EP 189 | How Interior Designers Create Magazine-Worthy Project Photography with Margot Austin

September 29, 2020

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Want your interior design projects to stand out in publications and attract ideal clients?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by stylist Margot Austin to discuss the art of creating compelling interior design photography that tells a story — not just documents a space.

Beautiful project photography is one of the most powerful marketing tools available to interior designers. Margot explains why styling, preparation, and creative direction are essential for producing images that capture emotion, communicate your brand, and increase your chances of getting published in top design magazines.

In this episode, we learn:
• Why a stylist helps create the overall narrative and art direction for a photo shoot
• How preparation before the shoot dramatically impacts the final images
• Why avoiding overused styling clichés creates more sophisticated photography
• The importance of thoughtful details during interior design photo shoots
• How working with connected stylists can improve publication opportunities
• Why designers should determine how images will be used before scheduling photography
• How stylists bring fresh perspective when designers become too close to a project
• Why compelling photography captures emotion and atmosphere — not just the room itself

Design Intervention

You’ll never be younger to learn. Margot’s Mom used to say this to her when she’d say, “But Mom, I don’t know how!”  It has pushed Margot to learn new things, which has been invaluable in advancing in my career. Right now, she’s learning TikTok.

About Margot Austin

Margot Austin is a Toronto-based stylist and partner in AustinSmyth Communications. The boutique firm, launched in 2019, helps interior designers and design businesses polish their communications and get coveted media coverage.

Margot spent the first chapter of her career as a magazine journalist, honing her storytelling and styling skills at several lifestyle titles, including Style at Home and House & Home, Canada’s top design media brands. In 2015 she left print and launched Chapter 2 of her career. Since then she’s been styling shoots for local and global brands, sharing her DIY ideas as an occasional guest on The Marilyn Denis Show on Canadian national TV, coaching design businesses on upping their social media game and creating simple and beautiful portfolio web sites.

www.margotaustin.ca

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Legal Disclosure | This podcast is for educational purposes only and provides general business advice for interior designers and design professionals. It is not intended as individual legal, accounting, or professional guidance. Kimberley Seldon and Business of Design® make no guarantees regarding accuracy and are not liable for how information is used. Strategies shared may not apply to every situation—listeners should seek qualified legal, financial, or professional advice before making business decisions. References and resources mentioned may change over time.

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