Set designer

As a set designer, you could:

• read scripts and discuss the director's vision for the production
•  research details that will go into the set design
•  work closely with costume, make-up, props, camera and lighting teams
•  design scale models to show how sets will look, and make refinements
•  oversee the building of sets by your team
•  create digital scenery to project onto stage and set backdrops
•  make sure sets are built on time and to an agreed budget

• knowledge of the fine arts
• design skills and knowledge
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

With experience, you could become a senior set designer or production designer. You might also move to working on larger film, TV and theatre productions.

Set designers often work freelance, so making and developing good contacts in your particular field is important for career progression.