Guest Author - Heather Davis

Home and Garden Television (HGTV) is now accepting applications for their fourth season of Design Star. Are you a talented designer looking for a challenge and the opportunity of a lifetime? The winner of the HGTV reality-based design show will win the grand prize of hosting their very own show on HGTV.

Design Star is hosted by Designed to Sell host Clive Pearse. Contestants are put through the paces and given challenges to show off their talents. Contestants are judged by an all-star HGTV panel including Vern Yip of Deserving Design, Martha McCully of InStyle Magazine and fashion designer Cynthia Rowley. The contestants are judged not only on their ability to transform a space but on their hosting capability as well.

Design Star judges narrow the field down to nine finalists who live together and compete in various challenges. The various competitions help the judges determine who has what it takes but ultimately America chooses the winner.

What is HGTV looking for in a new designer and show host. Take a look at past winners for a little inspiration. Former winners include David Bromstad from first season of Design Star who now hosts his own show, Color Splash. He always adds a piece of personal artwork to each project that he takes on. Karen Myles from Myles of Style is also a Design Star winner. Both have personalities that draw you into their shows and designs that keep you inspired. I am always amazed at all of the contestants creativity and ability to make an unattractive space so beautiful.

Are you an aspiring designer with a dream of hosting your own show? All you need to do is upload your video submission and your portfolio. If you have what it takes, you could be the next HGTV Design Star.

HGTV is accepting video submissions for season four of Design Star on their website until January 5, 2009. They are looking for people with design experience and a great personality with the ability to make a room look fabulous and meet short deadlines. Good luck!