Artist Behind Some of Anthropologie's Labor-Intensive Store Displays Reveals What Shoppers Never See (Exclusive)

Jordan GreeneTue, June 2, 2026 at 9:20 PM UTC

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Meghan Curran creating the displays
Credit: Meghan Curran -

Meghan Curran creates intricate displays for Anthropologie by hand, often spending months on preparation and production

Curran shares behind-the-scenes videos on TikTok, introducing audiences to her unique role as a display artist

Her work inspires aspiring artists and draws customers to stores to experience the one-of-a-kind installations in person

Every day looks a little different for Meghan Curran.

Some days, the Indianapolis-based artist finds herself making 600 tiny strawberries, washing 100 recycled wine bottles or sewing channels into large pieces of buckram. On others, she's cutting down sheets of plywood or crimping metallic paper to resemble fish scales.

"Most days are spent in the art room with some upbeat music or an audiobook playing while I work, and by the end of the day I'm usually covered in paint, glitter, or sawdust," Curran tells PEOPLE exclusively.

Meghan Curran with a display
Credit: Meghan Curran

Curran, 28, has spent the past two years working as a display artist at her local Anthropologie store, bringing the retailer's elaborate window and in-store installations to life by hand. It's a role she never expected to find, but one that feels perfectly aligned with her lifelong passion for art.

Growing up, Curran always dreamed of becoming an artist. She later studied studio art in college, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts while simultaneously working at Anthropologie as a key holder on the sales floor. So when a display artist position opened up, she didn't hesitate to apply.

"It really felt like a dream opportunity, and I've loved it ever since," she says. "The role scratches a really strong creative itch for me and gives me the space to fully use and flex my creative muscles. I love that I'm constantly refining my skills and honing my craft."

Meghan Curran making a display
Credit: Meghan Curran

While shoppers often stop to admire Anthropologie's eye-catching displays, Curran says few realize the finished installations are often months in the making.

"A lot of our displays are very intricate, thoughtful, and can take a lot of prep time," she says. "We always work a season ahead, and each store coordinates to install our displays at the same time."

What customers ultimately see in-store often begins as a creative prompt from Anthropologie's Home Office. From there, Curran adapts the concept to fit her specific location, creating scaled sketches, sourcing materials and building prototypes before moving into full production.

Along the way, she collaborates with display artists throughout her district, exchanging ideas, troubleshooting challenges and refining designs. Depending on the complexity of the installation, preparation can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

Because much of the work takes place while the store is open, shoppers occasionally catch glimpses of projects in progress through Anthropologie's "Artist at Work" sign. What they don't see are the countless hours of planning, building and fine-tuning that came before it.

"When someone is seeing the final display, they're not necessarily considering how long each individual step takes to get to the final product," Curran explains. "It's hard not to get stuck reworking each tiny detail of every display. I feel like I could perfect a display endlessly."

That craftsmanship is also at the center of one of the biggest misconceptions about Anthropologie's displays.

Many shoppers assume the elaborate installations are mass-produced and shipped to stores ready for assembly. In reality, Curran says every display is handmade by artists at each individual location.

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"The biggest misconception is that the displays are mass produced and sent to each store, when in reality they're handmade by display artists in each location," she says.

Meghan Curran making a vespa display
Credit: Meghan Curran

In recent years, Curran has made it her mission to pull back the curtain on that process.

Through TikTok, where videos documenting her work and life as a display artist have amassed millions of views, she's introduced audiences to a career many never knew existed while offering a behind-the-scenes look at the artistry behind Anthropologie's displays.

For Curran, sharing that side of the job has become one of its most rewarding aspects.

"I've loved being able to share more of that process online because I think it gives people a deeper appreciation for Anthropologie and the creativity and intention behind each installation," she says.

Meghan Curran making a strawberry display
Credit: Meghan Curran

The response has been so enthusiastic that some customers now make special trips to stores just to see the displays in person.

"It's especially rewarding hearing that people are visiting stores just to experience the displays in person, especially since every location has its own unique creative approach," she adds.

Social media has also connected Curran with aspiring artists who see themselves in her journey.

"I often receive messages from people who didn't realize roles like this existed and say it's now their dream job, which is really meaningful to hear," she says.

Looking back, Curran says inspiring others has become one of the most fulfilling parts of her career.

More than anything, she hopes her work reminds people that creativity can be found in unexpected places.

"I hope they feel inspired and joyful," she says. "It's been really special connecting with visitors in the store, sharing the process behind each display, and hearing about their own creative interests."

"I hope it serves as a reminder of how much impact art can have on a space, and how important it is to nurture creativity in our own lives and in the people around us."

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