone interested in jumping into Event Management.
Attention to detail
Allow all your senses to be sensitive. See beauty in what’s around you, hear the different sounds, feel the different textures of everything you come across, take in the various fragrant aromas from food, flowers, taste the different cuisines. In essence all your senses have to be on high alert. Immerse yourself in the world around you.
Have the appreciation to scrutinize
When watching an event I wonder how they put it together, – all the elements that were involved. Ask yourself how you would have put it together differently and better? Stay curious and interested. Learn.
Understand architectural spaces
Be able to take in spaces wherever you go. Consider lighting fixtures, colours, drapés, walls, art work, ceilings, seating plans. From restaurants, historic buildings, event venues. As a guest at any event be aware of the space and understand the aesthetics.
Be Inspired
Anything and anyone you come across can be used as a form of element for your next event. It could be a famous quote from a movie or a mention of a dress/venue. Get a mentor or follow closely the works of someone in the industry doing what you aspire to become.
Understand your skills
Fundamental skills :
Smart – always well presented as this reflects on the type of person you are. Once a client can see how well put together you are there tends to be trust that you have the ability to design a great event for them. Effortless Style – shows a character trait of who you are.
Friendly but professional, making sure the client is comfortable to share their ideas with you no matter how creative or out there they sound. The ability to have clear boundaries is indispensable.
Great Listener – to understand details that are mentioned by your client or reference. This also comes with the ability to read between the lines and understand the unsaid.
Budget Conscious – to stay within a budget is essential and to save your client money is a necessary evil. Financial management is an absolute prerequisite for good event design.
Time Conscious & Organized – time lines & schedules for vendors & the client are paramount. They will make or break your career as a creative professional.
Calm under pressure – a project can be stressful but remain calm and everything will work out as scheduled. Your calm nature will help to relieve stress & pressure on your client and guests in case of any emergencies.
Invest in your career – know what’s trending, happening in the world around you, be aware of news and clued up on current affairs etc. Watch tonnes of relevant movies and documentaries. Read and study to understand & speak the language. Attend event symposiums and network like your career depends on it. Because it does.
Stay true to your brand – be as honest with yourself as one can be. Be authentic with yourself, peers and clients. Never promise what you cannot deliver but stay level headed on what the client would like done and what you can do. Remember that a client’s event is not a dress rehearsal, you get one shot to get it right and leave a memorable impression.
And one of the most important is PASSION : a client and your peers can feel & see your heart (passion) in what you do from the quality of work you put out there.
´Passion drives dreams’ – Lue.