Q+A With DI Graduate Shane Curry
DI graduate Shane Curry
Starting a business is quite the undertaking for anyone. Just a year out of college, Design Institute of San Diego graduate Shane Curry decided to do just that. Creating Render San Diego, this recent graduate has taken one of his stronger interior design talents and has turned it from a hobby into a career. We recently interviewed Shane and talked about where he wants to take this new venture of his.
Q+A With DI Graduate Shane Curry
When did you know you wanted to become an interior designer?
My favorite place growing up was Disneyland and [I] loved the impact the place had on me. I was also very creative and played with different mediums all the time. After high school, I knew I had to be in a field where I was able to use my creative ability and after going back and forth between architecture and interior design, I chose interior design because I feel the possibilities are a bit more endless.
How did you find out about Design Institute of San Diego?
Research, and after going to the open house, I was sold.
What year did you graduate from DI?
I graduated May 2017.
A project for a realtor that wanted to show a site’s full potential and pitch it to a developer.
How did Render San Diego come about?
After I graduated, I started getting small rendering jobs. A couple of them were actually through the DI staff that recommended me (which is another reason why I love DI). People loved the renderings and I loved providing that impact. From “Concepts by Shane,” I developed “Render San Diego,” which I felt would broaden my clientele demographic and is a more professional name.
Talk about what it’s like creating your own business? Did you know from the get-go that you wanted to work for yourself?
Creating a business is something else. You really have to be ready to go out of your comfort zone and be ready to take chances. I’ve spent my savings but I know in the long run it will pay off. I started reading a lot and am trying to get in the business mindset.
I knew I couldn’t ever work for someone else because I’ve always had that innovative and entrepreneurial way of thinking.
Living room project for a DI graduate that wanted to show her client her proposal.
What do you find to be the most challenging aspect of being a business owner and the most rewarding?
The most challenging part is developing a client base and simply getting jobs. Another challenge has been time management because sometimes I’ll have 3 jobs and other times I won’t have any.
The most rewarding aspect is seeing the impact your work has on people. I’ve gotten these exact words from my clients many times, “This is exactly what I wanted and more.” It’s awesome hearing that and it’s all because I’ve been trained by the best of the best. Another awesome aspect is being my own boss and knowing that I’m working for myself.
What are your plans for the future? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Well, once Render San Diego becomes more profitable and I finish my grad degree, I want to start doing my own projects where I come up with the concept and put it into play.
Spa project, located in Michigan. The entry building. The client wanted a serene modern development.
What do you love most about interior design?
Interior design is so much fun! I love that the possibilities are endless and I really love solving design problems. I love putting together concepts and the overall picture for a project.
Looking back, how has your time at DI helped prepare you for where you are today?
DI is, without a doubt, why I am able to work for myself. Not only that, but love what I do as well. The program was a great foundation for the field and I feel very comfortable and ready with the tools I received from DI to step out into the real world and be successful.
Another project for a DI graduate that owns a landscape company. She wanted to show her client the infinity pool and swim up bar.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Starting on this new venture has been a wild ride, but I knew I could do it and be successful, with the tools I learned at DI and my personal ability. I encourage anyone else that wants to work for themselves to simply just do it. And give it everything you’ve got! You won’t regret at least trying!
Follow Shane’s company Render San Diego on social media:
Instagram: @rendersandiego
Email: info@rendersandiego.com
Phone: 619-852-5438