The use of visually appealing window and in-store displays has long been used by the retail industry to capture the interest of customers. A certain degree of talent and knowledge is needed to be able to conceive and assemble such arrangements of a store's merchandise. A display artist or visual merchandiser is the professional who is responsible for this important aspect of marketing.
Besides stimulating shoppers' interest in the products for sale, a visual merchandiser must also market the store itself. A retail layout that is inviting and lively will not only entice consumers inside, but it will also keep them wanting to look around more. It is a dynamic field of ever-changing trends, seasons, and promotions, which must be addressed with a creative flair for devising new displays.
The first step to beginning a career in visual merchandising is to earn one's high school diploma or GED, which paves the way for applying to community colleges and design schools which offer instruction in this field. While not that common, some retailers may be willing to train certain candidates who display aptitude in an apprenticeship, but most prefer designers with formal education. Post-secondary training also increases one's chances for promotion later on.
Visual merchandising is generally offered as either an Associate Degree program which is two years in length, or as a Bachelor's Degree program that takes four years to complete. Some elements are common to both streams of study, namely the essential aspects of design and how to use these in a creative capacity to produce effective merchandise presentation. The four-year program takes a more in-depth approach and offers some extra skill training.
One core concept integral to the study of visual merchandising is the trend and market analysis. Being able to successfully interpret current trends in the consumer marketplace is crucial to one's knowing how to best display and arrange merchandise to draw shoppers. So much of this job is "hands-on", which is why most schools include a co-operative work experience as part of the program.
The prospects for the growth of this field is promising. With the number of new retailers appearing on the scene increasing consistently, this in turn raises the demand for visual merchandisers. All stores need to someone who can ensure that their products and layout are presented in a way that is appealing to potential customers.
There are many individuals employed in this field who earn an above-average salary. Those who have just begun their careers can be expected to earn less than seasoned professionals with several years experience under their belts, since proven expertise does play a role in determining pay. Educational background can also influence earning potential, making it a worthwhile investment to spend longer in school and grab any chance to gain experience.
Most visual merchandisers can expect to put in a 35-40 hour work week on average, but sometimes extra hours may be required to meet important deadlines. Over time, those who are employed by one store may be given positions of more responsibility such as manager or supervisor of the visual merchandising department. Some designers may also choose to do freelance work and establish their own business, as they develop a sizable client base.
Besides stimulating shoppers' interest in the products for sale, a visual merchandiser must also market the store itself. A retail layout that is inviting and lively will not only entice consumers inside, but it will also keep them wanting to look around more. It is a dynamic field of ever-changing trends, seasons, and promotions, which must be addressed with a creative flair for devising new displays.
The first step to beginning a career in visual merchandising is to earn one's high school diploma or GED, which paves the way for applying to community colleges and design schools which offer instruction in this field. While not that common, some retailers may be willing to train certain candidates who display aptitude in an apprenticeship, but most prefer designers with formal education. Post-secondary training also increases one's chances for promotion later on.
Visual merchandising is generally offered as either an Associate Degree program which is two years in length, or as a Bachelor's Degree program that takes four years to complete. Some elements are common to both streams of study, namely the essential aspects of design and how to use these in a creative capacity to produce effective merchandise presentation. The four-year program takes a more in-depth approach and offers some extra skill training.
One core concept integral to the study of visual merchandising is the trend and market analysis. Being able to successfully interpret current trends in the consumer marketplace is crucial to one's knowing how to best display and arrange merchandise to draw shoppers. So much of this job is "hands-on", which is why most schools include a co-operative work experience as part of the program.
The prospects for the growth of this field is promising. With the number of new retailers appearing on the scene increasing consistently, this in turn raises the demand for visual merchandisers. All stores need to someone who can ensure that their products and layout are presented in a way that is appealing to potential customers.
There are many individuals employed in this field who earn an above-average salary. Those who have just begun their careers can be expected to earn less than seasoned professionals with several years experience under their belts, since proven expertise does play a role in determining pay. Educational background can also influence earning potential, making it a worthwhile investment to spend longer in school and grab any chance to gain experience.
Most visual merchandisers can expect to put in a 35-40 hour work week on average, but sometimes extra hours may be required to meet important deadlines. Over time, those who are employed by one store may be given positions of more responsibility such as manager or supervisor of the visual merchandising department. Some designers may also choose to do freelance work and establish their own business, as they develop a sizable client base.
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