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Art and Design
Three-Dimensional Design (Display, Exhibition and Interior Design)
Displays for shops and offices
Well-designed window and counter displays advertise a firm�s goods and attract customers. Displays are changed often so that the attention of passers-by is drawn to them. Display and inte�rior designers may work as a team with fashion designers, pack�aging designers and graphic artists, working on layout, fittings, lights, staff uniforms and packaging materials.
Some display work for shops and offices is done by professional designers, but, in smaller businesses, it is done by talented employees. In larger department and chain stores, a team may do all the display work in a particular region. Designers also work at the head office of an organisation, creating displays to be installed in all their branches at the same time. A uniform look from branch to branch is an important part of modem marketing.
Exhibition design
This includes anything from huge one-off exhibitions, like the Motor Show, to educational displays in museums and public libraries. Many different materials and techniques may be used. Designers may use ready-made display stands or design their own. There is also work for model makers and craftspeople in wood, acrylics and other materials used to construct exhibitions. An exhibition designer works with the client, suggesting differ�ent ideas from which the client can choose. Further alterations may be made before the construction and assembly of the exhi�bition can be carried out.
Interior design
This involves the design of living, working and playing space inside buildings - color schemes, materials for floors, walls and ceilings, and fixtures and fittings. Most work is concerned with industrial, commercial and public buildings, although there may be opportunities in private houses. Technical ability is needed for drawing up visual ideas and working plans, and some inte�rior designers train first as architects.
Interior designers may work in specialized design practices with a team including architects, or a design practice offering a wide range of services such as graphic, textile and product designs. Others may work freelance. There are also opportunities with manufacturers of furniture and furnishings, and with hotel, retailing and building companies.
Other similar specialisms
Theatre design and TV /film set design use similar skills and creative talents, but the designer must also know about lighting, special effects and costume. Some specialist training courses are available.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
College and university courses
There are full-time college courses including BTEC National Diploma/ Advanced GNVQ, BTEC Higher National and degree courses. The British Display Society also runs its own courses. To get a place on a BDS or BTEC National/Advanced GNVQ course, you will need evidence of your ability in art, and three or four GCSEs at grade C, or an Intermediate GNVQ. Degree/HND courses require completion of a foundation course in art and design (or other preliminary-level course) or a BTEC National Diploma/Advanced GNVQ. Students straight from an A level course may be considered. There may be exemptions from formal entry requirements for mature appli�cants to courses.
Private courses
There are a few private courses in interior design (more for leisure than professional purposes) and correspondence courses. The Interior Decorators and Designers Association can supply addresses, if you send them a stamped, self-addressed envelope. These courses may not, however, qualifY for an LEA award or lead to a recognized qualification.
If you don�t want to do a college course
Opportunities are much more limited, though if you have a flair for design, you may be able to get away without formal train�ing. Evening classes or correspondence courses may help. It is possible to get a job as a shop assistant and then move on to the display side by showing an interest in the work. In the same way, you could get involved in the display work of other organizations - for instance, if you worked in a library or museum not big enough to have its own display designer.
Adults: note that maturity and previous experience may mean that stated entry requirements can be relaxed.
