Short answer? Sometimes.

I know that may sound like an odd thing to hear from someone who owns a PR agency, but one thing to know about me is that I’m going to give it to you straight.

I've been doing this for nearly two decades, and I've seen designers invest in PR too early, too late, or for the wrong reasons. I've also seen the right strategy completely change the trajectory of a business.

The biggest misconception I see is that hiring a publicist is a one-size-fits-all decision. It's not. The best approach depends on where you are in your business, what your goals are, and how hands-on you want to be.

At The Storied Group, we actually offer three different ways to work with us because not every designer needs the same thing.

Every month, we review interior design projects at The Storied Group.

And every month, we have to deliver the same difficult news to some of them: We can't move forward with this project.

Not because the design isn't good.

Because the photography isn't there.

It's the most common reason projects don't get placed—and the most preventable one. So let's talk about what editors actually want to see, and what's quietly killing your chances before I even get to send a pitch.

If you’re looking for some inspiration to kick off your new year, here are five business books that have truly shaped my thinking, along with a bit more about why each one is worth your time. These are the ones that I refer back to over and over again.

Media outlets love holiday stories because they resonate with readers and provide a sense of nostalgia and inspiration. And while these stories publish in November or December, editors usually plan them a year or more in advance for print. It can also be more challenging for editors to find great spaces decorated for Christmas, so the competition is much less for these types of stories.

Let's talk about marketing your interior design business—you know, that thing you're supposed to be amazing at because you have "an eye" for design, but somehow it always ends up at the bottom of your to-do list, right underneath "organize fabric samples by color" and "actually post to Instagram today."

Expert opinion quotes matter more than you think. Let’s break down why generic quotes get cut, and what actually makes editors come back for more.

Wondering if now is the right time to hire PR?
If you’ve just wrapped a dream project, launched something new, or landed a book deal, the answer might be obvious. But what if things are a little quieter? How do you know if the timing—and the investment—makes sense?