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Freelance Set Designer Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Freelance Set Designer information

What does a freelance set designer do?

A freelance set designer is responsible for creating the visual environment for theater, film, television, or live event productions. They work independently, collaborating with directors and other creatives to design and build sets that enhance the storytelling and mood. Their tasks include sketching concepts, selecting materials, and overseeing the construction and installation of sets. Freelance set designers often manage multiple projects, negotiate contracts, and adapt their designs to fit various budgets and spaces.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance set designer?

To thrive as a Freelance Set Designer, you need a solid background in design principles, spatial awareness, and often a degree in theater design, fine arts, or a related field. Proficiency with CAD software, 3D modeling tools, and familiarity with construction materials and stagecraft techniques are typically required. Creativity, strong communication, adaptability, and time management are essential soft skills for collaborating with directors, producers, and crew under tight deadlines. These skills and qualities are crucial to delivering visually compelling and functional sets that meet both artistic vision and practical needs.

How does a freelance set designer typically collaborate with directors and other creative team members during a production?

Freelance set designers work closely with directors, costume designers, lighting designers, and other creative professionals to bring a production’s vision to life. Collaboration usually starts in pre-production meetings where ideas and concepts are discussed, followed by sharing sketches, models, or digital renderings for feedback. Throughout the process, set designers must adapt their designs based on input from the team and practical constraints like budget and space. Clear communication and flexibility are key, as revisions are common and teamwork ensures the final set supports the overall production goals.

What is the difference between Freelance Set Designer vs Stage Designer?

AspectFreelance Set DesignerStage Designer
CredentialsPortfolio, relevant design experience, possibly certifications in design or theaterSimilar credentials, often with additional theater-specific training
Work EnvironmentIndependent projects, varied locations, freelance basisTheater productions, stage settings, often in theaters or studios
Employer & IndustryClients, production companies, theaters on a project basisTheater companies, production houses, often within the performing arts industry
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for freelance opportunities or project-based workSeeking stage design roles within theater productions

Both Freelance Set Designers and Stage Designers require a strong background in design and theater. Freelance Set Designers typically work independently on various projects, while Stage Designers are often employed by theaters or production companies. The roles overlap in skills and credentials but differ mainly in work setting and employment structure.

What are the most commonly searched types of Set Designer jobs in Alabama?

The most popular types of Set Designer jobs in Alabama are:

What cities in Alabama are hiring for Freelance Set Designer jobs?

Cities in Alabama with the most Freelance Set Designer job openings:

$53K - $63K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Martin Retail Group, has served the automotive industry for more than 40 years. Based in Birmingham, Alabama with six  regional offices, we are one of the nation's largest automotive retail advertising and media spot buying agencies in the country. We work hard, innovate, and deliver the best solutions to drive business for our clients while offering employees work-life balance and a family-friendly, enjoyable environment.

Overview

Supports creative teams by ensuring seamless execution of client projects. This role combines project coordination, and hands-on graphic design to help deliver high-quality marketing materials on time and within scope. Requires knowledge of basic InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop, and ongoing as well as Dynamic Creative tools like FlashTalking or Google Dynamic Feed. Ability to develop further proficiencies in these and other graphics applications.

Responsibilities

Graphic Design:

  • Create visual assets including digital ads, social media graphics, email templates, presentation decks, print collateral, and occasional motion graphics (if applicable).
  • Translate creative briefs and strategic input into engaging visual content.
  • Adapt and resize existing creative assets across multiple formats and platforms.
  • Ensure all work adheres to brand guidelines and maintains high-quality standards.
  • Support production and file prep for both digital and print deliverables.
  • Have a strong understanding of the respective brand languages, look/feel and tonality. Develop and maintain a strong understanding of the GM product portfolios
  • Takes responsibility for the profitability of the department by completing timesheets in a timely and accurate fashion.
  • Foster and maintain strong team relationships.

Collaboration:

  • Participate in internal brainstorms and creative reviews.
  • Support the agency team during client presentations or pitches with visual assets and presentation materials (if applicable).

Client Interaction:

  • None
Qualifications
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign); experience with Canva, Figma, After Effects, or Premiere Pro a plus.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
  • A standout colleague with strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Basic knowledge of marketing principles and brand strategy.
  • A basic understanding of graphic production techniques and the language of production (a working knowledge of the printing and production process) as well as the ability to set and revise type precisely are prerequisites.
  • Has an understanding of file formats and their corresponding usage.
  • This position requires a good design sense and a keen eye for typography as well as the ability to maintain precision and thoroughness in the work while juggling multiple projects in a high-stress, fast-paced environment.
  • Strong understanding of the  English language.
Additional Information

Compensation Range: $53,200 - $63,840 annually. This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and the Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer/temporary employee medical plan through a third-party benefits administration system once certain criteria have been met. Temporary roles may also qualify for participation in our 401(k) plan after eligibility criteria have been met. For regular roles, the Company will offer medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401k, and paid time off. The Company anticipates the application deadline for this job posting will be 11/11/25.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 

 Compensation Range: USD $ - . This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and the Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer/temporary employee medical plan through a third-party benefits administration system once certain criteria have been met. For regular roles, the Company will offer medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401k, and paid time off. The Company anticipates the application deadline for this job posting will be 11/3/2025.Employment Type: OTHER