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Set and Exhibit Designers
Overview » Industry Pathways » Visual Arts 
Set and exhibit designers help make what you are seeing at a museum, play, or movie seem attractive and real. As children, these workers probably enjoyed setting up elaborate dollhouses or forts or even outstanding displays on a school science or history project! Their work creates a special environment that fits in perfectly with an event or production.
They create sets for movies, television, and theater productions and design special exhibition displays. Set designers study scripts, speak with directors and other designers, and conduct research to determine the historical period, fashion, and architectural styles appropriate for the production on which they work. They then produce sketches or scale models to guide in the construction of the actual sets or exhibit spaces. Exhibit designers often work with curators, art and museum directors, and trade-show sponsors to determine the most effective use of available space.
Designers held about 12,000 jobs in 2006.
While overall employment of designers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2016 as the economy expands and consumers, businesses, and manufacturers continue to rely on the services provided by designers, it may be difficult to find many set designer jobs. Despite faster-than-average growth for set and exhibit designers, few job openings will result because the occupation is small.
Creativity is crucial in all design occupations. People in this field must have a strong sense of the esthetic—an eye for color and detail, a sense of balance and proportion, and an appreciation of beauty. Designers also need excellent communication and problem-solving skills. A good portfolio—a collection of examples of a person’s best work—often is the deciding factor in getting a job.
Set and exhibit designers typically have college degrees in design. A Master of Fine Arts degree from an accredited university program further establishes one’s design credentials. For set designers, membership in the United Scenic Artists, Local 829, is recognized nationally as the attainment of professional standing in the field.
Typical annual earnings for set and exhibit designers were $33,870 in 2002.
If you are interested in this occupation or are wondering about related occupations, use the links below to continue your exploration. Always remember, the more effort you put into exploring possible careers, the easier it will be for you to discover the best career choices for you!
Creativity is crucial in all design occupations. People in this field must have a strong sense of the esthetic—an eye for color and detail, a sense of balance and proportion, and an appreciation of beauty. Designers also need excellent communication and problem-solving skills. A good portfolio—a collection of examples of a person’s best work—often is the deciding factor in getting a job.
Set and exhibit designers typically have college degrees in design. A Master of Fine Arts degree from an accredited university program further establishes one’s design credentials. For set designers, membership in the United Scenic Artists, Local 829, is recognized nationally as the attainment of professional standing in the field.
Typical annual earnings for set and exhibit designers were $43,220 in 2007.
If you are interested in this occupation or are wondering about related occupations, use the links below to continue your exploration. Always remember, the more effort you put into exploring possible careers, the easier it will be for you to discover the best career choices for you!
For career information and links to employment resources contact:
U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Occupational Information Network, O*NET Online: http://online.onetcenter.org/
For general information about art and design and a list of accredited college-level programs, contact:
National Association of Schools of Art and Design: http://nasad.arts-accredit.org
For information about planning and paying for college, visit Junior Achievement’s Financial Aid Center .
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