Certificate IV in Design / Styling and Creative Direction
The styling industry is booming but the profession is still very much a self-taught craft developed over years of hands-on experience. We’re changing the game with a one-of-a-kind professional styling qualification. This online course is developed by leading Australian stylists and gives creatives a diverse skill set by covering editorial, event, food, interiors and wedding styling.
Accredited Qualification CUA40720
10 hrs per week / 1-2 years self paced online
Feel supported
Be mentored and inspired
by our passionate Educators.
Careers Coach
Discover our exclusive
careers service.
Accredited
Receive a qualification
from Sydney Design School.
What will I learn?
We start with the elements and principles of design and colour and gradually build your knowledge and confidence. You’ll be introduced to each area of styling with a practical styling project allowing you to demonstrate your skills and personal style.
What does the course cover?
Develop the design skills, techniques and creative ability required to style spaces, products, food, weddings and events for a range of clients and briefs. You’ll deep dive into the styling and creative direction process including how to source products, furniture and props.
Explore and establish your own visual brand and professional identity and learn the business skills required to become a freelance Stylist. Learn how to work and collaborate with others in the commercial, editorial, eCommerce, and branding spaces.
Throughout the course you’ll work through a series of case studies and activities to consolidate your knowledge and skills. The activities are developed by practising Stylists and are designed to simulate real projects so you feel confident entering the industry as a professional Stylist.
On completion of this course you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the styling industry, design, colour and styling trends
- Be equipped to start a successful styling business, including creating your own visual brand identity, digital presence and visual storytelling style
- Have the ability to launch your career as a professional Interior and Property Stylist
- Style and capture engaging product, editorial and food imagery for a brand or editorial applications as a Product Stylist
- Bring your vision and concepts to life as a Wedding Stylist through innovative creative direction, styling and floristry
- Create memorable experiences as an Event Stylist for a range of events including corporate events, themed parties, media launches and brand activations
Units of Study
IDOSTY01 FUNDAMENTALS OF DESIGN AND COLOUR
Be introduced to the fundamental creative principles required to start your journey as a Stylist. We’ll expose you to the amazing world of colour and how it’s used effectively in styling projects. Explore 2D and 3D drawing techniques as well as design and creative thinking principles and processes.
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
You’ll be a visual story teller – sourcing, selecting and curating furniture, accessories and props to create a narrative to transform a space. We’ll cover both the creative and business aspects of interior and property styling including the core design principles you’ll need to interpret a brief, manage and creatively direct the styling of an interior or a photo shoot.
IDOSTY04 EDITORIAL, PRODUCT AND FOOD STYLING
Learn how to style and capture engaging product, editorial and food imagery for a brand or editorial application. You’ll develop ideas for a product launch, in either a physical or digital environment, then bring your concept to life through innovative and artistic styling.
IDOSTY05 WEDDING STYLING
Bring your vision and concepts to life through innovative creative direction, styling and floristry. Conceptualise, source and specify all elements of a special day including table settings and napery, lighting, stationary, props and florals.
IDOSTY06 EVENT DESIGN AND STYLING
Use innovative styling and project management to create memorable experiences for a range of events including corporate events, themed parties, media launches and brand activations. Prepare to work in the industry by consolidating your skills and knowledge and developing proposals for real life indoor and outdoor events.
Competencies available here
What is the cost?
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)
If you are studying outside Australia you will be charged a shipping fee at checkout. You will also 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.
How can I pay?
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. Shipping is free within Australia, if you are studying internationally you will be charged a shipping fee at checkout and will need to cover the cost of any GST, customs or duty that may be charged by your local authority. 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.
How does it work?
This course is delivered through our online eCampus. The eCampus is easy to navigate and accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. It is filled with inspirational content, practical resources and video tutorials.
You will work through a range of activities. Each activity carefully guides you step-by-step through the creative process, gradually building your knowledge and confidence.
Along the way, our Educators – who are professionals working in the industry – will be on hand to provide guidance and answer questions via phone or email. When you’ve completed all of your activities and assessments, you simply upload your work for marking and feedback.
We estimate that you will need to spend approximately 10 hours per week studying to complete the work within 1 – 2 years. You have a maximum of 6 months to complete each unit. Some units can be credited towards the Diploma of Interior Design if wish to extend your study.
What are the career opportunities?
Our Careers Coach will help you to prepare a professional resume and will assist you with identifying job opportunities in your local area. You’ll also get access to our exclusive online job board for Sydney based roles.
Graduate career opportunities
- Interior or Property Stylist
- Editorial, Product or Food Stylist
- Wedding Stylist
- Events Stylist
- Entrepreneur 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?
You can 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 will 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 will receive a link to join a live online welcome session via Zoom where you will get a 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 and internationally recognised dual branded qualification from Sydney Design School and Interior Design Online. This course is accredited by the Australian Skills Quality Authority, the Government’s national regulator for vocational education. RTO91446.
“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
We worked closely with four leading Australian Stylists to develop the content for this course.
Multidisciplinary Stylist Jono Fleming @jono.fleming
Wedding and Events Stylist Dani Dean @themakehaus_
Interior and Property Stylist Debbie Cohen @thestylechapter
Events Stylist Lynleigh McPherson @theconnectedcurator