Back to: Career Ideas | COOL Career of the Month Archive

Set Designer

Set Designers for television shows, movies, and videos are responsible for designing and developing the sets for these productions. A lot of research and background work goes into the development of every set. Many times the set designer will work with the lighting designer or the costume designer in a collaborative effort. The sets must be accurate according to the time period and situation the production is representing. Once the designer develops the ideas, he/she must translate them into a real set. This is done by creating floor plans and miniatures of the set.

Where you will work:

Most opportunities for set designers are going to be in New York City, Los Angeles, or Hollywood. For television, many opportunities will be available at television stations all around the US.

Earnings:

Set designers can earn anywhere between $18,000 and $95,000 depending on the prestige, the type of the production, as well as their experience, reputation, and responsibilities. Other influencing factors are the amount of work a set designer is doing and whether he/she is freelance or a part of a production company.

Education and Qualifications:

It is recommended that a set designer have a bachelor’s degree in theater arts, art and design, television or film production, or a related field. Qualifications vary according to what the job is for the set designer; the more prestigious the production, the more experience needed.

Information Source:

100 Best Careers for Writers and Artists, Shelly Field, 1998