Set and Exhibit Designers

Career summary

#No alternate titles CJ

Set designers research time periods and create sets to represent that time period. They read scripts to learn about the productions they work on. They talk to directors and other production heads about what they want from the set. They also establish budgets and timelines. If they are not familiar with the time period, set designers do research to learn more about it.

Set designers draw sketches of their ideas for sets. Some designers use computer-aided design (CAD) software for their sketches. CAD tools allow them to easily modify their designs.

Once they have completed several sketches, set designers meet with directors and get feedback about their designs. They may meet with directors several times to refine their designs. Designers estimate how much it will cost to build the sets and rent the props.

Set designers oversee the construction and decoration of sets. Designers frequently rent props. They look through catalogs or visit warehouses where props are stored. Sometimes designers draw pictures of props and instruct assistants how to build them.

Once the sets are built, designers make sure the actual sets closely resemble their sketches and meet director's requirements. They often attend rehearsals to make sure the sets don't interfere with performances.

Exhibit designers create educational displays for museums, libraries, and other organizations. The work process for exhibit designers is similar to that for set designers. They gather information, create designs, modify designs based on client feedback, and build the exhibit.

Both set and exhibit designers oversee the takedown of displays and sets. They make sure pieces are properly transported and stored for future use.

Related careers

This career is part of the Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Art Directors
• Costume and Wardrobe Specialists
• Drafters
• Fashion Designers
• Fine Artists
• Graphic Designers
• Industrial Designers
• Interior Designers
• Landscape Architects
• Museum Technicians and Conservators
• Professional Makeup Artists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to set and exhibit designers.

• Talk to other production heads or clients to establish budgets, schedule, and design ideas.
• Examine objects and select props to be used in displays. Determine where and how to display them.
• Read script to determine the location and decoration requirements.
• Research the architectural and furnishing styles of different time periods.
• Create sketches and models of designs. May use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create designs.
• Get feedback on designs and modify them.
• Estimate the cost of supplies, labor, and rentals.
• Direct and coordinate the construction and decoration of sets. May supervise assistants.
• Arrange for graphics or props to be delivered from outside suppliers.
• Make sure final sets and exhibits look good and meet requirements. Observe sets during rehearsals to make sure they don't interfere with performances.
• Coordinate the removal of sets and props. Make sure everything is properly stored and catalogued.

Common work activities

Set and exhibit designers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Think creatively
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Provide information or drawings about devices, equipment, or structures
• Get information needed to do the job
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Schedule work and activities
• Use computers
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Monitor and control resources
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Develop and build teams
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Develop goals and strategies
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Perform administrative tasks
• Document and record information
• Teach others
• Coach others
• Handle and move objects
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Analyze data or information
• Process information

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, set and exhibit designers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of social contact. They meet frequently with clients, but also work alone while creating designs.
• Communicate on a daily basis by telephone, e-mail, and face-to-face discussions.
• Usually work as part of a theater production team.
• Are responsible for the work done by set builders and assistants.
• Are occasionally placed in conflict situations in which others may disagree about how a set looks.

Physical work conditions

• Usually work indoors. However, they sometimes create outdoor sets and exhibits.
• May work among loud sounds and distracting noise levels, especially during set and exhibit construction.
• Are occasionally exposed to contaminants.

Work performance

• Must fully complete and be exact in their work. Errors could result in sets that are unsafe or exhibits that are inaccurate.
• Repeat the same physical and mental activities.
• Often make decisions that strongly impact actors and their employer's reputation. They often make decisions independently.
• Set most of their daily tasks and goals without seeking input from others first.
• Must meet weekly deadlines.

Hours/travel

• May work full time or part time.
• May have a flexible work schedule if self-employed.
• May work evenings or weekends to meet deadlines.
• May travel to other locations, especially as a set designer.

Physical demands

Set and exhibit designers frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.

It is important for set and exhibit designers to be able to:

• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for set and exhibit designers to be able to:

• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.

Skills and abilities

Set and exhibit designers need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand written information.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.

Use math and science

• Use math skills to solve problems.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.
• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Manage the time of self and others.
• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Motivate, develop, and direct people as they work.
• Decide how to spend money to get the work done and keep track of how the money was used.
• Obtain needed equipment, facilities, and materials and oversee their use.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Persuade others to approach things differently.
• Teach others how to do something.
• Look for ways to help people.

