aka: set designer, draughtsperson, or scenic designer
The set designer is a highly creative, hands-on job role. They’re responsible for drafting and creating the sets that appear in a film. They play a key part in creating a film’s visual world and story.
On this page, we break down the role of the set designer, how to become one, what to expect in terms of pay, and more.
What Is a Set Designer?
The set designer (sometimes known as the draughtsperson) is part of the art department. They follow orders from the production designer and art director, working closely with them to create the film’s look.
The set designer is primarily responsible for designing the sets for film, TV, or theater projects.
First, they read the script and meet with the director and production designer to discuss the look they want to achieve. Then, they create the sets by drawing sketches, mood boards, and blueprints as well as making models.
After they have designed the sets, they buy the raw materials for building. They also help to hire the construction crew and oversee the process. They’re responsible for ensuring that they create accessible sets for cast and crew to work within.
On low-budget sets, a production designer might be the one to build the set. In contrast, films with a bigger budget will have a dedicated construction team. This team includes carpenters, riggers, plasterers, scenic painters, and various stagehands.
What Does a Set Designer Do?
| Pre-production | – Read and breakdown the script – Attend meetings with the director – Create sketches and mood boards – Hire a set construction team – Build and manage the film sets |
| Production | – Look after the set – Managing the set budget – Make sure the set is safe |
| Post-production | – Take down the set |
How to Become a Set Designer
Essential set designer skills:
- Understanding of the filmmaking process
- Drawing, model making, painting, and other artistic skills
- Planning and strategy
- Creativity
- Mindfulness
- Teamwork
- Leadership
Film set design is a very creative job. After all, it’s their designs that you see on the screen. How immersed the audience gets in a film’s world relies very much on them and their ability to bring the set to life.
Set designers need to learn a range of film set design, painting, and building skills to get into this role. Because it is a higher level position, many people in this role have plenty of experience and an impressive portfolio of work.
As for how set designers become this adept at visual world-building, some get degrees in filmmaking. Others go to film schools where they learn construction and film art design.
Keep in mind that education can only teach you the basics, so you’ll also need work experience for this role.
To gain experience, many set designers-in-training start with an internship in film or theater. Taking lower-paying and entry-level roles in the art department like art department assistant and any stagehand position can also be a good springboard to set design.
Finding Set Designer Jobs
Once you’ve gained sufficient experience, the first thing to do is put together a portfolio of your work. This is critical as it will visually demonstrate to hiring managers how capable you are at set design and construction.
As for finding jobs for set designers, there are a number of ways to go about it.
Because this job usually requires hands-on experience, you may already have film industry contacts. Reach out to them to see if they know of any job openings that match your skill set and interests.
You can also look for work on low-budget films or by taking a traineeship. Make a name for yourself there and then work up to bigger budget sets.
How Much Money Do Set Designers Make?
Minimum pay rate for set designers: $41.87/hour
Because set designers are freelancers, they get paid by the hour or day. What your rate ends up being depends on the project type and budget. So, you will get less pay for a low-budget indie film than for a high-end TV project.
If you look at our crew rates, you can see how the rates change depending on budget and job role. Your personal experience will also have an impact on your salary.
