COURSE CURRICULUM

The Visual Merchandising Arts diploma program at Conestoga offers a dynamic and immersive two-year curriculum that blends creativity with strategic retail knowledge. In Level 1, students build foundational skills through courses such as Concept Art and Illustrative Techniques, Creative Technologies I, Introduction to Window Displays, and Prop Production I, alongside College Reading & Writing, Conestoga 101, and Retail Merchandising I. These courses establish a base in visual storytelling, retail design, and digital tools. In Level 2, the program expands with Creative Technologies II, Retail Merchandising II, Fashion Styling, The Art of Floral Design, History of Style, and Safety in the Workplace, reinforcing students' understanding of industry aesthetics and safety practices. As students progress to Level 3, they refine their design and merchandising expertise through Creative Technologies III, Retail Merchandising III, and Prop Production II. They also gain hands-on industry experience through a Field Placement, and deepen their understanding of the retail landscape with Principles of Retail, alongside a general education elective. Finally, in Level 4, students complete a comprehensive Visual Merchandising Arts Capstone project and develop their personal branding and portfolios in Personal Branding & Portfolio Design. Courses like Advanced Window Displays, Photostyling, and Industry Preparation help ensure graduates are workplace-ready. With a curriculum rooted in hands-on, project-based learning, this program equips students with the creative, technical, and strategic skills needed to thrive in visual merchandising roles across retail, event design, styling, and branding sectors.