Career in the Arts: Set Designer

Set Designing is a very important part of lots of media. A set designer has to create worlds and settings based off of stories and descriptions. They also get lots of variety in their occupation, as every project can be different. They can work in all kinds of places as well, like plays, musicals, movies, television shows, and more. Furthermore, they are a more creative and less limited alternative to fields like architecture and interior design, as they include many of the same elements.

Credentials Required: There is no direct path or concrete credentials necessary for this occupation. However, most set designers have a bachelor's degree in either Theater/Scenic design, Fine Arts, or Architecture. Some also pursue a masters in fine arts(MFA). While these credentials aid a lot in finding work in this job, the most important thing is experience. Any former productions, internships/apprenticing, or a sizable portfolio will show you know what you're doing, and give employers an opportunity to see your past work.

Responsibilities: Set designers are tasked with envisioning the setting from a script. They have to make this a reality through planning, sketches, models, construction and painting. They often have much help in these departments, but they are charged with overseeing and organizing each aspect of the process.

Typical Day: A normal day in the job of a set designer would depend on the stage in which the production they are working with is on. In the planning stage, they would typically be sketching and modeling ideas for the design, as well as discussing these ideas with the director. If the production is already undergoing construction for the set, the set designer would oversee these projects and assure they go smoothly. If they are already in production, the set designer would be on standby, incase of any last-minute repairs/fixes.

Featured Schools:

Boston University College of Fine Arts:

• Offers Bachelors and Masters of Fine Arts in Scene Design

• Ranked among top theatre design programs nationally

University of Washington School of Drama

• Very competitive MFA design program

• Very Drama/Theatre set design, not film set design

Northwestern University School of Communication

• Offers industry connections due to strong reputation in theater and film

• Respected MFA

There are many other schools that offer good set design programs, however these are some of the best/most respected.