What Is a Visual Stylist and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

A visual stylist helps design the overall merchandise floorplan and display at a retail store. As a visual stylist, your job duties are to assess foot traffic and customer choices and build visually interesting displays that attract new customers and increase sales. If you work for a large retailer, you're responsible for incorporating brand messaging into the store's design. The qualifications for this career include prior experience in merchandising or retail, preferably in a similar role, as well as a talent for interior design and styling. You also need interpersonal and leadership skills as you often direct other stylists and artists, such as window dressers, to carry out your vision.

The qualifications you need to become a visual stylist include a high school diploma, experience in a retail environment, and customer service skills. Some employers prefer applicants with postsecondary education in fashion merchandising or visual merchandising, but this is not always required. Other helpful qualities for a visual stylist include the ability to work evening, night, or weekend hours as necessary. If you work for a company with multiple locations, you may need a driver’s license or the ability to travel.