How to Become a Window Display Artist
Every year at Christmastime, people willingly stand in long lines to catch a glimpse of the window displays in famous stores in New York like Macy's and Saks Fifth Avenue. These displays are filled with animatronic puppets, cheery Christmas lights and whimsical scenes of Christmases of another era. While the displays usually seem to work effortlessly, the person behind these displays--the display artist--spent countless hours meeting with the store's management, sketching out ideas and planning the display. While display artists can get jobs without a degree, most find that their prospects are greatly enhanced by both improving their skill sets and getting a bachelor's degree.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Develop the skill to draw and sketch. Typically, a window display starts with a sketch of the work to show to the client.
-
2
Acquire additional computer sketching skills. You can learn CADD (computer-aided design and drawing) or another program created specifically for display drawing.
-
-
3
Learn how to paint. You'll want to concentrate on learning all aspects of the craft, from scene painting to portraits.
-
4
Develop proficiency at hand-drawn lettering. Many of the window displays you'll do require you to draw letters on the window's glass.
-
5
Learn about electrical wiring. Much of the time, a window artist must be able to set the wiring for a project.
-
6
Learn how to create animatronic figures. At Christmastime, some of the favorite displays spotlight animatronic puppets.
-
7
Acquire some understanding of marketing. The display artist works with the business or organization to learn what its marketing goals are. The displays must reflect the marketing goals.
-
8
Work in a retail environment or in a movie theater. Both of these types of businesses use the talents of a display artist. In retail, the artist designs the windows and in-store displays. In a theater, the artist sets up the displays that promote the films.
-
9
Volunteer in a museum and learn how their displays are set up. Many times, display artists begin their careers in retail but go on to positions in museums.
-
10
Get an associate's or bachelor's degree. Appropriate fields of study are graphic, interior or theatrical design. The field is very competitive, and those who have a bachelor's degree stand the best chance of getting a job. People holding an associate's degree can also find work, but typically the positions start at a lower wage.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
There are several ways to gain the skill sets required to do this job. One of the simplest ways to do it and to help out your community at the same time is to volunteer at a local community theater. These establishments are always looking for volunteers, and a volunteer usually has the opportunity to learn lots of different skills in the process.
Starting wages for this profession can be quite low--around the $8-an-hour mark for some positions. However, those artists who are willing to start low and work their way up in the profession usually meet with the greatest success.
