Monday, November 3, 2014

Learn What It Takes To Be A Display Artist

By Young Lindsay


Department stores, boutiques, and other retailers often rely on eye-catching displays to attract the attention of customers. In order to effectively create and put together these interesting arrangements of merchandise, it takes skill and knowledge. The professional who is responsible for this task is known as a display artist or a visual merchandiser.

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.

If someone wishes to pursue a career in visual merchandising, it is first necessary to earn a high school diploma or GED in order that one is then eligible to apply to a design school or community college offering programs in this field. Being in possession of a degree or diploma will increase a person's chances for promotion, although a few employer's may provide training on the job as an apprentice designer for select candidates.

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 component of most visual merchandising courses is market and trend analysis. This is important, as it plays a vital role in determining how the merchandiser should arrange the store and its goods to garner the attention of shoppers in a way that speaks to their current needs and interests. Since this is a very "hands-on" type of work, most schools offer co-op or apprenticeship options as part of the program so students can learn by doing.

In terms of growth projection for this field, it is anticipated that the need for visual merchandising will continue to increase. New stores are opening all the time, which naturally implies that there will be the need to hire professionals to manage the visual aspects of these retail establishments and the image they present to the public.

A new graduate just starting out will normally earn less than someone who has been working for years, but most visual merchandisers receive a fair salary easily above the national average. Experience and educational background play a significant role in determining one's pay, so it's a good idea to spend more time in school and seize any opportunity to gain experience.

An average work week for a merchandiser is about 35 to 40 hours, although deadlines may call for more time to be invested. Some professionals will choose to freelance for various clients and possibly start up their own business once their client base is sufficient. Designers who work for one store may eventually be promoted to supervisory or managerial positions as they prove themselves capable of running the visual merchandising department.




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