Monday 27 October 2014

A Career As A Display Artist Is Creative And Exciting

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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