Set designers draw theatrical sets in different proportions and make models of the stage into which props are fitted. The work involves various materials, colours and textures that are needed to obtain different designs.
Set designers can work in large and small theaters, in television or in filmmaking, often in collaboration with directors and costume designers for the overall look of productions.
• reading scripts and source work for preparation
• designing a set and deciding on its look in collaboration with the director
• creating a basic concept and working on sketches
• drawing a set on paper or with a computer program as well as making models out of paper, wood or other materials
• deciding on use of materials, colours and textures of the set and the surroundings
• passing ideas on to set builders with work drawings
Set designers need to be able to make work drawings and work with scales, proportions and spaces. It is necessary to know how to work with materials and colours to achieve a certain texture. Good imagination, interest in design, organizational skills and the ability to work with others are all very useful qualities in the work of a set designer.
Specialized studies in set design are not available in Iceland, but various types of work-related courses may be available. Set designers often have a degree in art, which are offered, for exa themple, in art studies program at Fjölbrautaskólinn í Breiðholti, Myndlistaskólinn í Reykjavík, Myndlistaskólinn á Akureyri and the visual art department of the Iceland Academy of the Arts.
