Visual Stylist

What is a visual stylist?

A visual stylist is someone who creates visually appealing displays and arranges products in a way that attracts customers and promotes sales.

What does a visual stylist do?

Usually, a visual stylist does the following:

• Creates eye-catching displays and arrangements of products in stores or at events
• Uses their creativity to design and set up visually appealing window displays
• Collaborates with marketing teams to create cohesive themes and promotional campaigns
• Keeps up with current trends and styles to provide fresh and engaging visuals
• Ensures that displays comply with brand guidelines and safety regulations

What does the day-to-day life of a visual stylist look like?

A visual stylist usually works during regular store hours, which can vary depending on the company or event. They spend their time:

• Planning and organizing displays
• Setting up displays and arranging products
• Maintaining and updating displays as needed
• Collaborating with colleagues and attending meetings to discuss upcoming projects
• Keeping up with industry trends and researching new visual merchandising techniques

Where does a visual stylist work?

Visual stylists can work in various settings, including:

• Retail stores: Many clothing, home decor, and department stores hire visual stylists to create captivating in-store displays.
• Event planning companies: Visual stylists can work on designing and setting up displays for events such as trade shows, exhibitions, and fashion shows.
• Interior design firms: Some visual stylists work with interior designers to enhance the visual appeal of spaces.
• Self-employment: Some visual stylists choose to work independently, offering their services to clients or working on freelance projects.

What tools/software/hardware does a visual stylist use?

A visual stylist uses a variety of tools and equipment, including:

• Display fixtures and props: They use items like mannequins, shelves, hooks, and lighting to create visual impact.
• Graphic design software: Tools like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator are often used to create visual elements for displays.
• Color swatches and samples: Visual stylists use these to select appropriate color schemes and coordinate displays.
• Cutting tools and adhesives: To create and assemble displays, they may use scissors, knives, glue, and tape.

What do I need to become a visual stylist?

There are several paths to becoming a visual stylist, including:

• Degree in visual merchandising, fashion, or design: Some universities and colleges offer degree programs specifically related to visual merchandising and design, which can provide a solid foundation of knowledge and skills.
• On-the-job training or internships: Many visual stylists start by gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions in retail stores or event planning companies. This allows them to learn on the job and develop their skills.
• Portfolio work: Building a portfolio showcasing your visual styling projects can be an effective way to demonstrate your abilities and attract potential employers or clients.

What career paths are available?

There are several career paths available to visual stylists, including:

• Visual Merchandising Manager: With experience, visual stylists can progress to managerial roles where they oversee a team of stylists and manage visual merchandising strategies for multiple stores or events.
• Brand Visual Stylist: Some visual stylists progress to work directly for specific brands, ensuring that the brand's visual identity and standards are maintained across all stores and marketing materials.
• Interior Stylist or Set Designer: Visual stylists can apply their skills to other fields such as interior design or set design for film, television, or theater productions.

What jobs are similar to a visual stylist?

• Visual Merchandiser: Similar to a visual stylist, a visual merchandiser is responsible for creating appealing displays, but they may focus more on overall store layouts and commercial considerations.
• Fashion Stylist: Fashion stylists work with individuals or brands to create visually appealing outfits and looks, often for photo shoots or fashion shows.
• Event Decorator: Event decorators design and set up visually engaging displays and decor for various events, such as weddings, parties, and corporate functions.

What made you want to become a visual stylist?

How did you get your first visual stylist job?

What was the one thing that surprised you the most about being a visual stylist?

Are you a visual stylist? We want you to share your experiences with those looking to start or change their careers to visual styling. If you're interested, contact us at mail@calumchilds.com.