What’s a visual merchandiser? Some people, it seems, are born with a creative impulse that drives them. No matter what they touch, their projects always seem to result in innovative and artistic displays that attract attention and earn them accolades. Unfortunately, most of us aren’t born under this lucky star, imbued with the innate ability to create visual tableaus to which people flock.

That doesn’t mean you can’t learn how to create stunning visual compositions, though. Have you ever seen retail store windows and known you could make them more appealing if you just had the chance? If so, you’ll be happy to hear that there are plenty of programs to help you reach your dreams. Here are just a few educational options to explore.

Art Classes

The best place to start if you want a degree in a creative field is with art classes. Even if you can’t draw, paint, or sculpt, these classes will teach you the basics of color, form, and composition. These fundamentals can help you develop an eye for:

• which colors complement each other;
• how the interplay of positive and negative space works; and,
• how to arrange items in space to please the eye and hold attention.

Not keen to pick up a brush and palette? Consider a photography class instead—you’ll learn many of the same principles.

Certificate Courses for Visual Merchandisers

If you’ve decided that visual merchandising is your career of choice, you might want targeted instruction just to make sure you feel confident tackling the job. In this case, you could take visual merchandising courses like those offered by the Pratt Institute or Saddleback College.

Certificate programs can vary greatly and range from a couple of courses to several. If you’re just looking for a basic primer to get you started and lend you some credibility when you apply for jobs, certificate courses can save you time and money compared to a dedicated college major.

College Degree Programs

While a job in visual merchandising typically requires no more than a high school diploma, anyone serious about building a career will want to gain training and skill to nab plumb jobs at high-end stores. These jobs are likely to require certification at a minimum, and a college degree may be preferred.

The good news is that there are colleges and universities offering both 2-year (AA) and 4-year (BFA or BS) degrees in visual merchandising or related fields, such as retail or fashion management, visual studies, and even graphic design. You can start by checking out fashion and art schools like the Fashion Institute of Technology, which offers a BFA in Visual Presentation and Exhibition Design, or even check out prestigious universities like Auburn University, which offers BS degrees in Apparel Merchandising and Design & Product Management.

In Conclusion

Whatever level of education you desire, you can find your way to a job and, eventually, a career in visual merchandising. You just have to decide what you want to put in and how quickly you want to get started.

If you are interested in purchasing Retail Store displays and accessories for your retail store, shop our website, Specialty Store Services.  We have everything you need to be a profitable retailer.  If you have a question that you would like answered immediately, you can Live Chat or phone us at 800-999-0771.

Updated on August 15, 2022.