Set designer
Create the look for a theatre, television or film production.
Also known as: stage designer, production designer
About the job
What it's like
You would create the overall look of a theatre, television or film production.
Your work would begin at the start of the production planning process, and end on the opening night or when filming begins. You would create the design ideas and sometimes delegate the practical work to others.
You would:
Read scripts and discuss ideas with the director
Share your ideas with costume, make-up, prop and lighting designers
Solve problems such as lighting or scene changes
Research details to get the right look
Keep to a budget
Sketch your ideas, scene by scene
Build and photograph scale models
Work out costs and schedules
Direct set building
Make any changes needed during rehearsals
In theatre, you might work alone or with an assistant. In TV/film, you may manage a team that could include art directors, assistant art directors, storyboard artists and model makers.
You would need good knowledge of the production process, including technical parts such as lighting and sound.
You may spend some of your time marketing your services.
Explore more information about this job
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Creative
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- problem solving
- creative
- designing
- researching
- verbal communication
- attention to detail
- developing a plan
- implementing ideas
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Art and Design
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Design and Manufacture
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Graphic Communication
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Practical Craft Skills
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Practical Woodwork
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Skills for Work: Creative Industries
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Creative and Digital Media
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Most set designers have a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7), Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) or a degree (SCQF level 9/10) in a relevant design subjects such as interior design or technical theatre, interior and 3D design or a similar subject, preferably with a specialism in set design.
You can enter some Interior Design National Certificate or National Qualification courses (SCQF level 5) with no formal qualifications but most courses require National 4/5 qualifications (SCQF level 4/5).
You can enter a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
To enter a degree (SCFQ level 9/10) requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of four Highers or a relevant HNC/HND.
Qualifications that show creative and practical craft skills and industry knowledge such as Skills for Work Creative Industries (SCFQ level 5).
Work-based qualifications such as a Diploma in Technical Theatre Operations (SCQF level 6).
You will need a portfolio of your work when applying to courses and to jobs.
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Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Set designer'
