Become a Stylist and
Certificate IV in Design (Styling and Creative Direction)
CUA40725 / Learn online with Sydney Design School
Study 10 hrs per week / 1-2 year duration
Step into the world of professional styling with a course that’s redefining the industry. Developed by Australia’s leading design school and practicing Stylists, this nationally recognised online qualification builds real-world skills across editorial, interior, event, product, food and wedding styling. You’ll develop the confidence and credibility to turn your creative passion into an exciting career.
Flexible but never solo
Personal support from Stylists
via phone, live video call and email.
Success starts here
One-on-one careers coaching.
Feel job ready and confident.
Designed for busy creatives
Set your own pace for success. Start
anytime, study and pay unit by unit.
What does the course cover?
You’ll dive into the art of visual storytelling learning how to evoke emotion, capture attention and communicate a brand, lifestyle or idea. Beginning with the fundamentals of colour and design you’ll build strong creative direction skills through hands-on projects across different sectors of the styling industry. Along the way, you’ll gain essential industry insights and business skills to work as an in-house Stylist or launch your own freelance career. By the end of the course, you’ll have a diverse, professional portfolio that showcases your unique aesthetic and creative voice.
Why learn with us?
We’re part of Sydney Design School, who are world leaders in interior design education. Our online content is brought to life through video presentations, live critiques, inspiring webinars and vibrant social meet-ups all designed to spark your creativity and build real industry skills. You’ll be supported by passionate mentors and join a global alumni community.
Units of study
IDOSTY01 FUNDAMENTALS OF DESIGN AND COLOUR
In this introductory unit, you’ll deep dive into the exciting world of styling. Through a series of practical activities, you’ll explore the foundations of design and colour, develop 2D and 3D sketching techniques, learn creative thinking principles and discover how they are used effectively in styling projects.
IDOSTY02 THE CREATIVE BUSINESS
Gain key insights and learn the business skills to work as an in-house stylist for a company, or in your own freelance business. Establish your own visual brand and professional identity to promote yourself on any marketing or digital platform.
IDOSTY03 INTERIOR AND PROPERTY STYLING
Learn the fundamentals and key differences of ‘styling to stay’ and ‘styling to sell’ ready to launch your career as a professional Interior and Property Stylist.
You’ll become a visual storyteller, sourcing, selecting and curating furniture, accessories and props to create a compelling narrative that transforms a space. You’ll also learn how to interpret a client brief, manage a project and confidently direct the styling of an interior or a photoshoot.
IDOSTY04 EDITORIAL, PRODUCT AND FOOD STYLING
Explore the fast-paced and highly creative world of product, editorial and food styling. You’ll learn how to interpret a creative brief, craft a strong visual narrative and develop concepts that capture attention, communicate mood and message and showcase your unique creative direction and styling signature.
Through a series of hands-on projects, you’ll build practical skills in prop sourcing, backdrop and set creation, composition and how to set up and direct a photoshoot. You’ll experiment with different styling approaches to create dynamic, professional imagery suited to a wide range of media.
You’ll also gain insight into how stylists collaborate with brands, understand target audiences and work effectively with photographers, art directors and other creative professionals.
IDOSTY05 WEDDING STYLING
Step into the world of wedding styling and learn how to create unforgettable celebrations from concept to completion. You’ll explore how to translate a couple’s story, personality and vision into a cohesive aesthetic adapting your styling to different themes, budgets and locations.
Through hands-on creative projects, you’ll develop skills in concept development, mood boarding, table styling, ceremony and reception design, and on-site set-up. You’ll learn how to collaborate with florists, planners, venues and photographers, You’ll create a fully resolved wedding styling proposal that showcases your ability to craft atmosphere, emotion and visual impact delivering celebrations that feels personal, polished and memorable.
IDOSTY06 EVENT DESIGN AND STYLING
Learn how to design memorable experiences for both indoor and outdoor events including themed parties, corporate events, media launches and brand activations. Explore how to interpret a client brief and translate it into a cohesive concept that captures mood, theme and atmosphere.
Through a series of hands-on projects, you’ll develop skills in space planning, colour and material selection, furniture and décor curation, floral styling and lighting. You will also learn how to bring your design to life using digital software, how to manage logistics, work with vendors and adapt your styling to different venues and weather conditions.
Competencies available here
Course fee
The course is separated into 6 units of study;
- Unit 1 Fundamentals of Design and Colour + Design Kit | $2,025
- Unit 2 The Creative Business | $990
- Unit 3 Interior and Property Styling | $1,190
- Unit 4 Editorial, Product and Food Styling | $1,190
- Unit 5 Wedding Styling | $1,190
- Unit 6 Event Design and Styling | $1,190
- Total course cost | $7,775 (GST Free)
- Pay in full upfront to receive 10% off | $6,997.50 (GST Free)
Your Design Kit will be shipped free internationally. You will need to cover the cost of any GST, customs or duty that may be charged by your local authority. Please allow AUD $50 incidental printing costs. We will provide a link to purchase a 12-month educational subscription to SketchUp (recommended, approx. AUD $99). Alternatively, a free version with limited capabilities can be used.
