He confesses that his world is ruled by the “3-Ds”, namely “Design, Dance, and DJ-ing” and it is through these interests and activities that he discovers his identity. Willie enjoys trying new things and adopts a “if you never try, you’ll never know” attitude towards life.
Foray into Visual Merchandising
In August this year, upon hearing about a three-day, fully subsidised Visual Merchandising Course organised by the Textile and Fashion Industry Training Centre (TaF.tc) and the Singapore Institute of Retail Studies (SIRS), Willie was immediately keen.
The course that Willie attended was the "Develop and Implement Creative Concepts for Visual Merchandising" module. It is one of seven Visual Merchandising Modules under WDA's Retail WSQ framework set up to ensure a trained pool of Visual Merchandisers ready to meet industry demand.
During the three-day course, Willie’s background in graphic design came in useful. “We learned how to incorporate design in window displays, and how window displays could lead to better sales. The course was different from what I’ve studied so far but something that I really enjoyed,” says Willie.
Visualise Your Fantasies
Highlights of the Visual Merchandising Competition
One of the main highlights for Willie was the opportunity to take part in the first-ever Visual Merchandising Competition when he completed the Visual Merchandising module.
Themed "Surrealism", the competition aimed to encourage participants to explore their artistic freedom, and to explore bold concepts, colours, texture and prints to create visually impactful and stunning window displays. A total of 64 entries were received, out of which five finalists were chosen to display their creations at Paragon Shopping Centre from 31 August to 2 September 2012.
The five finalists set up their displays on the night before the competition, and Willie actually completed his entry at the crack of dawn the next day. His effort was rewarded as he clinched first prize for his entry. Not only did he win $3,000 in cash, he was also awarded a plaque and a scholarship from TaF.tc to attend the remaining six Visual Merchandising Modules.
For Willie, the competition has gotten him thinking about a career in Visual Merchandising. He said, “The course and competition have certainly helped me and it is a field I will seriously consider going into, and to make it a specialty of mine. My principal has even encouraged me to set up my own business if I were to enter this field, based on the results that I’ve achieved so far.”
Advice for Aspiring Visual Merchandisers
As for aspiring Visual Merchandisers who are keen to enhance their skills and knowledge in this area, or are looking to enter the retail industry, Willie highly commends the Visual Merchandising Course.
He notes how the course can continue to contribute to a more robust industry. “The Visual Merchandising Course and the subsequent competition expose the public to such jobs and this unique industry,” says Willie. ”It doesn’t just create jobs and opportunities for this field, companies can be more receptive to such a profession and see the value Visual Merchandisers bring to a retail business.”
As a final piece of advice, Willie encourages those who are thinking of a career in Visual Merchandising to “follow their passion”.
“I believe that it’s quite simple. If you have the passion for something, follow your heart.”
For more information on training opportunities in the Retail industry, click here.
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