Puppet designer jobs in Finland
Puppet designers design and create puppets and manipulable objects for performers. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. Puppet designers make puppets and manipulable objects out of a variety of materials, and may build robotic elements into them. Puppet designers sometimes also work as autonomous artists, creating outside a performance context.
Puppet designer - Which skills are essential?
Analyse the artistic concept, form and structure of a live performance based on observation during rehearsals or improvisation. Create a structured base for the design process of a specific production.
Identify and explore recent developments in technology and materials used in the live performance industry, in order to create an up-to-date technical background for one’s personal design work.
Interpret an artist's explanation or demonstration of their artistic concepts, inceptions and processes and strive to share their vision.
Observe the show, anticipate and react to possible technical problems, ensuring optimal artistic quality.
Analysing the score, form, themes and structure of a piece of music.
Identify and investigate sociological trends and movements in society.
Analyse the selection and distribution of material elements on a stage.
Control and ensure the quality of design results during a run.
Efficient communication during live performance, anticipate any possible malfunctioning.
Updating the design results based on observation of the stage image during the rehearsals, especially where the different designs and the action are integrated.
Thorough research for information to develop new ideas and concepts for the design of a specific production based.
Work with artists, striving to understand the creative vision and adapting to it. Make full use of your talents and skills to reach the best possible result.
Interpret an artistic plan and verify whether the described design can be executed.
Set up, test and operate different types of communication equipment such as transmission equipment, digital network equipment, or telecommunications equipment.
Cooperate with the artistic team in order to facilitate the transition from the creative vision and its artistic concepts to a technical design.
Construct hand, string, rod and shadow puppets from materials such as wood, papier maché, Styrofoam, wires, metal and rubber, using hand and machine tools.
Give instructions to all team members about how they should run the performance.
Ensure operative processes are finished at a previously agreed-upon time.
Break down a script by analysing the dramaturgy, form, themes and structure of a script. Conduct relevant research if necessary.
Assess past artistic activities with a view to improving future projects.
Prepare and present detailed design suggestions for a specific production to a mixed group of people, including technical, artistic and management staff.
Adapt an existing design to changed circumstances and ensure that the artistic quality of the original design is reflected in the final result.
Study various media sources such as broadcasts, print media, and online media in order to gather inspiration for the development of creative concepts.
Gather samples of the materials you expect to use in the creation process, especially if the desired piece of art necessitates the intervention of qualified workers or specific production processes.
Research information to develop new ideas and concepts for the design of a specific production. Read scripts and consult directors and other production staff members, in order to develop design concepts and plan productions.
Design and construct puppets and movement control mechanism, based on sketches and/or scripts, for artistic and entertainment purposes.
Sew clothing for puppets by hand or machine.
Share and develop design ideas with the artistic team. Conceptualise new ideas independently and with others. Present your idea, gain feedback and take it into account. Make sure the design fits with the work of other designers.
Puppet designer - Which skills are useful but not essential?
File and document a production in all its phases right after the performance period so that it can be reproduced and all relevant information remains accessible.
Legislation, on a national or international level, that governs labour conditions in various fields between labour parties such as the government, employees, employers, and trade unions.
Lead, supervise and motivate a group of people, in order to meet the expected results within a given timeline and with the foreseen resources in mind.
Prepare and distribute documentation to ensure all people involved in the production receive relevant and up-to-date information.
Check and safely operate machines and equipment required for your work according to manuals and instructions.
Make sure that a given budget remains up to date using most recent and most accurate information. Anticipate possible variations and ensure that the set budgetary goals can be reached within the given context.
Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.
Define and make a list of the required resources and equipment based on the technical needs of the production.
Coordinate human, material and capital resources within artistic productions, based on the given documentation e.g. scripts.
File and organise personal administration documents comprehensively.
Apply the safety rules according to training and instruction and based on a solid understanding of the prevention measures and risks to your own personal health and safety.
Documenting your own work practice for different purposes like assessment, time management, job application etc.
Legislation describing the protection of the rights of original authors over their work, and how others can use it.