This week we’re on the sofa with Justin Compton (pictured above with Yvonne Hughes and Katherine Incledon from our team), visual merchandising expert and lecturer at RMIT School of Design TAFE.
How did you get started as a visual merchandiser?
I actually started off doing graphic design, but then did a course in visual merchandising. My first job was with Henry Bucks on Collins Street, and from there I went to Nike, Daimaru and Myer. Department stores provide a great training ground for visual merchandisers because you get to work on such a wide variety of projects – everything from perfume displays to fashion shows.
What makes a good visual merchandiser?
Primarily, it’s about creativity and an eye for design, but there are a lot of other skills that you need, like being able to think on your feet and take directions. You need to enjoy a challenge and very hard work. It’s very hands on. Being able to interpret what the client wants – and help them work this out when they aren’t sure – is also very important. This means asking the right questions and really listening to the answers.
What sort of jobs are out there?
It’s really broad now – visual merchandisers are employed in all kinds of contexts including retail, events, photographic styling and exhibition design. Our course enables students to get a lot of hands-on experience and discover which aspect of the profession most interests them. We connect them with businesses for volunteer placements as part of our mentor program and we sometimes even get paid jobs for them. We also get them to work with third-year photography students so they can learn to style shoots.
What always surprises people when they start work as visual merchandisers?
The hours! It’s not a 9 to 5 job. Visual merchandisers often have to work around store opening hours or fit in with other people like photographers and contractors – or even the weather – so flexibility is important.
How do you select students for your course?
We look for people who are very creative and have a passion for the industry.
Finally, what is the job market for merchandising like in Australia?
It’s actually very good because there are a lot of big retailers here who understand that visual merchandising is an important part of the marketing mix. Australia is right up there with the US and Europe in terms of the sophistication of visual merchandising. Jobs aren’t often advertised – usually it’s a case of word of mouth. It’s a small industry, so it’s important to build your network of people in the industry.
