How to Be Exhibit Designer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 27, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Exhibit designers create displays and interactive experiences for museums, galleries, and other venues. By combining knowledge of art, design, and technology, they are able to bring history, culture, and stories to life. Their efforts often result in increased visitor engagement and a higher appreciation of the exhibit's content.

They also help to create unique experiences that can set a venue apart from its competitors and attract new audiences. As a result, exhibit designers play an important role in preserving, promoting, and educating the public about our shared world heritage.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelors Degree. The first step to becoming an exhibit designer is to obtain a bachelors degree in a related field such as fine arts, industrial design, or architecture. It is important to gain an understanding of design principles and techniques in order to be successful in this profession.
Pursue an Internship. An internship is an excellent way to gain experience in the field of exhibit design. Internships can provide valuable insight into the job and help develop the skills necessary to perform the job.
Obtain Employment. After completing an internship, the next step is to obtain full-time employment as an exhibit designer. Many exhibit designers are employed by museums, science centers, and other cultural institutions.
Develop Your Skills. Exhibit designers must constantly develop their skills in order to stay competitive in the field. It is important to stay up-to-date on trends and technologies related to exhibit design in order to create the most engaging and effective displays.
Network. Networking is an important part of the job. Exhibit designers should attend industry events and conferences in order to stay current on industry news and get to know other professionals in the field. Networking can help lead to new job opportunities and professional growth.

The demand for skilled and qualified exhibit designers is on the rise due to the increased need for innovative and eye-catching displays in museums, galleries, corporate events and other venues. This has led to a greater emphasis on design training programs and qualifications, with many employers now seeking applicants who possess a combination of creative and technical skills. Those with a degree in design, industrial engineering, architecture, or a related field are particularly sought after, as these qualifications allow them to develop concepts for exhibits that are both visually appealing and structurally sound.

experience in the industry is also highly valued, as it indicates an understanding of the unique requirements of each project. the need for exhibit designers is growing, and those who invest in the required education and training will be well-positioned to take advantage of the opportunities that this expanding field presents.

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Job Description

Exhibit Designer: Develops and designs museum exhibits, displays, and graphics using a variety of materials.
Exhibit Fabricator: Constructs displays, models, and other components within the exhibit.
Exhibit Installer: Installs, maintains, and repairs exhibit components.
Exhibit Technician: Troubleshoots and repairs exhibit components in the field.
Exhibit Coordinator: Oversees exhibit design, fabrication, installation, and maintenance.
Exhibit Manager: Manages budget, staff, and timeline of the exhibit development process.
Artist: Creates artwork for an exhibition or display.
Lighting Technician: Sets up and maintains lighting for an exhibition or display.
Audio Technician: Installs audio equipment and sound systems for an exhibition or display.
Audiovisual Technician: Installs video and projection equipment for an exhibition or display.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of design principles and aesthetics
Ability to create visually appealing graphics and displays
Knowledge of the latest trends in exhibit design
Proficiency in designing 3D models
Ability to communicate design ideas effectively
Experience in collaborating with architects, engineers, and fabricators
Ability to create concept boards and storyboards
Ability to create cost estimates for materials and labor
Knowledge of lighting design principles
Ability to interpret museum or exhibition briefs
Knowledge of fabrication techniques and processes
Knowledge of safety standards and regulations
Proficiency in using CAD software
Excellent problem-solving skills
Ability to work within tight deadlines

Having the right skills as an exhibit designer is essential for success in the field. Creativity and problem solving skills are key for creating effective exhibits that capture attention and engage visitors. Being able to think outside the box and come up with unique solutions to challenges is a must.

experience in design and fabrication, project management, and budgeting are important for creating well-executed projects. A good understanding of the audience and their needs, as well as an ability to communicate effectively with clients and team members is also essential. exhibit designers must be able to combine their creative skills with their technical knowledge to create compelling designs that are successful.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in designing and constructing exhibits?
Describe an exhibit project you have worked on that you are proud of.
How do you ensure that your designs meet the clients requirements?
What challenges have you faced while designing exhibits?
How do you go about researching and sourcing materials for an exhibit?
What is your experience in working with a team to create an exhibit?
How would you handle a difficult client situation?
What strategies do you use to stay organized when working on multiple projects?
Do you have any experience in developing interactive exhibits?
What is your experience with graphic design and multimedia production?

