I direct all educational and content development processes, including design, editorial, interactives, and media production. I also provide individual consultation and creative direction on numerous exhibit projects throughout the country.
CAREER
Set and Exhibit Designers
Overview
Salary Median (2023)
$59,490
Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)
+5.2% (as fast as the average)
Career
What Set and Exhibit Designers Do
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.
Other Job Titles Set and Exhibit Designers May Have
Designer, Display Coordinator, Exhibit Coordinator, Exhibit Designer, Exhibit Preparator, Historical Society Window Dresser, Installations Designer, Projection Designer, Scenic Designer, Set Designer
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
My days are spent dreaming up new exhibits and exploring cutting-edge technology and the stories we can tell with it. I work with designers, engineers, scientists, educators, and our community to brainstorm, prototype, test, and refine interactive experiences. I’m always thinking about how we can spark curiosity, invite people to solve problems, and help visitors see how they can shape technology for good.
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- 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.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Set and Exhibit Designers
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Bachelor's degree (33%)
Some college, no degree
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
Game and Interactive Media Design
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
Architecture
Bachelor
Engineering Design
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
Intern and volunteer as much as you can. Make choices but don't feel as though they are choices for life that cannot be changed at any time, and say yes to opportunities to do new things as much as possible even if you don't know whether you are interested in them.
Perseverance has been key to my work. I’ve learned to get comfortable with ambiguity, failure, and the struggle that comes with learning. Creative problem-solving helps me ask why something matters, research possibilities, test ideas, and keep iterating. And then curiosity and critical thinking help me explore new technologies like AI while questioning their limitations and how they can be used for good.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
Everyone
Just relax and open up your eyes because you will realize that you have pathways opened up just by being you.
Do what you love and the money will follow. One of my greatest mentors once asked me outright, "are you a rich or poor LEGO builder?" I answered, "rich," without thinking, because my life is enjoyable, and I am happy. I love what I do, and I am surrounded by people who share my mindset.
This page includes information from theO*NET 29.2 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
