Ask Fashion Girl

Dear Mackenzie:

Visual Communications is a hot career, and VisCom professionals can wear a lot of hats. Careers range from displaying merchandise and designing store windows and in-store displays, to decorating a set for a film, TV show, or play, to planning and executing special events. They can also style the wardrobe, accessories, and props for photo shoots, videos, and commercials. The field offers lots of opportunity to be highly creative and original.

To begin getting experience in this area, enroll in an art class at school or at a recreation center if available. Get on your school's decorating committee and make decorations for dances and events, or help plan the event itself. Volunteer to work on charity events so you can see how they are planned and executed. Read fashion magazines and watch videos to observe how everything is placed in the background to how the clothes fit the models. Take charge of arranging the merchandise for a garage sale so that it's well presented. You can also do this in your own room as well. When you're old enough, get a job in a retail store and assist the Merchandisers in displaying the goods to make them look appealing.

I hope I've given you some ideas about what you can do to prepare yourself for your chosen career. Good luck!

Sincerely,