Visual merchandisers create eye-catching displays and design store layouts to attract customers and encourage them to buy products. To pursue a career as a freelance visual merchandiser, you need several years of experience in the design or retail industry. Formal education is not required, but degree programs in visual merchandising, design, fashion, or marketing provide training on how to utilize lighting, arrange showcases, and make designs manually and with computer-aided design (CAD) programs. Acquire a position in a retail store to gain experience and learn how displays are built. Intern or volunteer with a professional visual merchandiser or with a charitable organization with a retail store. Practice decorating store windows if possible and assist with merchandise display. Take pictures of all the work you do to create a substantial portfolio. Once you have several years of experience, market your skills to retailers to obtain freelance visual merchandiser positions.