Monday, October 27, 2014

Learn What It Takes To Be A Display Artist

By Young Lindsay


The actual merchandise being sold in a store is only part of what draws customers, the way in which it is presented can also catch their eye and make them feel compelled to look around more. A display artist or visual merchandiser is the person who devises a store's creative product displays and artistic layout. It takes a combination of natural flair for design and technical know-how to perform this kind of work.

A gifted visual merchandiser not only helps sell the items for sale in a store, but also the store itself. An aesthetically appealing retail environment with displays which attract passers-by and a neat, organized layout inside is always appreciated by those who walk through its doors. This area of marketing is well-suited for creative individuals who are up to the continuously changing demand for new ideas each season or as new store event such as sales come up.

People who are interested in pursuing a career in this field, first require a high school diploma and then formal instruction at a design school or community college. Educational requirements may vary from one employer to another, and some may offer apprentice-based training in visual merchandising but generally it is recommended that one should attain a suitable degree or diploma from a post-secondary institution if he or she wishes to be considered equally for advancement in the future.

There are basically two educational routes to visual merchandising training: a two-year Associate Degree or a four-year Bachelor's Degree. Both programs familiarize students with the essential elements of design and teach them how to implement these creative tools into actual designs. The four-year program simpler gives them a broader knowledge base and more detailed skill-set.

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.

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.

The typical visual merchandiser puts in a 35 to 40 hour work week, with deadlines sometimes demanding extra hours. People employed by a retailer for several years may eventually be promoted to supervisor or manager positions within their department. Others will opt to do freelance work for a variety of clients and they may even start their own business.




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