Set and Exhibit Designers

Job Summary:
Set designers determine what furnishings are needed to represent a time period. Exhibit designers create displays to give information.

For movies and plays, directors want the set to represent a certain time period or convey a certain mood. They hire set designers to research time periods and create suitable sets. They draw sketches of their ideas for sets. Some designers use computer-aided design (CAD) software for their sketches. Once they have completed several sketches, designers meet with directors and get feedback about their designs. When they are nearing the final 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 arrange the placement of items. They make sure the actual sets closely resemble their sketches and meet clients' requirements.

Exhibit designers create displays for museums, libraries, and other organizations. These groups try to present information in attractive and educational ways. Like set designers, exhibit designers present items in the proper context. However, they also want the information to tell a story. Thus, they design exhibits that lead visitors from piece to piece in a logical manner. 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.

Qualification:
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.

Salary Range:
Nationally, the median wage for set and exhibit designer is $2,790 per month ($16.08 per hour). Half of all set and exhibit designers earn between $2,000 and $3,740 per month ($11.51 and $21.56 per hour).

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.

Prospects:
Set and exhibit designers advance as they build a reputation in the field. They may also advance by getting additional training. Exhibit designers at large museums may advance to supervising the work of other designers. Experienced set and exhibit designers may open their own firms. Some become teachers in design schools and colleges and universities.