Arts & EntertainmentISCO 3432
Set designer
Set designers develop a set concept for a performance and supervise the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. During rehearsals and performance they coach the operators to obtain optimal timing and manipulation. Set designers develop sketches, design drawings, models, plans or other documentation to support the workshop and performance crew. They may also design exhibition stands for fairs and other events.
Check yourself in a minute: set designer
Rate 5 of the 44 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
analyse the artistic concept based on stage actions
draw prop sketches
monitor developments in technology used for design
understand artistic concepts
draw stage layouts
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (44)
analyse the artistic concept based on stage actionsanalyse the artistic concept based on stage actionsAnalyse the artistic concept, form and structure of a live performance based on observation during rehearsals or improvisation. Create a structured base for the design process of a specific production...draw prop sketchesdraw prop sketchesMake sketches of envisioned props to help develop the concept and to share with others.monitor developments in technology used for designmonitor developments in technology used for designIdentify and explore recent developments in technology and materials used in the live performance industry, in order to create an up-to-date technical background for one’s personal design work.work ergonomicallywork ergonomicallyApply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.understand artistic conceptsunderstand artistic conceptsInterpret an artist's explanation or demonstration of their artistic concepts, inceptions and processes and strive to share their vision.draw stage layoutsdraw stage layoutsManual drawing or sketching of stage layouts.safeguard artistic quality of performancesafeguard artistic quality of performanceObserve the show, anticipate and react to possible technical problems, ensuring optimal artistic quality.analyse music scoreanalyse music scoreAnalysing the score, form, themes and structure of a piece of music.monitor sociological trendsmonitor sociological trendsIdentify and investigate sociological trends and movements in society.design propsdesign propsDraw prop sketches and define prop materials and building methods.analyse the scenographyanalyse the scenographyAnalyse the selection and distribution of material elements on a stage.perform quality control of design during a runperform quality control of design during a runControl and ensure the quality of design results during a run.use specialised design softwareuse specialised design softwareDeveloping new designs mastering specialised software.communicate during showcommunicate during showCommunicate efficiently with other professionals during a live performance show, anticipating any possible malfunctioning.update design results during rehearsalsupdate design results during rehearsalsUpdating the design results based on observation of the stage image during the rehearsals, especially where the different designs and the action are integrated.attend rehearsalsattend rehearsalsAttend rehearsals in order to adapt sets, costumes, make-up, lighting, camera set up, etc.research new ideasresearch new ideasThorough research for information to develop new ideas and concepts for the design of a specific production based.define set materialsdefine set materialsMake set construction drawings, define a proper set building and select painting materials and methods.conduct costume researchconduct costume researchEnsure that costumes and pieces of clothing in visual artistic productions are historically correct, based on research conducted in primary sources as literature, museums, newspapers, pictures, etc.adapt to artists' creative demandsadapt to artists' creative demandsWork with artists, striving to understand the creative vision and adapting to it. Make full use of your talents and skills to reach the best possible result.develop the look of a productiondevelop the look of a productionDevelop the overall look or style of a theatre, opera, television, or film set.verify feasibilityverify feasibilityInterpret an artistic plan and verify whether the described design can be executed.prevent fire in a performance environmentprevent fire in a performance environmentTake steps to prevent fire in a performance environment. Make sure the space complies with fire safety rules, with sprinklers and fire extinguishers installed where necessary. Make sure staff are awar...use communication equipmentuse communication equipmentSet up, test and operate different types of communication equipment such as transmission equipment, digital network equipment, or telecommunications equipment.work safely with chemicalswork safely with chemicalsTake the necessary precautions for storing, using and disposing chemical products.contextualise artistic workcontextualise artistic workIdentify influences and situate your work within a specific trend which may be of an artistic, aesthetic, or philosophical natures. Analyse the evolution of artistic trends, consult experts in the fie...coach staff for running the performancecoach staff for running the performanceGive instructions to all team members about how they should run the performance.meet deadlinesmeet deadlinesEnsure operative processes are finished at a previously agreed-upon time.analyse a scriptanalyse a scriptBreak down a script by analysing the dramaturgy, form, themes and structure of a script. Conduct relevant research if necessary.propose improvements to artistic productionpropose improvements to artistic productionAssess past artistic activities with a view to improving future projects.work safely with mobile electrical systems under supervisionwork safely with mobile electrical systems under supervisionTake the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution for performance and art facility purposes under supervision.work with respect for own safetywork with respect for own safetyApply the safety rules according to training and instruction and based on a solid understanding of the prevention measures and risks to your own personal health and safety.present artistic design proposalspresent artistic design proposalsPrepare and present detailed design suggestions for a specific production to a mixed group of people, including technical, artistic and management staff.define artistic approachdefine artistic approachDefine your own artistic approach by analysing your previous work and your expertise, identifying the components of your creative signature, and starting from these explorations to describe your artis...adapt existing designs to changed circumstancesadapt existing designs to changed circumstancesAdapt an existing design to changed circumstances and ensure that the artistic quality of the original design is reflected in the final result.create set modelscreate set modelsCreate three-dimensional models of the envisioned set layout.use technical documentationuse technical documentationUnderstand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.sketch set imagessketch set imagesQuickly sketch ideas for set layouts and details.gather reference materials for artworkgather reference materials for artworkGather samples of the materials you expect to use in the creation process, especially if the desired piece of art necessitates the intervention of qualified workers or specific production processes.develop design conceptdevelop design conceptResearch information to develop new ideas and concepts for the design of a specific production. Read scripts and consult directors and other production staff members, in order to develop design concep...model setsmodel setsProduce plans, drawings and models of sets.keep up with trendskeep up with trendsMonitor and follow new trends and developments in specific sectors.develop design ideas cooperativelydevelop design ideas cooperativelyShare and develop design ideas with the artistic team. Conceptualise new ideas independently and with others. Present your idea, gain feedback and take it into account. Make sure the design fits with ...define prop materialsdefine prop materialsDecide what materials the props will be made from, and document the conclusions.
