Thinking about bypassing pitching regional magazines with your best projects for national exposure instead? You may want to think again! Regional editors can play a significant role in the rise of an interior designer. Building those relationships may take a little time for the editor to get a feel for your work, story and style. But when that happens, it’s impactful in so many ways. Here are some reasons to consider first submitting to the regional powerhouse publications and the professional milestones that often follow.
There are more opportunities for placement in regionals
City and regional magazines prioritize designers from the area and have the ability to give breakout designers their first pages of press (often as a profile before publishing a project).
Placements in regional publications make the phone ring
Even before homeowners push “go” on a reno, they pick up the area home magazines for inspiration and to get a sense for designers and architects in their area. A national magazine may bring street cred, but regional placements bring paying clients.
Regional editors give designers clout with national publications
Regional press is a national progression to earning broader exposure. Though there are always exceptions, most editors for national publications want to see that your work has been vetted and is respected by area experts.
Relationships with regional editors open opportunities
Receiving an invitation to participate in a showhouse generally arrives after your work is a regular on the desk of regional editors and in the pages of regional magazines. Additionally, design centers often partner with regional editors in pulling together panels and other educational events. Relationships are key!
Regional publications play a lead role in lifting the design community
Local editors get involved in making introductions to shop-owners, interiors photographers and stylists, facilitating important connections in the community economy. Increasingly they are stakeholders in design conferences and key regional design events, facilitating introductions based on the relationships they’ve developed, over time, with local designers.