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.
Students in this trade can choose to complete either a two-year Associate Degree or four-year Bachelor's Degree program in visual merchandising. The former provides a basic knowledge of how to effectively conceptualize and execute store layouts and displays and implement the key elements of design, while the latter builds on this skill by studying it more in depth, giving the student a more detailed knowledge and more creative tools to work with.
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.
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.
Students in this trade can choose to complete either a two-year Associate Degree or four-year Bachelor's Degree program in visual merchandising. The former provides a basic knowledge of how to effectively conceptualize and execute store layouts and displays and implement the key elements of design, while the latter builds on this skill by studying it more in depth, giving the student a more detailed knowledge and more creative tools to work with.
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.
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.