Work with things

• Analyze needs and requirements when designing products.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Art and Fine Arts, General
• Dramatic Arts
• Graphic Design
• Illustration
• Theatre Design and Technology

Other programs of study to consider

• Computer Graphics
• Drafting and Design Technology
• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
• Fashion Design
• Interior Design
• Museum Studies
• Playwriting and Screenwriting

Training

To work as a set and exhibit designer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have a bachelor's degree.

Education after high school

Set and exhibit designers usually have a bachelor's degree. Many four-year colleges and universities grant the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree. In this program, you take courses in art, art history, principles of design, designing, and sketching. In addition, you may take courses specific to individual design fields.

About 200 colleges and universities have approved programs in art and design. Most of these award a degree in art or fine art. Some award degrees specifically in set design.

Many schools do not allow formal entry into a bachelor's degree program until you have successfully completed a year of basic art and design courses. You may be required to submit sketches or other examples of your artistic ability.

Regardless of your major, you should take classes in computer-aided design (CAD).

Combining a bachelor's degree in design with further study in a museum specialty is a good way to prepare for exhibit design.

Work experience

Experience sculpting, woodworking, or sketching is good preparation for design work.

Seek opportunities to work or volunteer at museums or theaters. You can also gain experience by designing stage sets for the school drama club or local theater company.

On-the-job training

Beginning designers usually receive on-the-job training. As you gain experience, you work on more difficult tasks. Training may last up to a year.

You never stop learning. 3D printers are the new thing to learn.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Art
• Computer-Assisted Design (CAD)
• Drawing and Painting
• Photography
• Sculpture
• Woodworking

Many set and exhibit designers are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Creativity is important in all design occupations. Employers look for designers who have an eye for color and detail. Sketching skills are helpful for many jobs. A good portfolio (a collection of a person's best work) is often the deciding factor in getting a job.

Computer-aided design (CAD) increasingly is used in all areas of design. Many employers expect new designers to be familiar with the use of the computer as a design tool.

Employers look for designers who are imaginative. They seek designers who can communicate their ideas visually and verbally. Employers need designers who are well-read, open to new ideas, and quick to react to changing trends. Problem-solving skills and self-discipline are also important.

Costs to workers

Workers may wish to join a professional association, which may have annual dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Set and Exhibit Designers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The designer's reputation and skill also affect wages. Most self-employed designers are paid by the project rather than by the hour.

Set and exhibit designers who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Set and exhibit designers who are self-employed must provide their own insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 21% of set and exhibit designers are self-employed.

Major employers:

• Motion picture and video companies
• Performing arts companies
• Museums and historical societies

National outlook

This occupation is growing steadily. The fastest growth will be with television and movie production companies. Some companies are creating movies or shows that go directly to the Internet. This may lead to increased work for set designers. Small- and medium-sized theater companies find it difficult to get funding and will see slower job growth. Budget cuts may reduce the number of available jobs in museums.

Because this occupation is very small, the number of job openings each year will be limited. Competition for these positions will be strong.

Other resources

Exhibit Designers and Producers Association 
19 Compo Road South
Westport, CT 06880
203.557.6321

IATSE Local #15 
2800 First Avenue, Suite 231
Seattle, WA 98121
206.441.1515

International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists, and Allied Crafts of the US, Its Territories, and Canada 
207 West 25th Street, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10001
212.730.1770

International Live Events Society 
330 North Wabash Avenue, Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60611
800.688.4737
312.321.6853

National Endowment for the Arts 
400 - 7th Street SW
Washington, DC 20506
202.682.5400

Showbizjobs.com 

Smithsonian Institution Career Center 

Society for Experiential Graphic Design 
1900 L Street NW, Suite 710
Washington, DC 20036
202.638.5555

Washington Filmworks 
1411 4th Avenue, Suite 1000
Seattle, WA 98101
206.264.0667

Writers Guild of America, West 
7000 West Third Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048
800.548.4532
323.951.4000

References

Career cluster

• Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications

Career path

• Artistic

O*Net  occupation

• Set and Exhibit Designers (27-1027.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed. Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience.

DOT occupations

• Art Director (142.061-062) 
• Display Designer (142.051-010) 
• Exhibit Designer (142.061-058) 
• Set Decorator (142.061-042) 
• Set Designer (142.061-046) 
• Set Designer (142.061-050) 
• Supervisor, Scenic Arts (149.031-010) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Artistic/Realistic/Enterprising

COPSystem

• Arts Professional