Visual Merchandising has been one of my favorite classes this semester! We learnt a lot of important things but I think some of the most important things we learnt were probably the platinum/ gold/ silver/ bronze areas of a store. It really helped me to understand how a store can get a consumer to spend so much money. I also think that setting up effective display cases throughout the semester was very important because display cases are used everywhere to advertise basically any product so that is a very good tool to have. Point of purchase sales were also a really good thing to learn because it's a really good sales technique and tool to have in any store for consumers to buy things they don't usually think about until they are at the cash register.
My biggest challenge throughout the semester was ultimately the display case assignments were we didn't have a lot of time to come up with a really a good idea and a really good plan to set up the display, so we would usually go with our first idea and plan along the way, which probably was not the right way to that. I feel that my biggest success however was the display cases because it taught us to think on the go and to be able to work through the challenges to create an effective display.
Thanks For A Great Semester!!
Christina Lowe
http://www.wowconsulting.co.nz/images/visual_merchandising_1.jpg

The main thing that I learned this semester was how much time and planning goes into a single window display.  Also, I learned how to adjust to new problems that continually arose during set up and planning of the displays.  I enjoyed learning to make planograms and layouts of stores.  I found it very interesting how customers read and flow through a store.  My biggest success of the semester would have to be my found object project.  I think it came out looking how I intended and it was definitely fun to make.  I liked how it was super creative with minimal limitations.  The image above is a really neat way to use back lighting and create a mood.  This green lighting effect could easily be applied to a store with a darker area.  But I suppose you would want to consider how the green light would change the look of the clothing.    With that, it was a great semester and a great class! THANKS :)

Jena D.

3 important things that i learnt this year in visual merchandinsing are...

1. I'm a lot more creative than i thought i was before coming to this class, how to draw in perspective & my shopping experience are much more exciting because i notice all different kinds of principles of design and such in store displays
2.I have improved my people skills (public speaking etc.), using my time effectively & work ethic
3. Ive learn t more about how my mind works, ways that i learn most effectively & keeping myself motivated

My biggest success in the course is that i feel as though my mind is broader and im no longer afraid to put my creative ideas out there and im willing to take more chances, im also a lot more comfortable with speaking out loud and im a much better drawer.

My biggest challenge was public speaking, sharing my ideas with others, drawing in perspective, working at such a fast pace/trying to keep up, talking with the instructors about my struggles

-Tumelo C.

CHRISTMAS IN YEW YORK

I have learnt a lot in this short semester in terms of visual merchandising and window displays. The biggest challenge for me has been trying to recognize the elements and principles of design. I am still having a tough time, but I have learnt quite a bit. Along this post is a picture of our (merchandising group) biggest success of visual displays we have put together throughout this semester. For design elements we have: creative lighting, repetition, line and texture to name a few. I would have to agree that one of the challenges to the displays is time management, pre-planning and being ready with everything when it is time to set up. The best part about it though is working with a good team and make it a fun experience and enjoy the project rather than to look at it as work to be done. It has been a joyful experience to have learnt so much about window display and how important it is to make it as successful as possible, for it is advertisement as well as an image presentation of the business.

-EVA

Looking back...

The three most important things I learned in Visual Merchandising are,

1. How to draw in perspective as well as portray light and shadow
2. How to work in a group; time management, efficiency, communication, balance of workload, conflict resolving, and stress management
3. How important store layout, including planograms and window displays, are for sales as well as attracting the target market aimed for; specifications.

The biggest challenge I faced was learning light and shadow; taking a risk and bringing values to the next level.

The biggest success I had was working in a group; I really feel my skills for working in a group have improved.

J.Callihoo

The 3 most important things I learned in Visual Merchandising class are: Learning to work with limited props and money resources, learning to draw in perspective, and learning that store layout is extremely important in generating sales.  The biggest challenge that I encountered was to learn to work in the time frame with also balancing the amount of props that we had to work with.  I think my biggest success was working with my group members to get our displays done and looking professional.  It was exciting to be given a challenge and find a way to actually get the display done and get the point across.  This class will really make me think more about the displays I see when I go shopping. 
Jen Englot

Three of the most important things that i have learned over the past semester would be:
1. I really learned how to use different props in a display, and that the right props can make your display stand out that much better.
2. I also learned that if you use 3D objects in your display, it makes your display that much more attractive and more interesting to look at.
3. Another important thing that i learned it that if you use a interesting and colourful background it makes it all that much better.

