This class, taught by Connie Ulasewicz, is more about Promotion than Visual Merchandising. Visual Merchandising is a division within Promotion, in addition to Advertising, Fashion, and Public Relations. I experienced many great learning experiences, including ways of Promoting, by informing and educating our target market audience through a meaningful Shadowbox Display, and promoting fun through a Bookstore Window.

            I learned about promotion of Fashion Shows by being part of the Discarded to Divine preview event at the De Young Museum and volunteering for the actual Fashion Show and auction of the designs. In addition, I learned about promotion of designers, by working with Erin Mahoney and helping promote her and her creations, by creating a Look Book for her to show to potential clients. I helped with Erin's co-owner of her studio space, Cary, at Noe Valley's discount clothing store, Cary Lane, with Visual Merchandising, and shipment.

           In addition to volunteer work, I have a full time job at Urban Outfitters as Merchandising Team Leader, where I have been able to work first-hand with the in-store Merchandiser, Andrew and the Dispaly Artist, Samuel. I have learned patience, time-management, and organizational skills which have made me into the very knowledgeable Merchandising Team Leader that I am.

            I have learned about Fashion Forcasting and used the De Young Museum as inspiration for three looks that were inspired by artwork there. I love art and love to experience it and be inspired by it. In addition, I had a two-part project which I created a Mood Board showing the trend of Ruffles in fashion, and then had to create a line based on what this customer would want next. I am very experienced with creating target markets and knowing where they might shop, what they might spend, and what they'll want next.

            Promotion: a comprehensive term for all communication, initiated by the seller, to inform, persuade and remind the consumer about products, services, and ideas offered for sale.

            Visual Merchandising: refers to the physical presentations of products to promote the image of an organization or firm and possibly the sale of merchandise to a consumer.