fab_fifties_fille said:
I am wondering how to get into window dressing? Not as a career or a full time job but more as a part time thing to bring in some cash when I'm studying, window dressing would pretty much go hand in hand with my course. Is it something that I'd "qualify" for by being creative and aware of current trends? If someone with a bit more knowledge in this area could help It will be greatly appreciated.
I think, though im not 100% sure, that some shops get outside companies to do their displays (i no when ive asked for things of manequins (sp?) theyve told me they cant change the display as a company does it). perhaps you could ask in some shops who does their window displays and ask for their number and that way you might be able to get work experience in the summer or perhaps somewhere like Connexions or another career advice/jobcentre would be able to give you some where to contact? Here is some info from
www.connexions-direct.com
Display Designer/Visual Merchandiser
What is the work like?
Display designers create ideas and designs to promote a store or business’s image, products or special themes. Visual merchandisers make sure designs are featured through all displays, marketing and promotional activities. Some people combine both jobs.
Designers initially discuss with their clients, or company decision makers, an image, seasonal theme or special promotion to feature in forthcoming displays and marketing. They produce drawings, plans, coloured impressions, and sometimes models, to present ideas for discussion, before finalising designs.
Visual merchandisers are responsible for implementing these designs. They work closely with marketing and sales teams to make sure the image, theme or promotion is highlighted in all customer areas, through displays, products and point-of-sale materials. They may be involved in training sales colleagues in merchandising skills, identifying current and future trends, and reporting back on activities of business competitors.
The usual starting salary is around £14,000 a year.
Hours and environment
Display designers/visual merchandisers usually work 35 to 40 hours a week, but sometimes longer, for instance, when preparing displays for Christmas or a special promotion.
They work in design studios, offices, at company headquarters, or are based in store. They spend a lot of time on their feet when designing and arranging displays. Some travel is likely, especially in companies with branches in different parts of the country, to co-ordinate designs or brief staff on the required appearance.
Salary and other benefits
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.
- The usual starting salary is around £14,000 a year.
- Experienced people can earn up to £20,000 or more.
- Top designers or managers may earn up to £45,000 or more.
Skills and personal qualities
A display designer/visual merchandiser should:
- have a flair for design and appearance
- be creative, imaginative and energetic
- be able to use computer-aided design programmes (for display designers)
- have good concentration skills
- be able to produce high quality work
- be able to work to tight deadlines
- have good communication skills
- be self-motivated and practical
- be aware of current trends and activities in design, fashion and culture
- have technical drawing skills.
Interests
It is important to:
- enjoy working creatively in a fast-moving environment
- be interested in portraying a company’s image and activities through eye-catching designs and displays.
Getting in
There are jobs throughout the UK, but mainly near major towns and cities. Display designers/visual merchandisers either work for a store or other type of company, or freelance, working for different clients.
Although the design world is competitive, display designer/visual merchandiser jobs are increasing. In the south of England there are sometimes more vacancies than applicants.
Large stores usually employ their own visual merchandisers. Some have in-house designers or employ different freelance people according to their needs. Other types of companies employing display designers/visual merchandisers include airport and seaport operators, hotels, museums and book shops.
Jobs may be advertised in
Design Weekly, The Designer magazine, local and national newspapers, on general retail job websites (eg,
www.inretail.com) and on websites of major department stores. The Design Council’s website provides links to appropriate organisations to contact about possible work.
Entry for young people
Most display designers/visual merchandisers enter the work with a qualification in design, display or merchandising.
There are various design degrees, but those specifically relevant are:
- A BA (Hons) in Exhibition & Retail Design and in Retail Design Management.
- A Foundation Degree in Visual Merchandising & Promotional Design.
- A Foundation Degree in Visual Design and Display (through the London College of Communication).
The British Display Society offer a variety of courses including:
- Advanced Diplomas in POS (point-of-sale) Design, including Merchandising, and in Retail Display Design.
- Short Certificate Courses in Visual Merchandising & Merchandise Handling Skills (Levels 1 and 2).
The Diploma in Fashion Retail, offered by the Fashion Retail Academy, covers visual merchandising. The Arcadia Group website has details.
There is also a Diploma in Foundation Studies (Art & Design) and BTEC/SQA national certificates and diplomas in design. Interior design qualifications can also be helpful. Contact local colleges and training providers for information on available courses.
For a degree course, applicants usually need at least five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) and two A levels/H grades. For Foundation degrees they need five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) and one A level/H grade. For other diploma/certificate courses, five GCSEs/S grades are usually needed. Useful subjects include art, design and IT. Contact the British Display Society for entry requirements for their courses.
Entry for adults
There is no upper age limit to becoming a display designer/visual merchandiser. Mature students do not always need full academic entry requirements at some universities and colleges, especially if they have relevant experience in design or retail. Full or part-time Access courses are sometimes available to prepare for degree courses.
Training
Degree courses usually last three years, and Foundation degree courses two years full time. Other certificate and diploma course lengths vary, but are usually one to two years. The British Display Society diploma courses last two years, and short certificate courses 60 hours. Course content includes practical work and assessment, and sometimes a work placement. Contact individual colleges and training providers for full details.
The Diploma in Fashion Retail is a one-year course based on three days a week in further education, and two days in retail work. There are NVQs/SVQs in Design (Level 3) and Design Management (Level 4).
Apprenticeships which may be available in England are Young Apprenticeships, Pre-Apprenticeships, Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships. To find out which one is most appropriate log onto
www.apprenticeships.org.uk or contact your local Connexions Partnership.
There are different arrangements for Apprenticeships in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. For further information contact Careers Scotland
www.careers-scotland.org.uk, Careers Wales
www.careerswales.com; and for Northern Ireland contact COIU
www.delni.gov.uk.
The Chartered Society of Designers offers a membership scheme for professional designers in all types of design work, and also runs training courses and workshops for designers.
Getting on
In stores and other large companies, promotion opportunities may be available to supervisor, head designer or merchandiser, and sometimes to department manager. There are some overseas job opportunities, especially if working for a company with branches or offices abroad.
Some designers/merchandisers move into freelance work or set up their own business. Self-employed designers/merchandisers progress by getting regular work from their clients and carrying it out to a consistently high standard.
Further information
Arcadia Group. Website:
www.arcadia.co.uk/recruitment
The British Display Society, 146 Welling Way, Welling, Kent DA16 2RS. 020 8856 2030. Website:
www.messiterdesign.co.uk/bds
The Chartered Society of Designers, 5 Bermondsey Exchange, 179-181 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3UW. 020 7357 8088. Website:
www.csd.org.uk
Design Council, 34 Bow Street, London WC2E 7DL. 020 7420 5200. Website:
www.designcouncil.org.uk
Skillsmart Retail Ltd., The Retail Sector Skills Council, 40 Duke Street, London W1A 1AB. 020 7399 3450. Website:
www.skillsmartretail.com
Further reading
A Guide to Courses and Careers in Art and Design: Creative Futures - NSEAD
Careers in Retailing - Kogan Page
Design in Britain - Design Council
The Kogan Page Guide to Working in Arts, Crafts & Design - Kogan Page
Working in art & design - Connexions
Working in retail& customer services- Connexions
Magazines/journals:
Creative Review
Design Week
FX
The Designer
(Some may be priced)
sorry i didnt realise how long the article was
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