The thing that i found that was a challenge was my third display case. I found it really hard seeing that we couldn't use any type of prop which is something that is very important in a display

The thing that i found was a success was the cave display that we did. It was fun and interesting, it was also something that lots of people are interested in and the thing we did for it made it all that more interesting
Brittany Steininger

The most important things that i learnt in visual merchandising would be prop placement and how much it can change the over all look of the display by just switching sides. I also learnt how important lighting is in a display and how different positions can make an object look completely different. The last major thing i learnt would be in creating our drawing how effective the use of light and shadow is. The biggest challenge i had to face would be the bookstore, it was our first display and we had troubles with our backdrop which was very difficult to fix. My biggest success would be the cave display, it was very simple and it was still eye catching and i thought it was done very well.
Kacey Duane

The three most important things that i learnt in my visual merchandising class would be:

• How to fill up a big display case with only a limited amount of props.
• How light placement can draw a person to a certain garment or display case, and make it stand out.
• I learnt what a backlight transparency was, which is something that would be used to light pictures in your store very effectively.

My biggest challenge in this class would have to be the bookstore display, because it was our first display and we had to incorporate everyones ideas into one.

My biggest success in this class would be the cave display because we had to fill it with very little and use our peers work without ruining it, which i feel we achieved.

Madelen J. Molina

What I Learned

The three most important things I learned was how to work with major deadlines, be creative with my resources, and how to draw in perspective. These give me the ability show clients my ideas, what will be used and what time frame it will get done.
My biggest challenge was learning to be creative while still realizing what I can do in the time frame I am given. It's easy to think big and elaborate but it takes skill to still do a good job with limited supplies, skill, and people. Sometimes this inspired the best ideas for me because it forced me to think.
I felt my biggest success was my ability to work with my group. We were a good team because we equally divided our work and we trusted each other enough to get our parts done and done on time.

 

Tayler

Creative Lighting

 http://www.behance.net/gallery/Window-Display/4443569

 

This image uses technology, giving us a sense that its the x-rays giving off our light source. As well as using whites to reflect and transparency to aid the lighting affect.
- Shaylee Feist

Creative Lighting

This is a bit different from the normal window displays.
It stood out to me, I think people react to this display when walking by the store window. I think the lighting is very creative to give it the whole outer space feel.
What is also working to make it successful is the grouping of the little munchkins around their ship.

This picture can be found here: http://vi.sualize.us/biosca_botey_lighting_store_2010_window_display_enviromental_picture_vHPm.html

- Eva

Creative Lighting

This image was so neat! It is like the light bulb inside out. How the bulbs are tilted towards each other gives it triangular composition which is pleasing to the eye. Natural light, especially flame, will add so much to the atmosphere of a space as well. Also this is a unique idea, and it would make someone stop and enjoy the idea.

Brianna R.

Creative Lighting

This display lets off a very intense, mysterious & serious feel, which makes the buyer feel a little uncomfortable. However, it still makes the buyer want to enter the store because it makes people curious & want to find out exactly what is in the store. The display portrays balance and has a strong focal point.

-Cristabel

This image may be found on the following website: http://www.diaryofavm.blogspot.ca/

Creative Lighting & Identity Design Principles

Strong creative lighting is used in this display, throught the bright white neon light in the middle. All the glass and white color surrounding the display helps reflect light from the white neon lit apple and the light from the lamps outside the display. The display gives you a cool, natural, intense and modern feeling. The intensity of the display attracts customers from afar, it also sparks curiosity to find out what else is in the display; even though it is a pretty simple display.
-Tumelo C.

http://idowindows.wordpress.com/category/fashion-49/history-of-visual-merchandising/

http://pinterest.com/pin/311944711659101319/

The display uses creative lighting that could catch a viewers eye. By having a almost completely white display and using neon lights directed at the mannequin, then one uniquely shape one behind it to lighten it up just a bit. This shows the veiewer her with out over powering it with a spot light.

Kacey Duane

Creative Lighting

Creative Lighting Example

This window display makes use of some very interesting colored lighting.  It's a mix of intense yellow and purples, giving it a complimentary colour scheme.  Also, the direction in which the girl is laying, and the triangular boards splaying across the window give a sense of line to the display.  The lighting is also helping to convey a very cool and isolated mood.  The spec of yellow light is helping to create a focal point within the window. - Jena D.

This image can be found at: http://en.paperblog.com/northern-lights-at-the-swarovski-christmas-forest-at-105559/

creative lighting

http://ts2.mm.bing.net/th?id=I.4670489960710357&pid=15.1

This lights up the space very softly but also allows the lighting to act as a great example of line. -Tayler

Creative Lighting

This display has a creative use of lighting in it.  I like how the lighting lights up different parts of the display and gives it the "underwater" feel they were going for.  It looks like an old shipwreck.  This display has a focal point and balance.  Even though it is quite a busy display I think it is successful at drawing the viewer in to the display.  It really makes you want to take a better look and see all the details including the girls dress which is what they are selling.

