A Set Designer, also called a Scene Designer or Stage Designer, designs sets that serve as settings for theatrical productions, television shows and films. Some duties frequently included in a Set Designer job description are reading scripts and conducting research, creating blueprints and models for sets and overseeing the set construction process.
A Set Designer should be able to fulfill various duties and responsibilities. The following are some duties and responsibilities a Set Designer should be able to execute:
- Estimating the cost of set construction and sourcing building materials within budget
- Researching specific periods, cities and countries and using that knowledge to inform designs
- Producing blueprints, schematics and models for sets and revising them based on feedback from the production team
- Coordinating with the Designers responsible for props, costumes, makeup, set decoration, lighting and sound to ensure cohesiveness
- Supervising the construction process so finished sets meet established specifications
- Inspecting finished sets to confirm they’re operable and safe
A competitive Set Designer will have certain skills and qualifications, including:
- Knowledge of design principles, construction methods and building materials
- Creative thinking and research skills to develop historically accurate, innovative set designs
- Communication skills to collaborate with the production team and provide clear instructions to Set Carpenters, the cast and crew members
- Computer skills for using computer-aided design (CAD), graphics imaging, object-oriented development (OOD), project management, spreadsheet and other software
- Time management skills to ensure sets are ready by established deadlines
- Leadership skills to delegate tasks and direct the activities of Assistants, Carpenters and other design team members
