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Film Set Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Skydance

Visual Development Artist

Santa Monica, CA

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

You will generate a wide range of visual development materials, including environmental designs, drawings, models, floor plans, and set dressing elements, all while ensuring consistency with the film ...

Skydance

Visual Development Artist

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

You will generate a wide range of visual development materials, including environmental designs, drawings, models, floor plans, and set dressing elements, all while ensuring consistency with the film ...

Ravenswood Studio, Inc

Technical Designer

Lincolnwood, IL · On-site

$25 - $34/hr

... film. Celebrating 35 years as one of the nation's most talented builders, we fabricate projects of ... set our clients apart time and time again. Technical Designers are responsible for creating ...

Swaybox Studios

Set Carpenter

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$21 - $28.25/hr

This role requires precision, creativity, and the ability to collaborate closely with designers ... film, or production. * Ability to read and interpret design blueprints, sketches, and measured ...

eth

Sr. Designer - Photo Stylist

New Milford, CT · On-site

$106K - $113K/yr

Submit floorplans and set specifications to staff carpenters. * Submit detailed designs and ... Must have experience styling for photography/film. * Creative ability with excellent attention to ...

eth

Sr. Designer - Photo Stylist

New Milford, CT

$106K - $113K/yr

Submit floorplans and set specifications to staff carpenters. * Submit detailed designs and ... Must have experience styling for photography/film. * Creative ability with excellent attention to ...

eth

Sr. Designer - Photo Stylist

New Milford, CT · On-site

$106K - $113K/yr

Submit floorplans and set specifications to staff carpenters. * Submit detailed designs and ... Must have experience styling for photography/film. * Creative ability with excellent attention to ...

Ethan Allen

Sr. Designer - Photo Stylist

New Milford, CT · On-site

$106K - $113K/yr

Submit floorplans and set specifications to staff carpenters. * Submit detailed designs and ... Must have experience styling for photography/film. * Creative ability with excellent attention to ...

eth

Sr. Designer - Photo Stylist

New Milford, CT · On-site

$106K - $113K/yr

Submit floorplans and set specifications to staff carpenters. * Submit detailed designs and ... Must have experience styling for photography/film. * Creative ability with excellent attention to ...

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All JobsFilm Set Designer Jobs

Film Set Designer information

How much do film designers make?

Film set designers typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, with experienced professionals or those working on major productions earning higher salaries. Compensation varies based on experience, project scope, and location, and the role often requires skills in design, carpentry, and familiarity with industry tools like CAD software.

What is a Film Set Designer job?

A Film Set Designer is responsible for creating the visual look of a film's sets, ensuring they align with the director’s vision and story. They collaborate with production designers, art directors, and other crew members to develop sketches, blueprints, and models of set designs. Their job involves selecting materials, overseeing construction, and ensuring the sets are functional and visually appealing. Attention to detail, creativity, and knowledge of design principles are essential for this role.

How do I become a movie set designer?

To become a movie set designer, you typically need a background in theater, architecture, or interior design, along with skills in drafting, model-making, and familiarity with design software like AutoCAD or SketchUp. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions on film or theater productions is important, and building a strong portfolio can help secure more advanced roles.

What are some typical challenges faced by Film Set Designers on set?

Film Set Designers often encounter tight deadlines, budget constraints, and frequent last-minute changes to set requirements. Coordinating with directors, art department teams, and other crew members while ensuring the designs align with the creative vision can be demanding. Managing logistical factors such as materials sourcing, space limitations, and quick set turnovers also present frequent challenges. However, these aspects make the role dynamic and offer rich opportunities to develop creative problem-solving and project management skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Film Set Designer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Film Set Designer, you need strong skills in set design, spatial visualization, and a background in art, architecture, or theater production. Proficiency with design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite, along with knowledge of set construction techniques, is often expected. Creativity, attention to detail, strong collaboration, and organizational skills make candidates stand out in this role. These abilities are crucial for translating creative vision into practical, visually compelling sets that enhance storytelling and production value.

How much does a set designer get paid?

Film set designers typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, with experienced professionals or those working on high-budget productions earning higher salaries. Compensation can vary based on experience, project scope, location, and union membership, and the role often requires skills in design, construction, and collaboration with directors and producers.

What jobs can DT get you?

A Film Set Designer can help you secure jobs in film, television, theater, and commercial productions by creating visual concepts and designing sets. This role often involves collaboration with directors, art directors, and production teams, and requires skills in design, construction, and familiarity with industry tools like CAD software.
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Film Set Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Film Set Designer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.
Visual Development Artist

Visual Development Artist

Skydance

Santa Monica, CA

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Skydance Animation is seeking an experienced Visual Development Artist to join our team on an upcoming feature film. In this role, you will help shape the worlds our story takes place in by developing compelling, immersive environments that support narrative, mood, themes, and character.

You will generate a wide range of visual development materials, including environmental designs, drawings, models, floor plans, and set dressing elements, all while ensuring consistency with the film’s established style, story themes, and overall visual quality. Working closely with Production Designer, art department, and creative leadership you will help define the look and feel of fully realized worlds that enhance storytelling and create a rich cinematic experience.

The ideal candidate has a strong sense of design, composition, and storytelling through environments, with the ability to translate narrative needs into believable, visually engaging spaces.

Previous experience on a feature animated film is required. 

This position is based in Los Angeles, California, and requires the selected candidate to work in an on-site hybrid capacity.

Responsibilities
  • Create art for project concepts, environments, set designs, and related visual development elements (textures and surface details are a plus)
  • Generate work across all stages of development, including sketches, rough explorations, refined designs, and final environment concepts
  • Develop environment designs, including turnarounds, floor plans, and layout studies to support spatial storytelling and production needs
  • Create set dressing and environmental detail callouts to help define world-building elements and visual continuity
  • Produce 2D and/or CG visual development models to explore scale, composition, and cinematic staging of environments
  • Conduct visual and narrative research to inform design decisions and ensure environments feel grounded, intentional, and story-driven
  • Develop presentation materials that clearly communicate design intent, mood, and storytelling purpose
  • Brainstorm and explore inventive environmental ideas that enhance storytelling, deepen world-building, and reinforce tone and emotion
  • Apply strong knowledge of architecture, landscape design, and spatial composition to create believable and engaging environments
  • Contribute creative solutions, respond effectively to feedback, and iterate on designs throughout production
  • Meet production schedules and deadlines while maintaining a high level of artistic quality and consistency
  • Maintain organized files following show-specific versioning and naming conventions
  • Proactively communicate questions, issues, or production concerns to supervisors and production staff
  • Revise and resubmit work as needed based on feedback from the Production Designer or Art Department leadership
  • Collaborate closely with the Production Designer, art team, leadership, and production staff regarding status updates, progress, and any production challenges
Requirements
  • 8+ years of experience in environment design/ visual development on animated feature films
  • Strong visual storytelling skills, with the ability to design environments that support narrative, mood, and character action
  • Advanced proficiency in Adobe Photoshop
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to present work clearly and respond effectively to feedback
  • Strong understanding of architecture, perspective, composition, and spatial design
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as collaboratively within a team environment
  • Adaptable and responsive to evolving creative direction and production needs
  • Working knowledge of Autodesk Maya, Blender, or ZBrush is a plus
  • Must be, or be willing to become, a member of The Animation Guild Local 839
The compensation range for this non-exempt position in Los Angeles, CA is $2,900-4,000/week. The rate offered may vary based on the candidate’s location, qualifications, experience and relevant expertise, among other factors.  The range indicated is for base salary only and does not reflect the total compensation package, including bonus, benefits, etc. 
 
#Animation