A like to this picture is
http://miranti.typepad.com/miranti/2008/12/window-displays-in-nyc-part-ii.html

Jen Englot

Theory of Intensity

http://retaildesignblog.net/tag/shoe/

This display is 145 brightly coloured legs. It is very intense starting from the colours, then to the legs coming out from the wall, and lastly using a plain white background makes the intense colours pop even more. They also use the line method to move the viewers eyes, however it is in a more bold way of doing it.

http://11milestocool.wordpress.com/tag/japanese/

This display case shows intensity through its colours, having red be a very bold intense colour. The shapes/ weird tentacles also make this display very intense. Lastly the girl in the middle has a very striking face. All of these things combined make this display very crazy and intense.  

Kacey d

Monochromatic - earth tones

I found this image from google, the link was a direction back to another photo sharing website. the earth tone of greyish green is highlighted in this display. it gives a cold feeling off and reminds me of clay.













I found this display, again, on google images and was redirected again to a image sharing site. the colors that are demonstrated are different tints of a greenish brown. The overall feeling I get from this display is very calming. it also gives an appearance of being in a garden.










Madison Hampshire

Green - Positive "theme"

This display picture can be found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/26154094@N03/6888371149/

In this display the green theme is positive as its bright colours and the neon flower with the sun dresses reminds me of springtime. Also this display has the group of three technique as well as the monochromatic colour scheme.

This display picture can be found at http://blogs.creativepool.co.uk/blog/is-it-time-to-call-the-window-cleaner-why-selfridges-is-king-of-the-window-display/

This display has a positive green theme as well with the nature vibe and the historical famous people. This display also has the group of three technique.

Carly S

Analogous- Combination

These two window displays demonstrate an analogous colour scheme in a very effective way, both use very bright and cheerful colours that really causes you to look twice and creates a warming and happy feeling. -Donna

http://rinkoblog.wordpress.com/category/window-displays/
http://retailbydesign.ca/tag/institutional-window-displays/

ACHROMATIC

I like this colourless Achromatic look for a display. It stands out by the chairs being stacked, makes ya stop and wonder how that is possible. It's arranged in  a triangle shape and is very effective for a noticeable display. This display can be found here:

http://retaildesignblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Black-and-white-is-best-at-Cos-and-Topshop.jpg

This is looking a bit empty but it's all spaced nicely that it works well. Very much gives that soothening feeling of live music. This picture can be found here: http://chasingyellowcabs.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/moschino.jpg

-Eva

Theory of Intensity

This display shows a strong green color, which gives the viewer a clean, earthy & natural  feel  when looking at it. A Design principle present is balance.   

http://the-creativity-window.com/2012/06/5-surefire-visual-merchandising-ideas/

This store display shows a significant amount of intensity. It portrays this intensity through the powerful red color it posseses.  The red color gives the viewer a feeling of warmth, comfort & intensity. A design element thats slightly present in the display is line (Leaves on the flower, the chain links & and the back walls corner lines).
http://the-creativity-window.com/2012/07/autumn-fall-window-display-ideas/By: Tumelo Chiwele

Blue- Serious "theme"

http://madonnalicious.typepad.com/madonnalicious/2010/08/dolce-gabbana-window-display-in-las-vegas.html

When designing a window display, visual merchandisers take colour into consideration. Colour can help set a desired mood, determine the reaction from customers, and support the occurring theme. 

The theme portrayed in the images I have posted is 'serious' with the main colour blue. I found the image above a serious theme because of the chosen background; a photo of a past time, of life, of reality. The colour blue on Madonnas shirt helps support setting the mood of sincerity, softness and seriousness. When I first look at the image I get a feeling of nostalgia. I also chose the image below as a serious theme because of the instant feeling of eeriness and mystery. The colour blue can also give off a meaning of power along with seriousness, which is portrayed in this image. 

http://trendland.com/alice-in-wonderland-window-display/

J.Callihoo

Achromatic With One Colour

Image 1

This is a pretty interesting display. All the letters casting shadows on the backdrop. The third mannequin in the red dress is the focal point, having her in red brings so much more visual interest to the display.

This image can be found here,
 http://www.anothernormal.com/bergdorf-goodman-windows-jan-14-2009/

Ahhh Chanel, they even make their displays look like they are high end. Love the icy blue! It gives the winter chill effect to the white clothing and the ice. It also make the black scarves and mittens look even more cozy to wear!

