If you have an interest in drama, a talent in art and a flare for design,
visual merchandising arts may be the program for you.
Programs usually range from one to two years. "Our students take courses
in basic design, lighting, display techniques, basic computer skills, computer
graphics and promotional design and advertising," says David McDermid.
He is coordinator of the visual merchandising arts program at a community
college that offers a two-year program.
Dean Murray is a professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology, part
of the State University of New York. He says students in the two-year display
and exhibition design program take courses in drafting, model making, lighting
and computer graphics. "Our students must also take two courses each in
art history, science and social science," he says.
You may be able to get some real-world experience before you graduate.
McDermid says students must complete a field placement in both a department
store and a specialty store.
The Fashion Institute of Technology does not include a work experience
component in its program, but it does provide some options. "We do have some paid
internships available and credit for these internships can be arranged,"
Murray says.
Focus on the arts in high school. "High school students considering
this program should take as many art classes as possible and keep a portfolio
of their best work," says McDermid.
"They might also want to take a cooperative education placement in retailing
and try to get some experience in product placement and preparing window supplies."
If you get the chance to do any of that kind of work, you should photograph
it for your portfolio, he adds.
Roger Kramer is a professor of visual merchandising in the retail science
program at the University of Arizona. The school offers a two-year associate's
degree program in visual merchandising.
Kramer says high school students should take "anything that uses your imagination,
such as drama or theater, history, creative writing and of course, drafting
or technical design courses."
He adds that joining a photography club or helping with the yearbook can
give you good experience.
"Students should try to develop a real sense of visual presentation," says
Murray. "They can do this by volunteering with community theater or
taking the opportunity to work on special events such as proms and parades."
There are expenses besides tuition and books. "Other costs can vary widely
depending on the materials the students choose for their assignments," says
McDermid. "Drafting equipment can be quite expensive, but you have it for
life."
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Designers
Visual Store
A visual merchandising resource site
Fashion Net
Knowing what's hip is crucial to good merchandising