How Do I Become a Set Decorator?

If you would like to channel a talent for design into a career in the film and television industry, you may wish to become a set decorator. A set decorator is responsible for creating the look of a set, from the furniture down to such minutiae as the items in a refrigerator or the litter on a city sidewalk. Before you can become a set decorator, you will need an in-depth knowledge of design, which you might acquire through an art degree. Perhaps most importantly, however, you will need to gain experience by working in relevant assistant-level positions. To be a successful set decorator, you should also be extremely organized, resourceful, willing to adhere to a budget, and prepared for long hours, and be able to interpret directors’ visions.

Not only are sets a physical representation of characters and themes, but in some cases they must also be authentic to a particular time period. Consequently, before you can become a set decorator, you will need an expansive knowledge of design principles and history. You might acquire this knowledge by completing an undergraduate or graduate course in design, film studies, or another relevant area. Alternatively, you might work as a window dresser in a large department store or simply teach yourself about design through diligent self-guided study.

No matter how you acquire a knowledge of design, most established set decorators agree that the most important step on the quest to become a set decorator is working in relevant assistant-level positions. In other words, set decorating is generally not a job that one walks into, but rather a career that one builds up to. Thus, to enter this field you should seek work on a set design crew. While such a position will inevitably involve some “grunt work,” it will also endow you with valuable hands-on experience, and may also allow you to start building a network of industry contacts.

Most successful, sought-after set decorators share a few personality traits. First of all, to keep a production moving on schedule, it is crucial for a set decorator to be highly organized. Decorators should also possess the resourcefulness needed to execute fully-realized sets while adhering to a production’s budget. Additionally, decorators must be willing to work long or unusual hours, as they will likely be required to start preparing sets long before shooting begins each day. Finally, set decorators must be able to accurately interpret directors’ visions, which may sometimes mean being comfortable resisting their own tastes and ideas.