How did you get started?

As i am about to set off in the world of Decorating and Painting, am feeling abit nervous. How did you get started?

I am doing my city & guilds and did not go down the college route (has i feel too old to be in a class of 16's). I feel abit inexperienced but i been thinking, everyone had to start from somewhere yer?

Kev,

It often seems a very daunting prospect, yet with time and experience you won't give it a second thought, perhaps one of the most important things is always produce good work.

Never fall into the trap of cutting corners it would be a recipe for disaster, never be afraid to ask the advice of more experienced Decs, learning the tricks of the trade will greatly help you with your endeavour to achieve.

As for myself I first entered the halllowed halls of college way back in the 60s it was a long and hard period of my life, yet with gut and determination you will succeed.

Kev, I wish you the very best with regard to your time within what I believe to be the best trade of all.

Take care

Dec

Hallowed halls " If you can **** you can paint" that`s the reality M8 I chose plumbing - and that trade`s died since I started in 1970 As to toshing .( decorating) I picked up enough from helping my Dad who was taught by his Dad. Remember Don`t let the b`stards grind you down on price - and the best of luck , you`ll need it in today`s economic climate

When you first start working on your own some jobs can be a little nerve-wracking. Just remember that you have been asked to do the work because you are the one who knows what to do and how to do it. Once you have done a few jobs you will be wondering what the worrying was about and will be eager to get started on bigger and better jobs.

I think I might have already mentioned a slight mistake I once made , and no doubt you will make a few, but the good thing is you will learn from them and never make them again.

Judging by the area you are in, you should be alright as there seems to be quite a bit of work around at the moment. Just a word of warning:

Don't nick any of my loyal customers while I am currently out of action awaiting shoulder surgery!!

Good luck with it.


FAO Nige F:
"If you can p**s, you can paint!" How very dare you!!! That suggests that someone with prostate trouble cannot paint!

have you not thought of plumbing far easier and the moneys great

I served my time in the family buisness with my father, started in 1860, i'm 5th generation. It used to be a 7 year apprentiship, longer than the other trades. Your always learning. As mentioned never be afraid to ask !!

Best bit of advice is to sign up with a few agencies. There you can work alongside more experienced decs and there's no time pressusre on you. Agency workers are always dead slow!
And ignore people who say 'if you can **** you can paint' You've got to be spot on to earn a living at it!