Set Designer Resume examples & templates

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Copyable resume examples

Copyable Set Designer Resume examples

Ever wondered who transforms empty stages and studio spaces into believable worlds that transport audiences? Set Designers are the visual storytellers behind the scenes, combining artistic vision with technical knowledge to craft the physical environments where stories unfold. It's a career that blends creative imagination with practical problem-solving—where your morning might involve sketching conceptual designs and your afternoon could find you hunting for the perfect vintage lamp to complete a 1970s living room.

The field has evolved dramatically in recent years, with digital design tools and 3D modeling software becoming essential companions to traditional drafting skills. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for set and exhibit designers is projected to grow 7% through 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is partly driven by expanding opportunities beyond traditional theater and film—from immersive experiences and corporate events to virtual production environments where physical sets merge with digital backgrounds. As streaming platforms continue investing in original content and virtual reality experiences become more mainstream, tomorrow's set designers will need to navigate both physical and digital realms with equal fluency.

Junior Set Designer Resume Example

Melissa Renwick

Denver, CO | (303) 555-8721 | melissa.renwick@email.com | linkedin.com/in/melissarenwick

Recent theater arts graduate with hands-on set design experience from university productions and a six-month internship at Denver Playhouse. Skilled in translating directors’ visions into practical, budget-conscious designs while maintaining artistic integrity. Proficient with SketchUp, AutoCAD, and traditional rendering techniques. Looking to grow my career in theatrical and film set design while continuing to develop my creative portfolio.

EXPERIENCE

Junior Set Designer – Denver Playhouse, Denver, CO (January 2023 – Present)

  • Assist the lead designer in creating set concepts for 4 productions, including “The Glass Menagerie” and “Waiting for Godot”
  • Draft technical drawings and build scale models using mixed media for director approval meetings
  • Collaborate with lighting and costume departments to ensure cohesive production aesthetics
  • Manage a materials budget of $3,200 for smaller production elements, coming in 8% under budget
  • Source props and set dressing pieces from local vendors, maintaining detailed inventory system

Set Design Intern – Denver Playhouse, Denver, CO (June 2022 – December 2022)

  • Supported senior designers on 6 productions, learning practical application of design principles
  • Created digital renderings and concept boards for production meetings
  • Attended rehearsals to take blocking notes and adjust designs for practical staging needs
  • Helped coordinate set changes between shows, including strike and setup procedures

Student Set Designer – University of Colorado Theater Department (2020 – 2022)

  • Designed sets for 3 student productions, including “Our Town” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
  • Built and painted set pieces alongside stage crew, gaining practical construction knowledge
  • Managed student design team of 4 people for senior thesis production
  • Created digital portfolio of design work using Adobe Creative Suite

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatrical Design – University of Colorado, Boulder (2022)

  • Concentration in Set Design and Technical Production
  • GPA: 3.8
  • Relevant coursework: Scene Painting, Technical Drawing, History of Theater Design, Costume Design, Lighting Design, Properties Design
  • Senior thesis: Designed and built set for “The Importance of Being Earnest”

Scenic Construction Workshop – Denver Center for the Performing Arts (Summer 2021)

SKILLS

  • Technical drawing & drafting
  • Scale model building
  • SketchUp & AutoCAD
  • Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
  • Prop sourcing & set dressing
  • Basic carpentry & construction
  • Scenic painting techniques
  • Budget management
  • Project coordination
  • Research & period accuracy

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Portfolio: melissarenwick.myportfolio.com
Professional Memberships: United Scenic Artists Local 829 (Junior Member)

Mid-level Set Designer Resume Example

Elena Vasquez

Los Angeles, CA 90028 • (323) 555-8976 • elena.vasquez@email.com
linkedin.com/in/elenavasquez • www.elenavasquezdesign.com

Versatile Set Designer with 5+ years creating immersive environments for film, television, and theatrical productions. Collaborative creative with a knack for translating directors’ visions into tangible spaces while staying on budget. Known for innovative problem-solving and ability to adapt designs to filming constraints. Experienced in both period and contemporary settings.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Set Designer – Horizon Studios, Los Angeles, CA
June 2021 – Present

  • Design and draft complete set packages for 6-8 television productions annually, including hit drama “City Limits” (Season 2-4)
  • Collaborate with production designers to develop visual concepts that enhance storytelling while meeting practical filming requirements
  • Created detailed 3D models and renderings that reduced on-set construction revisions by 27%
  • Manage a $175K quarterly materials budget while identifying cost-effective alternatives that maintain design integrity
  • Supervise team of 3 assistant designers, providing mentorship and technical guidance

Assistant Set Designer – Paramount Pictures, Los Angeles, CA
January 2019 – May 2021

  • Assisted lead designer on 4 feature films, including period drama “The Last Telegraph” and sci-fi thriller “Orbital”
  • Drafted construction drawings and created white models for approval presentations
  • Researched historical accuracy for 1920s speakeasy set that received positive critical mention in NYT review
  • Developed prop placement strategies to maximize camera movement options on confined sets

