Exhibition Designer

Typical Salary

£18,000 To £40,000

Typical Hours

39 to 41 a week

evenings / weekends attending events or appointments

How To Become a Exhibition Designer

You can get into this job through:

a university course
working towards this role
specialist courses run by private training organisations

College / University

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

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 equiva

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship are not listed for this job.

Routes into this Career

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.

Other Routes

The British Display Society offers a distance learning course, the Certificate in Display and Visual Merchandising, which includes units on layout, design and lighting.

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

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
project manage the set-up process from start to finish

Working Environment

You could work at events, in an office or at a conference centre.

Career Path & 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.

Volunteering Opportunities

You could volunteer to help set up exhibitions, for example with local arts festivals or in libraries.

Tips & Information

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.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.