Exhibition designer
Exhibition designers work with organisations and individuals to turn their ideas into engaging displays.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
In your day-to-day duties you may:
- discuss requirements with clients
- present your ideas as sketches, scale plans, computer-generated visuals and models
- produce final blueprints after discussions with clients
- handle orders for supplies
- liaise with technical specialists like lighting staff
- work with technicians to build and fit displays and installations
- project manage the set-up process from start to finish
Working environment
You could work at events, at a conference centre or in an office.
Your working environment may be you'll travel often and you may spend nights away from home.
Career path and progression
With experience you may be able to progress to a more senior position, like team leader or senior designer.
You could also become freelance, or set up your own company.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of the fine arts
- design skills and knowledge
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to use your initiative
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
You'll normally need a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:
- spatial design (exhibitions)
- interior design
- three-dimensional (3D) design
- interior architecture
You may also find exhibition design options as part of some events management, and museums and galleries courses.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- a foundation diploma in art and design
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More Information
You could apply to do a Scenic Construction Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship with an organisation.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
More Information
You may be able to get into this type of work as a junior design assistant. To do this, you are likely to need a qualification in art and design, like a diploma or an A level.
You are also likely to need experience in using computer-aided design (CAD) software packages.
You could volunteer to help set up exhibitions, for example with local arts festivals or in libraries.
This would help you gain practical skills as well as an insight into the project management that goes on behind the scenes.
Career tips
You'll need to put together a portfolio of your work to highlight your design skills to show at interview. Work experience would also give you an advantage when applying for training and jobs.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Chartered Society of Designers, for professional development, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Further information
You can find out more about creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.