Decor Designer

Job overview
Decor designers visualise and then create decor for theatre performances, television presentations, films etc.

They use their imagination and skill to produce special visual effects within certain specifications.

What do people do in this job?
Decor designers study a play, musical show etc and design the set - the visual background against which it will be performed.

This requires research and frequent adaptation, until both the designer and the producer of the show are satisfied with the designs.

As soon as the designs are finalised, dates are set for their completion.

Decor designers must transfer their ideas of what the decor should look like into practical working drawings.

Today they often use computers for this.
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They must work closely with the props and costume departments, in order to co-ordinate the style, colour combination and general visual approach of the set, costumes and props.

Finally the sets are built and painted and props, lights etc put into place.

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
Decor designers need a vivid, artistic imagination, a feel for form and space, initiative and creativity.

At the same time they should be practically inclined in order to translate their ideas into practical and workable set structures.

They must also be able to relate to the people together with whom they will be working to achieve the final, over-all theatrical effect.

The job calls for hard work, perseverance and the ability to cope with stress.

What qualifications are needed?
There are no formal qualifications but talent for drawing and painting would be helpful attributes.