Production Designer

Description: Production designers work in the art department and play a crucial role in helping directors achieve a certain look for the film or television show by designing and building props and sets.

Knowledge Required: Drawing, drafting, graphic design, set design, architecture, color theory, art history


Skills:  Communication, creativity, innovation, problem solving, film and television production


Career Path: Working as a production assistant or in the art department of a film or television production can lead to work in production design. Production designers often take on interns and assistants, which is often the best way to get a foot in the door and learn about the industry.


Best Cities for this job: Large metropolitan areas with a concentration of entertainment are Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, and Washington D.C.

Median Annual Income: National: $34,600 CA: $69,000


Future Growth: The Bureau of Labor Statistic predicts a 14 percent growth in employment between 2008 and 2018.

From the field:  "I really love my job. I think it is nearly a crime that I get to do this every day. It's so much fun." - Denny Dugally, Production Designer