Visual Merchandising Arts

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Courses - September 2025

Level 1

Course details

Concept Art and Illustrative Techniques
ARTS1250

Description:

This course touches on the very basics of drawing techniques starting with pencil sketches and working our way up through digital illustrations. Concept Art is a communication tool in the VM Industry between the designer and the client, so within this course students will develop the skills required to provide stunning concept art for every client interaction.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

College Reading & Writing Skills
COMM1085

Description: This course introduces students to the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills needed for academic and workplace success. Students will analyse a variety of texts and apply the steps of planning, writing, and revising to produce writing that meets the expectations of selected audiences and purposes. The course prepares students for college-level writing tasks, research, and documentation by asking them to produce clear, informed, and purposeful documents relevant to both academic and professional contexts.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Creative Technologies I
COMP1136

Description:

This practical and creative computer lab course will develop the student’s computer skills to an intermediate level. This course will introduce students to industry specific software, which will be explored as a tool for creative communication and expression. Upon course completion, students will be able to navigate through the programs with confidence, creating project-based assignments in a variety of different applications and outputs.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.
  • Hours: 1
  • Credits: 0
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Retail Merchandising I
DSGN1350

Description: This is the cornerstone course of the program that allows students the opportunity to develop and demonstrate the skills and knowledge associated with the art and science of merchandising. This introduction to merchandising will focus on the basics of merchandising display techniques, window displays, merchandising terminology and an overview of the visual merchandising industry.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Introduction to Window Displays
DSGN1560

Description:

Throughout this course students will understand the basic fundamentals for window displays and installation techniques/. This hands-on studio course will allow students to take their designs from concept to completion in order to create impactful and inspiring window displays. Students will learn how to utilize the principles and elements of design, leverage space and composition, as well as use fabric, props, lighting and vinyl lettering techniques to design and install engaging displays.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Prop Production I
DSGN2425

Description:

Within this course tactile, students will be introduced to various prop fabrication methods and materials throughout the Visual Merchandising Industry. Students will generate designs and develop the skills to work in various mediums. A strong focus will not only be on the fabrication process, but time management as well.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Level 2

Course details

Creative Technologies II
ARTS2005

Description: Students will build off the skills and knowledge acquired in Creative Technologies I and integrate computer and software technologies into the illustrative process. Students will work on projects that demonstrate their ability to integrate acquired skills and knowledge into concrete examples of concept to creation methodologies. Students will work on projects from several areas of study in the Visual Merchandising Arts program.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Retail Merchandising II
DSGN1485

Description: Building upon the Retail Merchandising I course, students will dive deeper into the world of retail design, merchandising strategies, the evolving retail environment, and the science behind consumer shopping habits.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Fashion Styling
DSGN2190

Description:

This course will cover all aspects of fashion styling, merchandising, and basic sewing techniques, in both retail and editorial fashion. Students will learn styling techniques for use in personal styling, display and runway settings with a strong focus on sustainability. They will understand the realities of trend spotting and designer influences, while honing their skills in the basics of pulling and prepping fashion for clients.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

The Art of Floral Design
DSGN2430

Description:

Within this course, students will learn a variety of floral design techniques, starting from the very basics of processing florals to the art of designing intricate floral installations. Students will gain an understanding of different types of florals and greenery, familiarize themselves with tools of the trade and develop a strong base of knowledge regarding current and emerging trends within the floral industry.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

History of Style
HIST1010

Description: This course will focus on the history of style as it pertains to fashion, art, furniture, architecture, and display. We will review retail trends and the evolution of window displays with focuses on popular display artists and techniques throughout history within western civilizations.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Safety in the Workplace
OHS1320

Description: This course focuses on developing awareness and skills for the student to safely manage and conduct him or herself within a variety of employment settings. Through the units of the course, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding and knowledge of general Health and Safety guidelines, including WHMIS, Fire Safety and Workplace Violence. The unit on Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act will instruct the student on the requirements for Accessible Customer Service and Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulations. General information on Safe Driving, Privacy of Information and Hand Washing will be addressed as well. The course also provides participants with critical information regarding their insurance coverage (WSIB or other) while employed. As well as guidelines to follow in the event of an injury. Participants will receive a printable Record of Completion upon successful conclusion of this course, in order to demonstrate awareness of safe working practices to their employers.
  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 3

