How to become a Set Designer

Set designers research, design and supervise the construction of sets and scenery, costumes and all the visual aids required in stage, film and television productions.

Personal requirements for a Set Designer

Artistic flair
Able to combine practical and artistic skills
Good communication skills

Education & Training for a Set Designer

To become a set designer you usually have to complete a VET qualification. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.You can also become a set designer by completing a degree in design, visual arts, fine arts, creative arts, technical production or visual communication. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, visual arts and design are normally required. Applicants may also be required to attend an interview and submit a folio of work. Suitable industry experience (paid or voluntary) is also an advantage. Institutions have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.

Duties & Tasks of a Set Designer

Set designers:

Produce freehand sketches, accurate scale models, plans and working drawings in consultation with the director of the production, the production manager and other creative artists
Design sets and props, taking into consideration budget allocations and the artistic and technical requirements of the director or producer
Supervise qualified tradespeople who construct the sets and direct set assistants on matters relating to design interpretations
Advise on other areas of technical production such as lighting and sound.

Tasks

Arranges objects, positions models, and selects landscapes and other visual forms according to chosen subject matter.
Selects artistic media, method and materials.
Conceives and develops ideas, designs and styles for artistic works.
Applies media to surfaces using appropriate techniques.

Working conditions for a Set Designer

Set designers mostly work in large cities where the main centres of entertainment, production, training and development are located. They often work long hours.

Employment Opportunities for a Set Designer

Set designers are employed by theatre and film and television production companies, usually under contract for the duration of a particular production. They may also be self-employed and work on a freelance basis. Success in this field requires outstanding ability and artistic flair. Demand for set designers is linked to the number of films, television programs and stage shows under production at a given time, the level of government and private funding available, as well as popular trends in entertainment.

Specializations

Set Designer

Set designers research, design and supervise the construction of sets and scenery, costumes and all the visual aids required in stage, film and television productions.

Average age
46
Future Growth
N/A
Gender Share
63% female
Average full-time
45 hours
Weekly Pay
N/A
Skill level rating
Very high skill
Unemployment
Average unemployment
Full-Time Share
47%
Employment Size
2,000
Employment by state
ACT: 1.9%
NSW: 29.3%
NT: 1.0%
QLD: 18.2%
SA: 7.8%
TAS: 4.6%
VIC: 29.7%
WA: 7.3%
Age brackets
15-19: 1.3%
20-24: 4.9%
25-34: 18.7%
35-44: 20.7%
45-54: 22.4%
55-59: 11.9%
60-64: 10.9%
65 and Over: 9.2%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 14.9%
Bachelor degree: 27.7%
Certificate III/IV: 16.9%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 10.1%
Year 10 and below: 10.5%
Year 11: 3.1%
Year 12: 16.9%