Instagram and Other Designers' Projects
This is going to be controversial.
I don’t think you should post other Designers’ projects to your Instagram grid.
A friend of mine, Anna Sabino, recently told my students in The Golden Blueprint, your Instagram is an online resume. So that means that when you post another person’s design to your grid, you’re leading people who view that grid to think that is your work.
The only way they won’t know it’s not yours is by clicking on the image and reading the caption, which you should have told people it’s not your work. But most clients aren’t going to do that for each photo.
And what if you have more pics of other designers’ projects on your grid than your own, what’s the client going to think?
What message are you sending?
Sure, there are accounts that all they do is post inspiration images and other people’s work. But they’re in the business of getting followers, you’re in the interior design business. And would you jump off a cliff just because everyone else did?
So let’s not worry about what other people are doing in this area, let’s think about ourselves and if it’s in integrity to mislead (intentionally or not) someone about your business.
What about copyright?
Plus, posting other people’s photos without their permission is copyright infringement, the real question is whether you’re going to get in trouble for it or not (unlikely but possible.) Don’t @ me.
But back to Instagram and other designers’ projects. I’m not here to call anyone out. I see this a lot and I get it. We’ve been taught that we need to produce a beautiful grid and that’s a lot of effort. There are big-name interior designers who do this. It’s pretty common.
If Instagram is your online resume, do you want to have what essentially is someone else’s job on it?
I guarantee that you will attract more quality clients that are a good fit for your business with an unperfect Instagram grid than you will with a beautiful grid filled with other’s work.
What to post to Instagram as an Interior Designer
Behind-the-scenes
At work selfies
Flat-lays of schemes
Shopping trips
Quotes
In-progress shots
Project photos
Issues that arise - how you solve problems
The “why” behind your selections
Favorite local businesses
Work area/ office/ desk
Click here for more Instagram tips for Interior Designers.
If you’d like to share inspiration photos from other designers, be sure to get their permission, always make it abundantly clear it’s not your work, and share on Instagram stories.
I know that some of you will disagree with me on this and that is fine. You do you!
Do you use other designers’ project photos on your grid? Share thoughts below!
About The Author
Hi! I’m Capella and I’m an interior designer who helps fellow designers build their businesses. Forget secrecy and competition, I believe designers should support and uplift each other. By helping and boosting one another, we can elevate the business of interior design together! Hang around a bit and I’ll share all the business “secrets” no one else wants to talk about.
