Does Getting Published Get you More Jobs?
It seems like getting published is a lot of designers’ top goal heading into that next big project. And let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to be featured in Elle Decor, Luxe Magazine, Traditional Home, AD, etc. I mean, the next big mention, could be the one that blows us up...right?
Well, it’s not as simple as that.
Chris Barrett, Owner of Chris Barrett Design says,
“I have not ever gotten a job from a client looking at a magazine and then calling me to come work with them. However, I have certainly had clients pull out a published image from a magazine once I meet with them, and show me that they’ve seen and like my work.”
When we asked her what she felt she’s gained over the years of multiple magazine features, she responded, “Getting published helps build your brand, allows people to know who you are, and gets you the better clients—it takes you out of the realm of ‘hobby decorator’ and into being a legitimate designer”
Hm. Interesting.
Joel Longenecker, Showroom Manager at Marc Philips, says,
“You have to consider your objective for getting published. If you are also making textiles and furnishings, getting projects published will afford you more brand awareness and build your reputation. Where word of mouth and referrals is the most common way to get more design clients, getting your textiles and furnishings published is a sure way to get sales.”
Great Point, Joel.
Caitlin Murray of Black Lacquer Design says,
“Even if it doesn’t directly result in new clients, I think that any positive press with a well-known publication is valuable because it conveys credibility and familiarity. If potential clients discover our firm in another way, having a list of press mentions on the website gives our firm instant clout. We’ve also had several clients come to us by way of editorials in Sunset Magazine, Luxe, Curbed and Rue to name a few. Getting published provides a great platform and really, it’s all about having that visibility.”
All about that paper?
Tell us—What’s your experience here? Is the struggle to get printed (or posted) gaining anyone new work or is it nothing more than exposure, ultimately earning the chance to show readers you are actually a ‘legit’ designer because this publication says you are?
It seems to us, it gains the designer notoriety and exposure, in turn helping to encourage potential clients to hire you if they do their research and find your published work, not the other way around. But please, chime in! We’d love to hear your experiences here.
