Set designer jobs in Finland
Set designers develop a set concept for a performance and supervise the execution of it. 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. During rehearsals and performance they coach the operators to obtain optimal timing and manipulation. Set designers develop sketches, design drawings, models, plans or other documentation to support the workshop and performance crew. They may also design exhibition stands for fairs and other events.
Set 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.
Make sketches of envisioned props to help develop the concept and to share with others.
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.
Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.
Interpret an artist's explanation or demonstration of their artistic concepts, inceptions and processes and strive to share their vision.
Manual drawing or sketching of stage layouts.
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.
Make set construction drawings, define a proper set building and select painting materials and methods.
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.
Take steps to prevent fire in a performance environment. Make sure the space complies with fire safety rules, with sprinklers and fire extinguishers installed where necessary. Make sure staff are aware of fire prevention measures.
Set up, test and operate different types of communication equipment such as transmission equipment, digital network equipment, or telecommunications equipment.
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.
Create three-dimensional models of the envisioned set layout.
Understand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.
Quickly sketch ideas for set layouts and details.
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.
Produce plans, drawings and models of sets.
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.
Decide what materials the props will be made from, and document the conclusions.
Set 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.
Adapt existing props for use in a specific production.
Decide on how the set will be built and document the conclusions.
Buy the required props for a performance.
Visually describe the various pieces of the set in order to develop the plan and to share with others.
Adjust plans to other locations with regards to the artistic concept.
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.
Anticipate possible problems with mechanical and electromechanical stage equipment.
Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.
Paint set constructions and stage props.
Cooperate with the artistic team in order to facilitate the transition from the creative vision and its artistic concepts to a technical design.
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.
Decide on how to build the necessary props and document the process.
Anticipate possible technical problems with scenic elements.
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.
Build props from a variety of materials, working with the design staff to create the appropriate prop for the production.
Interpret the designs and other scenic drawings to clearly mark the information from the ground plans to the stage area.
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.
Inspect and amend the scenery and set-dressing to make sure the visual quality is optimal with in constraints of time, budget and manpower.
Take necessary precautions and follow a set of measures that assess, prevent and tackle risks when working at a high distance from the ground. Prevent endangering people working under these structures and avoid falls from ladders, mobile scaffolding, fixed working bridges, single person lifts etc. since they may cause fatalities or major injuries.