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DreamDraper verses Drawing

I don't know about you, but as a child I was never a good artist and even with all the design courses on drafting, I still was not very good. I remember one of my clients telling me they could color better than I could, and they were probably correct. My design business changed drastically 3 years ago, with the introduction and purchase of DreamDraper.

I am not a computer wiz and Joan Gaulden has always been my computer mentor. Ten years ago, I went to an ASID meeting that Joan gave on the Internet. I didn't know what it was or how to "log" on! Joan taught me the value of living and working in today's world of Computer Technology, and for that I am totally grateful. Between Joan's seminars and CompUSA, I learned PowerPoint and learned to love it. DreamDraper is built on PowerPoint and that was a big help to me.

I don't sell my clients anymore, I show and tell and THEY BUY. I create my own from scratch, cut and paste furniture and accessories from the Internet or take a digital image of the room and build from there. Either way, you are creating such great visuals; your clients will be totally impressed.

I hate it when my clients know more than I do. We should be the leading edge, but who has time. MAKE TIME! To grow your business you have to make time to get more time. An hour a day until totally addicted. It doesn't take long and with the three CD tutorial that comes with the program, within a week you are creating and selling.

This is a room that I created very quickly for you to see how you can incorporate DreamDraper and other items. The window, window treatment, window seat and cushions and chair came from DreamDraper, which allows you to custom-color and fill designs with your own fabric, including the ability to size the components to scale. I copied and pasted the picture from www.designonlineinc.com. I also use www.barewalls.com. The picture complements the colors. The furniture came from www.todl.com and the plant came from www.google.com after I typed in: artificial plants.

I scanned in a personal picture of myself and my husband. Just playing to learn-it is addictive. From the picture I pulled the articles and created a proposal/workorder. Creative people have trouble with QuickBooks-at least I do! I like visuals so my clients do not see or focus on the price. Just on what they are getting, this makes the sale go much faster. Clients are happier and you are making good profit. I hope. Charge for your computer time just like you would for shopping time. You have earned it and need to be paid back for your hard work. Remember- If you take the R out of FREE, what do you get? Naturally, a FEE! Enjoy your new venture. Margi

I asked Donna, from DreamDraper to create a similar situation giving you (your client) two options. And this is where she started and what she ended up with. Two great ways to show your clients a window treatment that recedes in a room, and the furniture advancing into the room. The alternative is the window treatment not only finishing the space but filling it. See how much the cat adds that personal touch? When ever possible include a picture of their children, husband or pets. If they see a picture of any or all of the above, the room is theirs. Thanks Donna.

Don't sell anymore, let DreamDraper show and tell. Any questions, email me at Drdesigner@aol.com and you can also order through me. I will see if I can get a special price if you order from this article. For information on my new TV Show, “Desperate Design.” www.desperatedesign.com. Happy creating and make sure you have the tools to keep your company “A Step Above the Crowd.”

Margi Kyle, ASID, IDS, WCAA, NSA began her career upon graduating from The New York School of Interior Design, and Sheridan College. Margi is an active member of ASID and IDS. Throughout Margi’s 32 years of ex-perience in the field, she has taught Interior Design at Sheridan College and The Acad-emy of Design. Written Design columns for the Toronto, and Charlotte, North Carolina, Newspapers and Magazines. Margi hosted and produced numerous television shows including: “Dr. Decora-tor,” The Designing Doctor,” “Let’s Build a House,” “Lunch Time Live,” and “Moments with Margi.” Margi expanded her career as Manager of Color and Design for Para Paints. Traveling throughout Canada and The United States forecasting color and lecturing on “The Direction of Color” as a Past Member of The Color Marketing Group. Currently, Margi is sponsored by Hunter Douglas Window Fashions, Inc , as their Indus-try and Keynote Speaker. Her Courses take her throughout North America and her topics, are all CEU approved (or custom written) for ASID, IDS and Design related attendees. To add to her credits, Margi is a Professional Member of the National Speakers Association.