We surveyed 712 set designers to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical set designer. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as a set designer?
Low
High
Working as a set designer typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.
Can I learn to become a set designer?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a set designer typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as a set designer?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically quite difficult to find a job as a set designer.
Do set designers work full-time or part-time?
34% of set designers work in full-time roles while 66% work part-time.
Is being a set designer stressful?
Low
High
Stress is not uncommon amongst set designers, with daily work sometimes being quite demanding.
Is being organized important as a set designer?
Low
High
Organization is not considered a particuarly important part of being a set designer.
How competitive is the workplace for set designers?
Low
High
Competition at work is not common for set designers.
Does being a set designer require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Set designers will have to sometimes face time pressure on the job.
Are set designers allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Creativity is intrinsic to being a set designer, and a highly valuable part of the career.
Do set designers have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
Set designers tend to have a set and inflexible work schedule that they are unable to deviate from too much.
Is being a set designer physically demanding?
Low
High
Being a set designer may occasionally require demanding physical activity, which may make it not a suitable career choice for everyone.
Are set designers exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
Set designers tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.
Does being a set designer require attention to detail?
Low
High
Attention to detail isn't necessarily required to be successful as a set designer.
Does being a good set designer require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
The ability to be compassion and empathetic isn't considered fundamental to success as a set designer.