Exhibition designers are responsible for the design and layout of shows and exhibitions.As an exhibition designer, you’ll work on large commercial public exhibitions, showcase events, trade shows and conferences for trade, industry or education, or on cultural exhibitions for museums, libraries and galleries. You might also work on temporary displays for businesses and retailers.
You’ll be responsible for creating an exhibition that works on several levels. It must:
- have aesthetic appeal
- be practical
- communicate the client’s message, concept and image to visitors
- meet the limitations imposed by space and budget.
Duties
- liaise with clients to discuss the brief (themes, ideas or products to be promoted)
- discuss the brief and design concepts with the design team, finalise proposals and present these to clients
- develop a genuine understanding of the client’s brand, products, needs and objectives, as well as the motivations behind customers’ buying decisions
- create initial design sketches and computer-generated 3D visuals, sometimes building models and prototypes
- do a variety of design work (graphic design and artwork) for different displays and exhibitions
- work on quotes – once the design brief and concept are established, the costs need to be calculated to make sure the project is financially viable
- attend meetings with the accounts and sales teams to take briefs and to present your designs
- take financial responsibility for a project in terms of meeting budget constraints
- handle production orders for materials and site services, e.g. electronics
- meet with and brief suppliers
- transport displays to exhibition sites and install and dismantle exhibition displays.
Qualifications
You’ll typically have a degree, diploma or foundation degree in an art and design-related subject such as:
- three-dimensional (3D) design
- fine art
- graphic design
- interior and spatial design
- interior architecture and design
- multimedia
- visual arts
- theatre design.
Skills
- be imaginative and creative
- have technical drawing skills
- have an eye for shape and colour
- be able to think in three dimensions
- have good communication skills
- be able to use computer-based design programs
- keep up to date with current design trends
- be positive and clear in promoting and explaining ideas
- work well under pressure, sometimes to very tight deadlines
- know about business and accounting procedures
- be aware of relevant health and safety issues.