Week 15: Monday 20th January 2014:

Week 15: Monday 20^th January 2014:

Work Placement: Harvey Nichols Manchester 1 week.
Working with the Visual Merchandising team, I am feeling apprehensive but excited, as it is a career, I would like to peruse after university. I have been reading up on the ideas and theories behind shop layout and consumerism in an attempt to help me with my week of work.  Over the week I was given many duties, I helped the team install the windows (see images) and I chose the garments and shoes according to colour theme of each window.

 I used In-design and Photoshop to print out designs in vinyl on the plotter and then stick them in store or the windows. The skills and breath of ideas you have to have as a Visual Merchandiser made me realise how important independent research is and keeping up your own knowledge of the products you are selling; in this case luxury high end products.
Overall, the experience was priceless and one I am glad I had the chance to participate within. The team work extremely hard, creating the best possible displays and choosing stock in which will look ideal in the display. It enabled me to see where my own practice would sit in the Visual Merchandising world and although there are jobs, for Freelance installation artists (whom Harvey Nichols employs at busy times) the income is uncertain and it is a risk I feel I am not ready to take.  Therefore, my practice would be best suited for an independent art gallery or site specific.