BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasSet and Exhibit Designers

O*NET · 27-1027.00

Set and Exhibit Designers

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.

Also called Creator · Designer · Display Coordinator · Display Designer · Event Decorator · Event Designer · Exhibit Coordinator · Exhibit Designer
23 more

Exhibit Preparator · Exhibit Specialist · Exhibit Tech · Exhibit Technician (Exhibit Tech) · Exhibitions Coordinator · Exhibitor · Exhibits Manager · Exhibits Specialist · Food Stylist · Historical Society Window Dresser · Installations Designer · Lighting Designer · Miniature Set Designer · Museum Exhibit Designer · Presentation Specialist · Projection Designer · Room Designer · Scenic Designer · Set Decorator · Set Designer · Stage Scenery Designer · Stage Set Designer · Theater Set Production Designer

Job Zone 5 — Extensive Preparation NeededHolland code AER35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Civil Engineers

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed

Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree, with extensive skill, knowledge and experience — many of these occupations expect more than five years of experience.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

AERArtistic · Enterprising · Realistic — the three strongest interests, in order

  • A Artistic6.69
  • E Enterprising3.93
  • R Realistic3.70
  • C Conventional3.27
  • S Social3.04
  • I Investigative2.75

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Some College Courses10%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree5%
  • Bachelor's Degree33%
  • Master's Degree33%
  • Post-Master's Certificate10%
  • First Professional Degree5%
  • Doctoral Degree5%
Related work experience
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (43%)
On-site or in-plant training
None (38%)
On-the-job training
None or short demonstration (33%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Active Listeningbasic3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Operations Analysis3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Suggest changes in software to make a system more user friendly
  • Speakingbasic3.83.6Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Time Management3.83.6Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
  • Coordination3.53.5Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Complex Problem Solving3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Writingbasic3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Monitoringbasic3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Active Learningbasic3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
Show the other 23
  • Mathematicsbasic3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
  • Persuasion3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
  • Service Orientation3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
  • Social Perceptiveness3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Instructing3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Negotiation3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Systems Analysis3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.93.4Level 4 looks like: Direct the activities of a road repair crew with minimal disruption of traffic flow
  • Systems Evaluation2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Management of Financial Resources2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Management of Material Resources2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Quality Control Analysis2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Operations Monitoring2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Technology Design1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Equipment Selection1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Operation and Control1.81.3Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Programming1.80.9
  • Sciencebasic1.80.9
  • Troubleshooting1.51.0Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Installation1.50.6
  • Equipment Maintenance1.40.5
  • Repairing1.40.4

Tasks

19 core · 8 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Develop set designs, based on evaluation of scripts, budgets, research information, and available locations.4.9
  2. Prepare rough drafts and scale working drawings of sets, including floor plans, scenery, and properties to be constructed.4.8
  3. Prepare preliminary renderings of proposed exhibits, including detailed construction, layout, and material specifications, and diagrams relating to aspects such as special effects or lighting.4.8
  4. Read scripts to determine location, set, and design requirements.4.8
  5. Submit plans for approval, and adapt plans to serve intended purposes, or to conform to budget or fabrication restrictions.4.6
  6. Attend rehearsals and production meetings to obtain and share information related to sets.4.6
  7. Confer with clients and staff to gather information about exhibit space, proposed themes and content, timelines, budgets, materials, or promotion requirements.4.5
  8. Research architectural and stylistic elements appropriate to the time period to be depicted, consulting experts for information, as necessary.4.4
  9. Observe sets during rehearsals in order to ensure that set elements do not interfere with performance aspects such as cast movement and camera angles.4.4
  10. Collaborate with those in charge of lighting and sound so that those production aspects can be coordinated with set designs or exhibit layouts.4.3
  11. Select set props, such as furniture, pictures, lamps, and rugs.4.2
  12. Design and build scale models of set designs, or miniature sets used in filming backgrounds or special effects.4.1
Show the other 15
  1. Examine objects to be included in exhibits to plan where and how to display them.3.8
  2. Inspect installed exhibits for conformance to specifications and satisfactory operation of special-effects components.3.8
  3. Assign staff to complete design ideas and prepare sketches, illustrations, and detailed drawings of sets, or graphics and animation.3.8
  4. Estimate set- or exhibit-related costs, including materials, construction, and rental of props or locations.3.7
  5. Plan for location-specific issues, such as space limitations, traffic flow patterns, and safety concerns.3.6
  6. Acquire, or arrange for acquisition of, specimens or graphics required to complete exhibits.3.4
  7. Design and produce displays and materials that can be used to decorate windows, interior displays, or event locations, such as streets and fairgrounds.3.0
  8. Direct and coordinate construction, erection, or decoration activities to ensure that sets or exhibits meet design, budget, and schedule requirements.3.8
  9. Coordinate the transportation of sets that are built off-site, and coordinate their setup at the site of use.3.7
  10. Confer with conservators to determine how to handle an exhibit's environmental aspects, such as lighting, temperature, and humidity, so that objects will be protected and exhibits will be enhanced.3.6
  11. Select and purchase lumber and hardware necessary for set construction.3.5
  12. Arrange for outside contractors to construct exhibit structures.3.4
  13. Incorporate security systems into exhibit layouts.3.0
  14. Coordinate the removal of sets, props, and exhibits after productions or events are complete.2.8
  15. Provide supportive materials for exhibits and displays, such as press kits, advertising, publicity notices, posters, brochures, catalogues, and invitations.2.6

