The Draughtsperson transforms design ideas into technical drawings, providing detailed specifications for the construction crew to build sets according to the Production Designer’s vision.
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Working Life
The Draftsperson interprets the ideas and sketches created for a production and creates practical technical drawings.
They must create a working template for the construction crew, including precise specifications of measurements and material required to build sets according to the production designer’s brief.
They are responsible for making models of the sets to exact design and scale, in liaison with the construction departments on the technical practicalities of building various sets.
They must produce drawings by hand, or on Industry Standard Film and Entertainment CAD software, as required by the production team.
Their drawings may be distributed to other crew, including set decoration, camera, assistant directors, and storyboards.
Works with
- Production Designer
- Art Director
- Set Director
- All of the Art Department
Qualities - Draughtsperson (or Set Designer)
Is this role right for me?
For this role, you will need:
Excellent technical drawing and measuring skills and a strong visual eye.
Ability to produce clear, accurate, and easily understood drawings that convey not only the dimensions, but the texture, finish, and ‘mood’ of a set.
Interest in and working knowledge of construction, design, and architecture.
Ability to work quickly and adapt to changes if and when required.
Interests - Draughtsperson (or Set Designer)
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Entry / Progression - Draughtsperson (or Set Designer)
Education Route: A Qualification in architecture or industrial/environmental design may be beneficial.
Career Path to Draughtsperson (or Set Designer) : There are no usual career paths to becoming a Draftsperson. A Draftsperson often will have experience working as architectural technician or a Draftsperson on construction projects.
Career Path from Draughtsperson (or Set Designer): Senior Draughtsperson, Assistant Art Director, Art Director.
