10/25/2014

Discover What A Career As A Display Artist Has To Offer

By Young Lindsay


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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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