Set Design Intern – Pasadena Playhouse, Pasadena, CA
September 2018 – December 2018

  • Supported design team for 3 theatrical productions during fall season
  • Created mood boards and assisted with scale drawings for “A Streetcar Named Desire”
  • Helped source unique set dressing items while staying within tight non-profit budget constraints

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Theatrical Design
California Institute of the Arts, Valencia, CA – 2018
Honors Project: Designed fully realized set for student production of “Waiting for Godot”

Technical Certification
AutoCAD for Entertainment Design – UCLA Extension, 2019

SKILLS

  • Design Software: AutoCAD, SketchUp Pro, Vectorworks, Adobe Creative Suite
  • Drafting: Construction drawings, elevations, ground plans, sections
  • Model Making: Physical scale models, white models, presentation models
  • Production Knowledge: Camera angles, lighting requirements, set dressing
  • Research: Period authenticity, architectural styles, material sourcing
  • Budgeting: Material cost estimation, resource allocation
  • Collaboration: Cross-departmental communication, design presentations
  • Specialty: Transformable set pieces for limited studio spaces

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Portfolio available at www.elenavasquezdesign.com
Member, Art Directors Guild Local 800
Volunteer Set Designer, East LA Community Theater (2019-Present)

Senior / Experienced Set Designer Resume Example

GABRIEL MORENO

Los Angeles, CA | (323) 555-8764 | gmoreno.design@gmail.com | linkedin.com/in/gabrielmoreno

SET DESIGNER & PRODUCTION DESIGNER with 9+ years creating immersive environments for film, television, and theater. Known for translating directors’ visions into tangible spaces while managing tight budgets and impossible deadlines. Experienced in both period and contemporary settings with a knack for sourcing unusual set pieces (once found a 1940s dentist chair in 12 hours). Winner of SoCal Theater Design Award (2019) for “The Glass Menagerie.”

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Senior Set Designer – Paramount Pictures, Los Angeles, CA (May 2019 – Present)

  • Lead set design for 6 feature films and 3 television pilots, managing teams of 4-7 designers and establishing cohesive visual language across productions
  • Collaborated with directors and DPs to create dynamic environments that serve both narrative function and practical shooting requirements
  • Designed and executed period-accurate 1970s New York apartment complex for “Midnight Hour” that production could reconfigure for 14 different character homes
  • Reduced set construction costs by 31% through innovative material substitutions and strategic reuse of set elements
  • Implemented digital pre-visualization workflow that shortened approval process from 8 days to 3

Set Designer – HBO/Warner Media, Burbank, CA (June 2016 – April 2019)

  • Created detailed design packages for 12 episodes of “Westworld” (Season 2) and 8 episodes of “Barry”
  • Produced technical drawings, 3D models, and material specifications for construction teams
  • Managed $175,000 decorating budget for “Barry” pilot, coming in $7,232 under budget while exceeding creative expectations
  • Sourced period-specific set dressing and props through industry contacts, estate sales, and specialty fabricators
  • Collaborated with VFX department to design sets with green screen integration points

Assistant Set Designer – Pasadena Playhouse, Pasadena, CA (Sept 2014 – June 2016)

  • Supported lead designer in conceptualization and execution of 6-8 theatrical productions annually
  • Developed technical drawings and scale models for 14 productions
  • Coordinated with lighting and sound designers to ensure technical integration
  • Managed prop inventory system that reduced rental costs by 24%
  • Stepped in as lead designer for two smaller productions when primary designer fell ill

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

MFA, Production Design – American Film Institute, Los Angeles, CA (2014)
Thesis Project: “Architectural Storytelling in Post-War Cinema”

BFA, Theater Design – Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA (2011)

Certifications:

  • AutoCAD Certified Professional (2018, renewed 2021)
  • OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety (2019)
  • Vectorworks Spotlight Certified Designer (2017)

TECHNICAL SKILLS

  • AutoCAD, Vectorworks, SketchUp Pro, Rhino 3D
  • Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
  • 3D printing and rapid prototyping
  • Technical drafting and scale modeling
  • Budgeting and cost estimation
  • Historical research and period accuracy
  • Set decoration and prop sourcing
  • Construction coordination

SELECTED PROJECTS

  • “The Runner” (Feature Film) – 1960s NASA Mission Control
  • “Westworld” (Television) – Delos Corporation Labs
  • “The Glass Menagerie” (Theater) – Award-winning Depression-era apartment
  • “Midnight Hour” (Feature Film) – 1970s New York apartment complex
  • “Barry” (Television) – Acting class studio and various LA locations

How to Write a Set Designer Resume

Introduction

As someone who's reviewed hundreds of set designer resumes over the years, I can tell you that a well-crafted resume is your ticket to getting noticed in this competitive field. Set design is visual by nature, but your resume needs to communicate your talents before anyone sees your portfolio. The perfect set designer resume strikes a balance between showcasing your creative abilities and highlighting your technical skills and practical experience.

