The Sculptor (or Model Maker) creates specific props informed by the vision and ideas of the production designer, set decorators, and props department.
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Working Life
The Sculptor (or Model Maker) creates specific props informed by the vision and ideas of the production designer, set decorators, and props department.
Role and Responsibilities
- Create certain set elements according to art department drawings and specifications.
- Work with many different materials, styles, and finishes.
- On larger productions, they could be tasked with making a wide variety of props.
- Work with several different techniques including, sculpting, casting, and moulding.
- Work to set timeframes and budgets.
Works with
- Production Designer
- Art Director
- Set Decorator
- Props Department
- All of the Art Department
Qualities - Sculptor (or Model Maker)
Is this role right for me?
For this role, you will need:
Creativity, great visual eye.
Ability to understand what the production designer’s vision for the shoot and the ability to translate this into reality.
Excellent knowledge of both traditional and contemporary sculpting, casting and moulding processes.
Experienced in using a wide range of materials, and different fabrication and finish processes.
Ability to work to tight deadlines.
Ability to delegate and work within a team.
Interests - Sculptor (or Model Maker)
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 - Sculptor (or Model Maker)
Education Route: Qualifications in Architecture, Design, Fine Art, or Sculpture studies can be useful in this role.
Career Path to Sculptor (or Model Maker): There are no usual career paths to Sculptor (or Model Maker). Often, they will have worked their way up through the Art Department with experience as an Assistant Model Maker.
Career Path from Sculptor (or Model Maker): Senior Sculptor (or Model Maker), Lead Sculptor (or Model Maker), Head of Department.
