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.
Stores employ visual merchandisers to not only help sell goods but also the store itself in general. Customers are more likely to be inspired to visit and spend more time in a retail environment which is pleasing to the eye and aesthetically appealing. It is a form of marketing that calls for an artistic flair and ability to continuously come up with new ideas as the seasons, sales, and featured items being sold change.
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.
During their studies, students of visual merchandising will learn about the importance of trend and market analysis. Understanding this concept is critical to the success of any retailer's visual presentation, as it needs to match what the current group of shoppers are looking for in order to boost interest and generate sales. A co-operative or apprenticeship component is the best way to learn this, which is why most schools incorporate it into their programs.
Growth of this field is expected as the number of retail establishments continues to multiply, creating additional employment for those in this profession. Stores rely on the skills of talented merchandisers to create an environment that will draw and retain shoppers on a consistent basis, making these professionals in demand.
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.
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.
Stores employ visual merchandisers to not only help sell goods but also the store itself in general. Customers are more likely to be inspired to visit and spend more time in a retail environment which is pleasing to the eye and aesthetically appealing. It is a form of marketing that calls for an artistic flair and ability to continuously come up with new ideas as the seasons, sales, and featured items being sold change.
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.
During their studies, students of visual merchandising will learn about the importance of trend and market analysis. Understanding this concept is critical to the success of any retailer's visual presentation, as it needs to match what the current group of shoppers are looking for in order to boost interest and generate sales. A co-operative or apprenticeship component is the best way to learn this, which is why most schools incorporate it into their programs.
Growth of this field is expected as the number of retail establishments continues to multiply, creating additional employment for those in this profession. Stores rely on the skills of talented merchandisers to create an environment that will draw and retain shoppers on a consistent basis, making these professionals in demand.
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.
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.