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Fine Arts5.06.6Level 7 looks like: Design an exhibit for a major art show
  • Design4.95.8
  • Computers and Electronics3.84.7Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Building and Construction3.54.3Level 4 looks like: Fix a plumbing leak in the ceiling
  • History and Archeology3.44.2Level 4 looks like: Teach local history to school children
  • English Language3.23.6Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Communications and Media3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
  • Mathematics3.13.2Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
Show all 33
  • Production and Processing3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Administration and Management3.03.6Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Engineering and Technology3.03.5Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
  • Mechanical2.93.4Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Psychology2.82.8
  • Sociology and Anthropology2.83.1Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
  • Education and Training2.63.5Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Customer and Personal Service2.52.7
  • Philosophy and Theology2.43.0Level 4 looks like: Understand another culture's religious practices
  • Physics2.42.6
  • Administrative2.22.2Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Economics and Accounting2.21.6Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Geography2.22.8
  • Public Safety and Security2.22.3Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.12.3Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Sales and Marketing2.12.1Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Telecommunications1.91.5Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Chemistry1.71.8Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Foreign Language1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Transportation1.71.6Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Law and Government1.51.2Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.30.5Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Therapy and Counseling1.3—
  • Biology1.2—
  • Food Production1.1—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Fluency of Ideas4.14.1Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Oral Comprehension4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Visualization4.04.5Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Originality3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Problem Sensitivity3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Written Comprehension3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Information Ordering3.83.8Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Near Vision3.83.8
Show all 52
  • Oral Expression3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Speech Recognition3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Written Expression3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Deductive Reasoning3.63.8
  • Speech Clarity3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Category Flexibility3.53.5Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Inductive Reasoning3.53.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Far Vision3.03.5Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Flexibility of Closure3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Selective Attention3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Perceptual Speed2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Time Sharing2.92.8Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.92.9
  • Finger Dexterity2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.82.8
  • Number Facility2.82.8Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Speed of Closure2.82.8Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Control Precision2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Manual Dexterity2.62.8
  • Memorization2.52.5Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Depth Perception2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Auditory Attention2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Multilimb Coordination2.11.5Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Static Strength2.11.5Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Trunk Strength2.02.3Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Spatial Orientation1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Reaction Time1.81.4Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Glare Sensitivity1.61.0Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Response Orientation1.60.9
  • Sound Localization1.60.6
  • Rate Control1.50.9Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.50.9
  • Dynamic Strength1.40.8
  • Extent Flexibility1.40.8
  • Gross Body Coordination1.40.8
  • Night Vision1.40.4
  • Peripheral Vision1.40.4
  • Stamina1.40.8Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Explosive Strength1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Thinking Creatively4.86.2Level 7 looks like: Create new computer software
  • Getting Information4.74.6Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment4.55.1Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.45.3Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships4.35.4Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.34.9Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work4.35.8
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.95.0Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
Show all 41
  • Working with Computers3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.54.5Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.44.3Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.23.7Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization3.13.8Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Developing and Building Teams3.13.2Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates3.13.8Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.13.7Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.02.8
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.93.5Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.93.7Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.83.4Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People2.82.8
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.83.1Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Training and Teaching Others2.83.1Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Analyzing Data or Information2.72.9
  • Documenting/Recording Information2.72.5Level 1 looks like: Record the weight of a patient during a routine health exam
  • Processing Information2.73.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.53.1Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.52.7
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards2.42.6
  • Handling and Moving Objects2.43.3Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials2.42.3Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Performing General Physical Activities2.22.8
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.12.4Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.02.1Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Controlling Machines and Processes1.91.9Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Assisting and Caring for Others1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment1.61.0Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.61.3Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.51.0Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail4.9
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.7
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.6
  • Telephone Conversations4.3
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.2
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.2
  • Time Pressure4.2
  • Contact With Others4.1
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.0
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled3.9

Technology

31 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (7)

  • Adobe Creative Cloud softwarehot
  • Adobe Illustratorhot
  • Adobe Photoshophot
  • Autodesk AutoCADhot
  • Autodesk Revithot
  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot

Hot (12; 7 more marked hot above)

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Adobe After Effects
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • Oracle Database
  • Structured query language SQL
  • Trimble SketchUp Pro
  • UNIX
Other tools (12)
  • Act-3D Quest3D
  • Adobe Director
  • Autodesk 3ds Max
  • Autodesk Maya
  • AutoDesSys form Z
  • Computer aided design and drafting CADD software
  • Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
  • Figure 53 QLab
  • Graphics software
  • Maxon Cinema 4D
  • McNeel Rhinoceros 3D
  • Nemetschek Vectorworks Spotlight

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Graphic Designers
  2. Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
  3. Art Directors
  4. Craft Artists
  5. Commercial and Industrial Designers
  6. Museum Technicians and Conservators
  7. Interior Designers
  8. Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers
  9. Fashion Designers
  10. Architects, Except Landscape and Naval

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.