Exhibit Designer

Professionals who want to work in the museum industry to bring history to life can consider becoming an Exhibit Designer. As an Exhibit Designer, you will be responsible for designing and developing exhibits for museums, galleries, and other public spaces. This career may require a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field and usually takes over five years to enter this career.

Responsibilities

Exhibit Designers are responsible for the following:

• Planning and developing museum exhibits
• Conducting research on the subject matter of the exhibit
• Designing the layout and content of the exhibit
• Working with fabricators, curators, and other staff to implement the exhibit
• Evaluating the effectiveness of the exhibit

Skills

Exhibit Designers should have the following skills:

• Strong creativity and design skills
• Excellent research skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Project management skills
• Knowledge of museum standards and best practices

Tools and Software

Exhibit Designers may use the following tools and software:

• Computer-aided design (CAD) software
• Graphic design software
• Project management software
• Digital fabrication equipment

Education and Training

Exhibit Designers typically need a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field, such as museum studies, art history, or design. Some employers may also require experience in exhibit design or fabrication.

Career Growth

Exhibit Designers may advance to positions such as Exhibit Manager, Curator, or Director of Exhibitions. They may also start their own exhibit design firm.

Transferable Skills

The skills that Exhibit Designers develop can be transferred to other careers in the museum industry, such as:

• Museum Curator
• Archivist
• Museum Educator

Day-to-Day

The day-to-day work of an Exhibit Designer may include the following:

• Meeting with clients to discuss their needs
• Conducting research on the subject matter of the exhibit
• Designing the layout and content of the exhibit
• Working with fabricators, curators, and other staff to implement the exhibit
• Evaluating the effectiveness of the exhibit

Challenges

Exhibit Designers may face the following challenges:

• Deadlines
• Budget constraints
• Working with difficult clients
• Balancing creativity with practicality

Projects

Exhibit Designers may work on a variety of projects, such as:

• Designing a new exhibit for a museum
• Updating an existing exhibit
• Creating a traveling exhibit
• Designing a website or app for an exhibit

Personal Growth

Exhibit Designers may have the opportunity to develop the following personal growth opportunities:

• Creativity
• Problem-solving
• Communication
• Teamwork

Personality Traits and Interests

Exhibit Designers should have the following personality traits and interests:

• Creativity
• Attention to detail
• Strong work ethic
• Interest in history and culture

Self-Guided Projects

Students who want to become Exhibit Designers can complete the following self-guided projects:

• Design a museum exhibit on a topic of your choice
• Create a website or app for an exhibit
• Volunteer at a museum or gallery
• Take online courses in exhibit design

Online Courses

Online courses can be a helpful way to learn about exhibit design. Online courses can teach you the basics of exhibit design, such as planning, research, and design. They can also provide you with the opportunity to practice your skills by completing projects and assignments.

Online courses can be a helpful learning tool for Exhibit Designers, but they are not enough to follow a path to this career. Exhibit Designers typically need a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field, such as museum studies, art history, or design. Some employers may also require experience in exhibit design or fabrication.