Exhibition Designer

What is an exhibition designer?

An exhibition designer is someone who designs the layout and visual elements of exhibitions in museums, galleries, trade shows, and other similar venues.

What does an exhibition designer do?

Usually, an exhibition designer does the following:

• Works with clients or stakeholders to understand their vision and objectives for the exhibition
• Designs the layout and flow of the exhibition space, including the placement of displays, artwork, interactive elements, and signage
• Creates visual concepts and sketches to communicate design ideas and themes
• Selects and arranges lighting, fixtures, and props to enhance the exhibition experience
• Collaborates with other professionals, such as graphic designers and curators, to bring the exhibition to life
• Oversees the installation and dismantling of exhibitions

What does the day-to-day life of an exhibition designer look like?

An exhibition designer typically works during regular business hours, from 9am to 5pm. However, there may be occasional evening or weekend work during exhibition installations or openings.

Day-to-day tasks of an exhibition designer may include:

• Meeting with clients or stakeholders to discuss exhibition requirements and design concepts
• Conducting research on the subject matter of the exhibition to ensure accurate representation and engagement
• Creating sketches, mood boards, and digital renderings of exhibition layouts and visual elements
• Collaborating with other professionals, such as graphic designers, architects, and fabricators, to bring the design vision to fruition
• Attending site visits to assess exhibition spaces and make necessary adjustments
• Overseeing the installation and ensuring that the design is executed as planned

Where does an exhibition designer work?

Exhibition designers can work in various settings, including:

• Museums and galleries: Designing exhibitions to showcase artwork, artifacts, or specific themes.
• Event companies: Designing exhibitions for trade shows, conferences, and corporate events.
• Design agencies: Working on exhibitions for clients from various industries.
• Self-employed: Freelancing and working on exhibition projects for multiple clients.

Exhibition designers can be based in different locations, both urban and rural, depending on where the opportunities are. Major cities in the UK, such as London, Manchester, and Edinburgh, tend to have more exhibition design job opportunities.

What tools/software/hardware does an exhibition designer use?

An exhibition designer uses a variety of tools and software, including:

• Design software: Adobe Creative Suite (such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign) for creating digital presentations, concept visuals, and layouts.
• Computer-aided design (CAD) software: AutoCAD or SketchUp for creating detailed technical drawings and 3D models of exhibition spaces.
• Presentation tools: PowerPoint or Keynote for developing visual presentations to share concepts and ideas with clients or stakeholders.
• Drawing and sketching materials: Traditional art supplies or digital tablets for creating sketches and concept art.

What do I need to become an exhibition designer?

There are a few pathways to becoming an exhibition designer, including:

• Bachelor's degree: Pursuing a degree in Exhibition Design, Interior Design, or a related field can provide a strong foundation and knowledge in design principles, space planning, and exhibition concepts.
• Experience and portfolio: Gaining practical experience through internships, volunteering, or freelance projects helps develop a portfolio that showcases your skills and design abilities.
• Continuing education: Taking relevant courses or workshops in areas like graphic design, museum studies, or event planning can enhance your knowledge and make you more competitive in the field.

What career paths are available?

There are several career paths available to exhibition designers, including:

• Senior Exhibition Designer: With experience, you can progress to a senior role where you oversee multiple projects, mentor junior designers, and have a greater influence on design decisions.
• Museum Curator: Building on your exhibition design skills, you can specialize in curating museum collections and creating engaging exhibits.
• Event Production Manager: Transitioning into event management, you can apply your design skills to plan and execute large-scale exhibitions, conferences, and trade shows.

To start on these career paths, gaining experience in the field, consistently updating your skills, and networking within the industry are essential.

What jobs are similar to an exhibition designer?

• Retail Store Designer: Designing the layout and visual merchandising of retail spaces.
• Interior Designer: Creating functional, aesthetic, and safe interior environments for different spaces.
• Set Designer: Designing sets for theatre, film, or television productions.

Are you an exhibition designer? We want you to share your experiences with those looking to start or change their careers in exhibition design. If you're interested, please contact us at mail@calumchilds.com.