Course details

Creative Technologies III
ARTS2155

Description: Within this course, students will refine their skills using the latest creative design software, as well as develop new skills within packaging design software. Students will learn to communicate their concepts in a client style scenario by providing both 2 and 3 dimensional concepts.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Retail Merchandising III
ARTS2205

Description: Building upon the Retail Merchandising II, this course focuses on space planning, looking at industry standard technology, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems, automatic replenishment, and the future of retail.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Prop Production II
DSGN2440

Description:

Building off the skills from Prop Production 1, this is a tactile studio course will focus on the design and fabrication of props for a major installation. Students will learn to budget materials, enhance their fabrication skills and learn to communicate their designs with cross functional teams as well as produce a final product based to address specific client expectations.

  • Hours: 70
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Field Placement (Visual Merchandising)
FPLT2005

Description: This course prepares students and facilitates a placement experience with a company/agency which has been approved by the program. Students will review employability skills in class and then practise these skills as they take an active role in securing a placement. Students will refine self-marketing techniques to establish cohesive branding of themselves at a professional level. Engaging in the work environment of a professionally relevant company/agency will allow students to apply their education and skills contributing to their mutual benefit. Appropriate workplace behaviour and etiquette is expected as students use this opportunity to expand their network of industry contacts and effectively market their personal brand. Through this experience, students can cultivate confidence, escalate awareness of industry practices, add to their resume & portfolio, and contribute to their own career success.
  • Hours: 60
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: OHS1320
  • CoRequisites:

Principles of Retail
MKT2175

Description: This applied course focuses on strategies and decision making for retail environments, including bricks and mortar and on-line stores. Store location, layout and merchandise mix are examined. Students will integrate practical retail mathematics and financial skill to all major retail topics. Some areas of study include pricing, retail budgeting, forecasting and technology. Human elements including customer service strategies, employee management, demographics and the psychology of shopping will be explored. This course contributes to the student portfolio with the creation of a detailed, integrated retail project that combines skills and knowledge acquired from related courses in the program.
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 4

Course details

Visual Merchandising Arts Capstone
ARTS2215

Description: The Visual Merchandising Capstone is culmination of skills and knowledge developed throughout the program. In this course, students will work with a professional client to produce a final project that reflects their area of interest within the industry.
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Personal Branding & Portfoiio Design
DSGN2255

Description:

Students will build upon the skills acquired in design and merchandising to develop their personal brand and apply it to Portfolio.. Through branding case studies, assigned design challenges, and hands-on exercises, each student will prepare their work creatively and professionally.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Advanced Window Displays
DSGN2450

Description:

Students will combine the installation skills developed in Introduction to Window Displays, and the various interactive technology learned in Retail Merchandising 3, to create fantastic and immersive window displays. This course will focus on the customer engagement with window displays as our industry trends towards creating engaging experiences with interactive elements throughout all aspects of the brick and mortar environment.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Industry Preparation
ETR2000

Description:

There are numerous roles within the merchandising industry, ranging from photo stylist to retail merchandiser. In this course, students will become enlightened to all of the various opportunities within the industry and prepare themselves for their area of focus after graduation. Students will also be introduced to the process of starting a freelance business should they choose to start their own company upon graduating.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Photostyling
PHOT2010

Description: This course introduces students to photography and product styling – empowering them to become the director and photographer of their product shots. Students will learn the functions of a digital camera, photo editing software, and styling techniques to enhance their digital imaging.
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Program outcomes

  1. Present and coordinate merchandise so that related goods are shown in a unique, desirable and saleable manner.
  2. Communicate ideas professionally using oral, written, and visual skills in order to convey concepts to specified audiences.
  3. Apply sound retail and commercial business practices in order to plan and execute projects that meet client expectations.
  4. Choose appropriate materials and/or technology to illustrate and display creative concepts and execute project plans in 2 and 3 dimensions.
  5. Synthesize the elements and principles of design to create visually-effective promotional displays.
  6. Utilize digital imagery to effectively communicate concepts for promotional and business purposes.
  7. Research and interpret how past, current, and emerging trends, including immersive experiential technologies, impact consumer behaviours.
  8. Implement various planning strategies within retail environments to meet operational goals.
  9. Perform effectively and efficiently using professional interpersonal skills to succeed within independent and collaborative environments.
  10. Utilize industry standard tools, techniques, technologies, and best practices to effectively execute concepts.