Payment options
We know the investment you’re making in your future is an important one, which is why we offer a range of payment options.
Option 1 – Pay Upfront and Save
Pay for the total course cost at enrolment and receive a 10% discount.
- Course cost | $7,775 (GST Free)
- Less 10% discount
- Total Course cost | $6,997.50 (GST Free)
Option 2 – Pay Unit by Unit
Pay for Unit 1 at time of enrolment and then pay for each subsequent unit when you finish your current unit.
Option 3 – Pay by Instalment
Pay an initial unit deposit at the time of enrolment, followed by monthly instalments via Ezidebit. Please note, payment by instalment is available to Australian students only. For full instalment details, click here.
If you require a longer instalment plan to pay for your first unit please contact our team on [email protected] for more options.
Note: A credit card transaction fee will be applied at checkout for all payments.
What will I need?
Our Design Kit contains everything you need to get started. It’s included in the cost of your first unit and is shipped for free anywhere in the world. You’ll also need a smart phone, computer or laptop with Microsoft Office and access to the internet. Students will need access to a printer a few times in this course and will need to purchase a 12 month student subscription to SketchUp (approx AUD $99). Alternatively, a free version with limited capabilities can be used.
Learning with IDO
This course is delivered entirely online through our easy to use eCampus, accessible anywhere with an internet connection. It’s filled with inspiring content, step-by-step video tutorials, and practical resources designed to support your creative learning.
You’ll work through a series of structured activities that guide you through the creative styling process, building your knowledge, confidence, and design thinking along the way.
Our Educators, all practising professionals, are just a phone call or email away to answer questions and offer personalised guidance. Once you’ve completed your activities and assessments, simply upload your work to the eCampus for marking and feedback.
To stay on track, we recommend setting aside around 10 hours a week to complete this course over 1–2 years. You’ll have 6 months to complete each unit. This nationally recognised qualification can also be credited toward the Diploma of Interior Design at IDO or Sydney Design School, if you choose to continue your studies online or on campus.
Career options
Our Careers Coach will help you step into the industry. You’ll get one on one support to craft a professional resume and identify job opportunities in your local area. You’ll also gain access to our exclusive online job board featuring Sydney-based roles.
Graduate career opportunities
- Interior or Property Stylist
- Editorial, Product or Food Stylist
- Wedding Stylist
- Events Stylist
- Creative Director in your own styling business
Entry requirements
You don’t need any previous experience just enthusiasm and a passion for styling! We start from the basics and gradually build your skills, knowledge and confidence. You will need basic computer knowledge and the ability to navigate the internet.
To study with Interior Design Online you will need a strong command of the English language (verbal, written and comprehension) and, if required, be able to score at least 6 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test here or an equivalent.
If required, our team will be in contact with you by telephone to assess your English language proficiency, prior to an enrolment confirmation being sent. If your application is not successful due to your language ability your payment will be refunded in full.
How do I apply?
It’s easy! Apply online today. Follow the link below to enter your details into our online application form. You can choose to pay for the course in full, by unit or by instalments.
Please allow one business day for our team to process your application and payment. You’ll then receive a confirmation of your enrolment via email including your login to our eCampus and payment receipt.
This will be followed by a welcome email from an Educator. You’ll receive a link to join a live online welcome session via Zoom when you’ll be given guided tour of our eCampus. Your Design Kit will be posted to you and should arrive within one week of your enrolment, but you won’t need the resources until much further into your course.
Accreditation
You’ll receive an accredited dual branded qualification from Sydney Design School and Interior Design Online. Our courses are accredited by the Australian government’s Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) RTO 91446.
Our qualifications are nationally recognised across Australia and internationally acknowledged as Australian government-approved programs. Please note that industry and regulatory requirements can vary between countries, so we recommend that prospective students check with their local industry bodies or regulators to understand how Australian qualifications are recognised and applied in their region.
“We wanted to create something unique. To collaborate with Stylists at the top of their game and pair that real world experience with our school’s signature approach to design education.”
Director & Founder, Amanda Grace
Meet the Stylists
Developed in collaboration with leading Australian stylists, this course reflects current industry insight grounded in real world expertise.
Multidisciplinary Stylist Jono Fleming @jono.fleming
Wedding and Events Stylist Dani Dean @themakehaus_
Interior Stylist Debbie Cohen @thestylechapter
Explore work by our creative students
LAURA HERRICK
PAIGE DEIGHTON
CHIRSTINA TZOROU
LUCY BOWMAN