Optional (34) — show
labour legislationlabour legislationLegislation, on a national or international level, that governs labour conditions in various fields between labour parties such as the government, employees, employers, and trade unions.copyright legislationcopyright legislationLegislation describing the protection of the rights of original authors over their work, and how others can use it.draw up artistic productiondraw up artistic productionFile and document a production in all its phases right after the performance period so that it can be reproduced and all relevant information remains accessible.lead a teamlead a teamLead, supervise and motivate a group of people, in order to meet the expected results within a given timeline and with the foreseen resources in mind.provide technical documentationprovide technical documentationPrepare and distribute documentation to ensure all people involved in the production receive relevant and up-to-date information.adapt propsadapt propsAdapt existing props for use in a specific production.define set building methodsdefine set building methodsDecide on how the set will be built and document the conclusions.purchase propspurchase propsBuy the required props for a performance.make set construction drawingsmake set construction drawingsVisually describe the various pieces of the set in order to develop the plan and to share with others.adapt artistic plan to locationadapt artistic plan to locationAdjust plans to other locations with regards to the artistic concept.work safely with machineswork safely with machinesCheck and safely operate machines and equipment required for your work according to manuals and instructions.update budgetupdate budgetMake sure that a given budget remains up to date using most recent and most accurate information. Anticipate possible variations and ensure that the set budgetary goals can be reached within the given...prevent technical problems with stage equipmentprevent technical problems with stage equipmentAnticipate possible problems with mechanical and electromechanical stage equipment.use personal protection equipmentuse personal protection equipmentMake use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.draw up stage layouts digitallydraw up stage layouts digitallyDraw and design stage settings and layouts using software like CAD.prospect new customersprospect new customersInitiate activities in order to attract new and interesting customers. Ask for recommendations and references, find places where potential customers can be located.calculate design costscalculate design costsCalculate design costs to make sure the project is financially viable.paint setspaint setsPainting set constructions and stage props.translate artistic concepts to technical designstranslate artistic concepts to technical designsCooperate with the artistic team in order to facilitate the transition from the creative vision and its artistic concepts to a technical design.analyse the need for technical resourcesanalyse the need for technical resourcesDefine and make a list of the required resources and equipment based on the technical needs of the production.assemble the rehearsal setassemble the rehearsal setPut together all prepared scenic elements to prepare the rehearsal set.organise resources for artistic productionorganise resources for artistic productionCoordinate human, material and capital resources within artistic productions, based on the given documentation e.g. scripts.keep personal administrationkeep personal administrationFile and organise personal administration documents comprehensively.define prop building methodsdefine prop building methodsDecide on how to build the necessary props and document the process.manage personal professional developmentmanage personal professional developmentTake responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional developmen...prevent technical problems with scenic elementsprevent technical problems with scenic elementsAnticipate possible technical problems with scenic elements.define set painting methodsdefine set painting methodsDefine painting methods and materials.develop professional networkdevelop professional networkReach out to and meet up with people in a professional context. Find common ground and use your contacts for mutual benefit. Keep track of the people in your personal professional network and stay up ...build propsbuild propsBuild props from a variety of materials, working with the design staff to create the appropriate prop for the production.mark the stage areamark the stage areaInterpret the designs and other scenic drawings to clearly mark the information from the ground plans to the stage area.document your own practicedocument your own practiceDocumenting your own work practice for different purposes like assessment, time management, job application etc.set up equipment in a timely mannerset up equipment in a timely mannerMake sure to set up equipment according to deadlines and time schedules.ensure visual quality of the setensure visual quality of the setInspect and amend the scenery and set-dressing to make sure the visual quality is optimal with in constraints of time, budget and manpower.follow safety procedures when working at heightsfollow safety procedures when working at heightsTake necessary precautions and follow a set of measures that assess, prevent and tackle risks when working at a high distance from the ground. Prevent endangering people working under these structures...
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Frequently asked questions
What does a set designer do?
Set designers develop a set concept for a performance and supervise the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. During rehearsals and performance they coach the operators to obtain optimal timing and manipulation. Set designers develop sketches, design drawings, models, plans or other documentation to support the workshop and performance crew. They may also design exhibition stands for fairs and other events.
What skills does a set designer need?
A set designer needs 44 essential skills, including analyse the artistic concept based on stage actions, draw prop sketches, monitor developments in technology used for design, work ergonomically, understand artistic concepts.
Will AI replace set designer jobs?
The AI disruption score for set designer is 21/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: update budget, keep personal administration, provide technical documentation. Most resilient: work with respect for own safety, paint sets, understand artistic concepts.
AI Replacement Risk
21/ 100
Low Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Quick Facts
SectorArts & Entertainment
ISCO GroupLegal, social, cultural and related associate professionals
Essential Skills44
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