Common Tools in Industry

SketchUp. 3D modeling software used to create 3D models and exhibits (eg: creating a virtual museum exhibit).
Adobe Photoshop. Photo editing software used to enhance images for exhibit displays (eg: adding text and graphics to images for a poster display).
Autodesk AutoCAD. Computer-aided design software used for creating and drafting visual plans for exhibits (eg: drafting a blueprint for an exhibit layout).
3D printer. Technology used to create physical objects out of a digital design (eg: printing out 3D models of artifacts for an exhibit).
Adobe InDesign. Desktop publishing software used to create brochures, flyers, and other materials related to an exhibit(eg: designing promotional materials for a new exhibit).
Adobe Illustrator. Vector graphics software used to create logos, illustrations, and other graphics for an exhibit (eg: creating a logo for an exhibit).
Game engine software. Technology used to create interactive experiences for an exhibit (eg: creating a virtual reality experience for visitors to explore).
Robotics. Technology used to create robotic elements for an exhibit (eg: creating a robotic arm that can be used to interact with visitors).

Professional Organizations to Know

International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE)
Society of Experiential Graphic Designers (SEGD)
International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA)
American Association of Museums (AAM)
Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC)
Event Marketing Association (EMA)
Exhibitor Media Group (EMG)
International Association of Business Communicators (IABC)
National Association of Museum Exhibition (NAME)
Themed Entertainment Association (TEA)

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Common Important Terms

Exhibit Design. The process of creating a visual display of items or information to capture the attention of visitors, such as in a museum, trade show, or other exhibit.
Graphic Design. The use of visual elements, such as images and text, to communicate a message in a visually pleasing and effective manner.
Branding. The creation and promotion of a consistent identity for a company or product across multiple platforms.
Lighting Design. The careful placement and arrangement of lighting fixtures to create an atmosphere or effect.
3D Modeling. The process of creating three-dimensional representations of objects using software applications.
Fabrication. The process of building and assembling physical objects from raw materials or components.
CAD (Computer-Aided Design). The use of computer software to create and modify designs for physical objects or structures.
Wayfinding. The process of guiding people through physical spaces with the use of signage, symbols, and other visual cues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of an Exhibit Designer?

An Exhibit Designer is responsible for creating and designing engaging, informative and aesthetically pleasing exhibits for museums, galleries and other public spaces. They must have a strong knowledge of design principles, materials and techniques to create displays that accurately articulate the message of the exhibit.

What skills are needed to be an Exhibit Designer?

Exhibit Designers need to have excellent communication, project management and creative problem-solving skills. They must have a keen eye for detail, be comfortable working with a variety of materials and tools, and have a good understanding of the principles of design. Additionally, they must be able to work with a team to create well-crafted exhibits that meet their clients expectations.

What is the job outlook for an Exhibit Designer?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for Exhibit Designers is projected to grow 4% from 2019-2029. This growth rate is slower than the average for all occupations in the United States.

What is the average salary for an Exhibit Designer?

The median annual wage for Exhibit Designers in 2019 was $51,640, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

How do I become an Exhibit Designer?

Becoming an Exhibit Designer typically requires a Bachelors degree in a related field, such as graphic design, industrial design, or exhibit design. Additionally, experience with tools and materials used in exhibit design is often beneficial. Once qualified, many Exhibit Designers choose to become certified through organizations such as International Association of Exhibition Management (IAEM) or Themed Entertainment Association (TEA).