contributed by Karen Watts Perkins, Allied Member ASID [graduate student in journalism, The University of Alabama]
EDITOR’S NOTE: When it comes to the topic at hand, new contributor Karen Watts Perkins knows of which she writes. Not only is she a designer, but she is currently a Master of Arts candidate in journalism at The University of Alabama. At PLiNTH & CHiNTZ, we strive to expose our readers to a variety of career options related to the design field, so we were thrilled when Karen agreed to share her smarts with us. Many of you have expressed interest in writing about design, so this article is for you.
What Is Interior Design Journalism”
Although interior decoration dates back to the Roman Empire, the profession itself is said to have evolved at the turn of the twentieth century. In 1905, Elsie de Wolfe decorated the Colony Club, New York’s social club for women, using a signature style of light colors, mirrored surfaces, and visual unity. This commission, along with others for her society friends, helped earn her the distinction as America’s first professional decorator.
Her work established the beginning of what is today the interior design profession, though it has grown from the highly decorative to having an emphasis on human behavior and sustainability. In today’s profession, questions abound in areas such as distinguishing design from decoration, educating the public about what designers do, and elevating professional standards. All of these issues are brought out and discussed through interior design journalism, which is a vital component to recognition of the field.
Students frequently turn to magazines for ideas and research for class projects. Designers depend on the trade press for updates in the profession and for opportunities for publication of projects. Homeowners look to design publications for advice and inspiration to apply to their own spaces.
Because it is used in so many ways, it seems interior design journalism would be easy to define. But it’s not. Although design journalism clearly exists, a single definition has yet to be developed and may not even exist. However, some editors are quick to share how they believe the design media should operate and what its purpose should be.
Defining Design Journalism
“Interior design journalism is like any other [journalism], getting your facts right with some understanding of the subject,” says Susan Szenasy, editor in chief of Metropolis magazine. “You know the issues of interior design, what it does, how it works, what its purpose is.” Education is a common goal for both the trade press and consumer publications. Though geared toward different demographics, both groups’ philosophies are rooted in clarifying the interior design profession.
“Our mission as journalists is to educate designers on their purpose, their jobs, introduce the issues,” says Robert Nieminen. As editor of trade magazine Interiors & Sources, his editorial focus lies more on practical aspects of design. Shelter titles (i.e. publications focuses on homes and building) seek to inform consumers about working with designers and the process of design. “Between all components — article, photos, captions, sidebars — we want to give a clear picture of design,” says Lydia Somerville, senior editor of Southern Accents. “Our job is to translate the design process to consumers.”
Characteristics Of Design Journalism
What is the first thing you look for when flipping through your favorite magazine” Probably the pictures. Visual elements are a key feature of design journalism. Space plans and photographs help you visualize a space, show the interaction of design features, and provide ideas for your own projects. It would be hard to have design journalism without these visuals.
“Pictures are always more important,” says Somerville of Southern Accents. “The words tell you what’s not obvious, such as the people involved, the design process, and what decisions were made.” She explains how her magazine strives to tell the whole story through pictures with a balance of smaller photographs and a large main image.
Metropolis editor Szenasy opts for a dual presentation of text and pictures. “Pictures can help support the text, help elucidate interior design,” she says. “The narrative can explain the larger idea without all the descriptive text.” A balance of photographs and text helps cover all aspects of design. Because visuals show the aesthetic element of a project, journalists can write about the technical information such as explaining the schematic concept, the process of design, and the details of decisions made. “Design journalism should not be exclusive, but illustrative,” says Somerville. “It should be inspirational and practical, giving readers something to take away from reading the story.”
Design journalism is also unique in its point of view. You probably have one or two magazines you turn to again and again because they give the information you are looking for and fit your sense of style. “Certainly design journalism is allowed to take a position,” says Jennifer Busch, editor in chief of Contract. “It shows an opinion about design tastes and preferences.” This diversity is part of what helps the design media work by providing choices for the reader.
Who Is Design Journalism”
Do you ever wonder who writes the project articles and industry news you read about each month” Are they designers who write or trained journalists who like design” Does it really matter” It does because what they write and their effectiveness has a huge impact on how the profession is viewed.
When it comes to qualifications for writing about interior design, the ability to write well is most important. However, a willingness to learn and an interest in the field are also necessary. “A writer without skills might as well not write at all, but journalists aren’t going to get all the nuances of design,” says Szenasy. “The ideal is training in both professions.” This combination, however, is almost too perfect, so publications have to depend on the next best alternative. Editors agree that a background in design is a bonus, not a requirement.
“A good writer can learn design,” says Busch. “But you have to know how to write.” The writer’s job is to become familiar with the subject he or she is covering. “As journalists, we absorb as much information as we can,” says Nieminen. Fundamental responsibilities such as doing research, editing articles, and conducting interviews help the learning curve, he says. “We enlist experts to give us advice and back up information,” says Somerville. “We know our limitations and the right questions to ask.”
A Goal Of Design Journalism
In 2004, the American Society of Interior Designers [ASID] completed a report on the profession and, in it, challenged the design media “to provide professionals with the means to distill this universe of information, to educate, to not only showcase the work being done by designers, but to analyze the ‘how’ and the ‘why’ that went into the creative planning process.”
Opening up the design process goes a long way toward advancing the profession because it shows consumers and members of other industries what design is really about. Providing professional recognition is one of the biggest goals of design journalism. “Journalism should communicate the value of interior design, advance the profession,” says Nieminen.
Licensing and registration are important steps toward professional advancement. Phyllis Moore, FASID, an interior designer from Alabama who travels around the country speaking on design legislation, says that while the trade media is not related directly to talking about legislation, they help in coverage of the profession. “They educate the public on issues we [designers] bring to the building team,” she says. “They are highlighting and promoting designer work.”
Interior design has seen and will continue to undergo many changes as it seeks greater professional recognition and standardization. “The profession is still in adolescence,” says Interiors & Sources editor, Nieminen. “A lot of research is going on trying to decide what it is and what it involves.” Design journalism can play a key role in helping the profession find its place.
Sure it’s fun to look at photographs and drawings of cleverly designed and beautifully decorated rooms. But design journalism has a much greater purpose than pretty pictures. It is reporting fairly and accurately on the issues and individuals involved in the profession and then writing the information in a way designers and the general public can easily understand. If journalism can accomplish this, the interior design profession will be one step closer to the status it strives to reach.
