Merchandise displayers design and install shop and shop window displays in an attractive and eye-catching manner. The display artist is also responsible for displays at museums and international shows.
A theme is usually chosen and then the necessary properties (such as lights, mannequins and background scenes) are obtained or constructed and installed. In small shops, one displayer may perform all these tasks, while in larger shops different people may specialize in activities such as carpentry, painting, sign-writing, interior or exterior displays or administration.
The display artist starts an assignment by planning a work scheme in a studio. Here the artist's ideas come into practice. Thereafter a sketch plan and models of the final display are made. A list of all the required accessories - background material and other supplies - is drawn up. As much as possible of the preparatory work is performed in the studio. The display artist and the advertising manager continuously work together.
The work of the display artist varies according to his experience, skill and the place where he works. The display artist usually does all the planning, organising and the display by himself, while the assistant display artist helps him with smaller tasks.
The display artist must be able to picture, draw, design and paint the décor for exhibits and make models. He must be able to work with wood, cardboard, nails and many other materials needed to build a display.
The display artist constructs window displays or dress counters in such a way that products catch the eye of the potential buyer. The work of the display artist is an important part of merchandise marketing.
Satisfying Aspects
- being able to use one's artistic and creative ability
- seeing the end product of one's work
- variety of work
- the opportunity to do freelance work
- working with people
Demanding aspects
- having to work long hours to meet deadlines
- having to climb ladders, lift and carry heavy objects and stand for long hours
- the possibility of injury on the job
- the competitiveness of this field
Requirements
A display artist should:
- be original, creative, artistic and imaginative;
- be able to work well with others;
- have perseverance;
- be able to work well under pressure;
- be sensitive to the needs and tastes of the public;
- be interested in the latest fashions;
- be practical and have a mechanical aptitude;
- have manual dexterity;
- have agility and stamina;
- have above average sense of colour, form and spatial relationships.
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
National Senior Certificate for in-service training
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: Visual Arts, Economics
Training
Degree: BA (Fine Art) - all universities except UL.
Diploma: N.Dip: Fine Arts - CUT, DUT, TUT and VUT, Interior Design, which includes Display Design - CPUT, DUT, TUT, UJ, Port Elizabeth FET; or N.Dip: Graphic Design is also suitable - CPUT, DUT, TUT, NMMU, VUT, UJ,
After appointment, the beginner display artist gets in-service training by working with, and under the supervision of, an experienced displayer.
Employer
- Departmental, clothing and home furnishing stores
- Shoe stores, book and gift shops
- Self-employment, as freelance worker serving small shops, that cannot afford full-time display workers