This image can be found here,
http://izandrew.blogspot.ca/2010/10/window-display-at-chanel.html

Brianna R.

Acromoatic with One Colour

http://www.theimport.co.uk/2010/07/selfridges-windows-by-kyle-bean/
I love how this shows a connection between literature and fairy tales. I love poetry as well as fantasy.
Possibly weighing the balance between reality and make believe.Simple elegant.

http://www.anothernormal.com/bergdorf-goodman-window-displays-august-14-2008/
To me this display speaks about classical ,functional every day style. Then with the lighting show cases the steps and deconstruction of a design process. This lighting brings out a serious undertone.

Shaylee Feist

Split-Complimentry Combination

This display shows a split-complimentry combination using blue, yellow-orange and red-orange which makes it a perfect example.

http://thewindowdisplayblog.com/category/autumnwinter/

This display shows the use of the split complementary combination colours light blue, pink, and a light orange.

http://thewindowdisplayblog.com/category/autumnwinter/ 

B.S

Red Positive Theme

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travelblogs/145/140658/New+York+at+Christmas%3A+10+Festive+Things+to+Do+in+New+York+City?destId=362079
The red here used in the bow around the building portrays the whole building as a gift and the repetition of the red curtains can almost be a patten on wrapping paper, this theme invokes excitement and curiosity as you wonder what is inside.

http://blog.liganova.com/tag/window-displays/
The red here represents excitement to get your attention and the red conveys that this is important and grabs a persons attention so they will understand what is being shown. Line is also well used here. This display make me feel adventurous, like I should be exploring what is in my attic. - Tayler

Balance

This picture can be found at: http://lisastwist.wordpress.com/2011/12/17/ip-research-shop-interiors-and-window-displays/

Line

This picture is very cool. The broken glass is a bunch of lines that take your eye to the middle which is a hole that you can see the store in. It makes you feel that they are welcoming you into the store with this feeling.
This picture can be found at: http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/the-art-of-window-displays-15
B.S

Groups of 3

you may find this picture at http://indigomag.wordpress.com/2007/09/

COMPLIMENTARY SATURATED

Purple and Yellow complimentary colours really pop in this window display by Marc Jacobs, the scale is very large  and is off set to one side but does not over power the window. The display has a whimsical, fun, and charming feel that makes me want to go on an adventure!

Image can be found at: http://maiden-voyage-travel.com/guide-to-vegas-on-a-budget/

Red and Green Complimentary colours used in this Hermes window display are vibrant and eye catching; the balance of the window is archived in the use of the flower frame focal point to draw your eye around, from the lager chair to the smaller objects below. The luxurious articles of clothing give you a rich feeling while the painting makes you feel as though you have escaped to a far way land.

Image can be found at: http://huggymonster.com/2011/02/18/hermes-window-displays-on-rue-du-faubourg-saint-honore-in-paris/

SS

LINE

The composition of the scrolling line carried throughout this Dior window display draws the eye to each handbag, it is simple yet effective. Visual interest has been added in the interior of the scroll as well as the scale of the line and the handbags vs. the small letters and handbags hanging from above.

Image can be found at: http://favim.com/image/165165/

SS

Repetition

image source:
http://www.sneakerobsession.com/19404/window-display-at-colette-for-reebok-pump-20-campaign/
 I like this as an example of repetition because it's simple, not fussy and overcrowded, it draws the eye with no distractions and gets it's message out clearly. -Tayler

PYRAMIDAL COMPOSITION

I love this Pyramidal composition window display.

It consists of bright colours and is well arranged to feel 

comfortable and at ease when looking at it. 

It's pleasing to the eye and very inviting.

-Eva

http://www.bastionandlark.com/2012/05/christians-window-on-world.html

Balance.

http://retaildesignblog.net/category/visual-merchandising/page/13/

When designing a window layout there are certain guidelines and basic rules recommended to follow to ensure the end result is as aesthetically pleasing to the customer as it can be. One of the guidelines recommended, among many, is optical balance. 

Optical balance consists of two main compositions, informal and formal balance. Informal balance being asymmetrical and formal balance symmetrical. Both compositions can be positively effective if presented correctly. 

Balance can be defined as a state of equilibrium or equipoise, therefore formal balance is generally easier to comprehend considering the same objects are used to create a mirror image, however informal balance is still an even distribution of optical weight with various objects. 

The image above represents formal balance while the image below represents informal balance.

http://f-y-n-e.blogspot.ca/

J.Callihoo