Exhibition designer

You would design and create attractive display stands for companies to show off their products or services at conferences and events.

You’d work with organisations and individuals to turn their ideas into engaging displays. The design would tie in with an overall theme or promote the company and its products in the most positive way.

You’d draw sketches and scale plans to illustrate your ideas. You’d use design software to create computer-generated visuals. You might also make models.

You could design displays for:

• Large commercial public exhibitions like the Ideal Home Show

• Conferences and exhibitions for education, trade and industry

• Temporary displays for businesses, retailers, museums, libraries and galleries

You’d use graphics, props, multimedia, lighting and sound to make the most of the exhibition space.

You would:

• Discuss the requirements with your clients

• Present your ideas

• Produce final blueprints

• Order the supplies

• Liaise with technical specialists such as lighting staff

• Manage the set-up of the display

In smaller companies, you would oversee the construction of the components for the display stand. You’d also organise getting the stand put together and installed at the exhibition venue.

You’d need to be aware of health and safety issues.

• British Display Society - represents the visual merchandising and display profession

• Creative Choices - Help and advice for a career in the creative industry from Creative and Cultural Skills

• D&AD - internatiional membership organisation for people working in design, art direction and advertising

• Chartered Society of Designers - international body providing support and guidance for the design profession