All careers

Set and Exhibit Designers

Design special exhibits and sets for film, video, television, and theater productions. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.

What you’d do

  • Develop set designs, based on evaluation of scripts, budgets, research information, and available locations.
  • Prepare rough drafts and scale working drawings of sets, including floor plans, scenery, and properties to be constructed.
  • Prepare preliminary renderings of proposed exhibits, including detailed construction, layout, and material specifications, and diagrams relating to aspects such as special effects or lighting.
  • Read scripts to determine location, set, and design requirements.
  • Submit plans for approval, and adapt plans to serve intended purposes, or to conform to budget or fabrication restrictions.
  • Attend rehearsals and production meetings to obtain and share information related to sets.
  • Confer with clients and staff to gather information about exhibit space, proposed themes and content, timelines, budgets, materials, or promotion requirements.
  • Research architectural and stylistic elements appropriate to the time period to be depicted, consulting experts for information, as necessary.

Skills that matter

  • Active Listening
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Operations Analysis
  • Speaking
  • Time Management

How to get there

Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher

Also called

  • Display Coordinator
  • Exhibit Designer
  • Scenic Designer
  • Set Designer
  • Designer
  • Exhibit Coordinator

Related careers

See all careers

  • Graphic Designers

    Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos.

    Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree

  • Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators

    Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques.

    Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

  • Art Directors

    Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film.

    Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree

  • Craft Artists

    Create or reproduce handmade objects for sale and exhibition using a variety of techniques, such as welding, weaving, pottery, and…

    Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

  • Commercial and Industrial Designers

    Design and develop manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys.

    Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree

  • Museum Technicians and Conservators

    Restore, maintain, or prepare objects in museum collections for storage, research, or exhibit.

    Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher