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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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