Your resume should tell the story of not just what you've built, but how your designs have enhanced productions and solved creative challenges. Think of it as the establishing shot before the director sees your full body of work.

Resume Structure and Format

Keep your resume clean and professional—this isn't the place to demonstrate your avant-garde design sensibilities (save that for your portfolio). A cluttered resume suggests you might create cluttered sets.

  • Length: Stick to 1-2 pages maximum—industry pros need to scan quickly
  • Format: Use a clean, readable font (Calibri, Arial, or Georgia work well)
  • Sections: Contact info, summary, experience, skills, education, and relevant achievements
  • White space: Leave breathing room—don't crowd your information
  • File format: Submit as a PDF unless specifically requested otherwise

Profile/Summary Section

Your professional summary should be 3-4 sentences that capture your design aesthetic, technical abilities, and professional experience. This isn't a generic objective statement—it's your 15-second pitch.

For example: "Versatile set designer with 6+ years creating immersive environments for theater and television. Experienced in translating directorial concepts into functional, visually striking spaces while managing $75K+ budgets. Known for innovative problem-solving and collaborative approach with production teams."

Professional Experience

List your experience in reverse chronological order, focusing on productions and projects rather than just employers. For each role, include:

  • Production name and type (theater, film, TV, commercial)
  • Your specific role (Lead Set Designer, Assistant Set Designer, etc.)
  • Production company, theater, or studio
  • Dates (month/year format is fine)
  • 3-5 bullet points highlighting specific achievements

Make each bullet point count by focusing on:

  • Scale of the production (budget managed, square footage designed)
  • Technical challenges overcome ("Engineered a rotating platform for seamless scene transitions")
  • Recognition received ("Design nominated for regional theater award")
  • Collaboration highlights ("Worked closely with lighting designer to create...")

Education and Certifications

List relevant degrees, focusing on design, theater, film, or architecture backgrounds. Include:

  • Degree name and focus area
  • Institution and graduation year
  • Relevant coursework (only if you're early in your career)
  • Design-related certifications (CAD programs, safety certifications)
  • Workshops or masterclasses with notable designers (if applicable)

Keywords and ATS Tips

Many production companies and studios use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes. Include these industry-specific keywords naturally throughout your resume:

  • Technical terms: CAD, SketchUp, VectorWorks, drafting, model-making
  • Production terminology: blocking, sightlines, strike, load-in, tech rehearsal
  • Materials and techniques: carpentry, welding, scenic painting, foam carving
  • Soft skills: collaboration, budget management, deadline-driven, problem-solving

Industry-specific Skills to Highlight

Set designers need diverse skills—make sure you're showcasing the full spectrum:

  • Design skills (sketching, model-making, drafting)
  • Technical software (AutoCAD, SketchUp, Photoshop)
  • Construction knowledge (carpentry, painting techniques)
  • Production understanding (sightlines, audience experience, camera angles)
  • Practical skills (budgeting, sourcing materials, managing build schedules)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

After reviewing thousands of set designer resumes, these red flags always stand out:

  • Focusing only on aesthetic elements without mentioning practical considerations
  • Forgetting to include budget management experience
  • Being vague about your specific contributions to productions
  • Including irrelevant non-design work experience
  • Typos or inconsistent formatting (suggests lack of attention to detail—deadly in set design!)

Before/After Example

Before: "Designed sets for local theater production."

After: "Created versatile three-level set for community theater production of 'Our Town' with $3,700 budget, incorporating period-appropriate details and designing quick-change elements that reduced scene transition times by 42%."

Remember—your resume is just the first flat in your career set. Make it sturdy enough to support the weight of your accomplishments, but interesting enough to make the director want to see the rest of your design!

Soft skills for your Set Designer resume

  • Cross-functional communication (working effectively with directors, actors, lighting crew, and producers who all have different priorities)
  • Budget-conscious creativity – finding solutions within financial constraints without sacrificing artistic vision
  • Deadline management under pressure – especially during tech week when everything seems impossible
  • Visual storytelling through spatial relationships (translating script subtext into physical environments)
  • Conflict resolution – particularly when navigating competing artistic visions between directors and producers
  • Team leadership – guiding assistants, carpenters and painters while maintaining a collaborative atmosphere

Hard skills for your Set Designer resume

  • Computer-aided design (CAD) software proficiency – AutoCAD, SketchUp, Vectorworks
  • Technical drafting and blueprint interpretation
  • Scale model fabrication using foam core, basswood, and 3D printing
  • Photoshop and Illustrator for concept visualization and texture mapping
  • Lighting plot development and integration with set designs
  • Budget management and cost estimation for materials ($5k-500k range)
  • Rigging and mechanical stage element design
  • Period-specific set research and historical accuracy adaptation
  • Materials sourcing and vendor relationship management