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Exhibition Designer

Do you want to become a Exhibition Designer? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

Exhibition designers work freelance or for exhibition design companies. They design stands for shows and exhibitions from major public stands, eg at the Ideal Home Show, to trade exhibitions, outdoor events, conferences and other temporary or mobile displays.

Working hours are usually flexible, according to the job in hand, location of exhibition/show venues and the timescale. Designers work from offices or design studios but travel frequently to meet clients, see venues and supervise the building of stands. 

Salaries range from around £17,000 for a new exhibition designer, to £40,000 or more for a very experienced one. Freelance exhibition designers are paid set or negotiated fees per project.

An exhibition designer should:

• have technical drawing skills and an eye for shape and colour
• be imaginative, creative and up to date with current trends
• be positive, with good communication skills
• be able to work under pressure
• have knowledge of computer-based design programmes and health and safety issues relevant to the exhibition design industry
• enjoy the challenge of creating new designs
• have the stamina for working long hours, to tight deadlines.

Exhibition design companies are based throughout the UK, many within easy access of major exhibition sites, eg London and Birmingham. It is a competitive profession, but there is constant demand for skilled and experienced designers, with increasing opportunities for freelance designers. Entry is usually with a British Display Society (BDS) Advanced Diploma in Exhibition Design, BA (Hons) or foundation degree in design, or BTEC/SQA Higher National Diploma (HND). Some people enter the profession from other types of design work.

Degree courses usually last three or four years; foundation degrees, HND courses and the BDS Advanced Diploma course last two years. NVQs/SVQs are available, including Design, Design Support and Design Management. Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships, Skillseekers and National Traineeships may be available.

Designers working for exhibition design companies, or in house in other major companies, may have promotion opportunities, eg to team leader or senior designer. Progress for freelance designers is reliant on their being established in the industry and creating work to a consistently high standard.

 

 

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