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Production Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... Production Designer to join the team behind an award-winning digital entertainment brand with more than 50 million subscribers across three channels . Our content is a mix of family-friendly ...

Production Designer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Training & development Production Designer We're an independently owned FASTSIGNS franchise in Irvine. Locally run, tight-knit, and growing. The team: one outside sales rep, a store manager, a ...

Production Designer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Juggle multiple projects and shifting priorities without letting quality slip Requirements * 5+ years of experience as a production designer, layout artist, or technical graphic designer * Strong ...

Production Designer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Juggle multiple projects and shifting priorities without letting quality slip Requirements * 5+ years of experience as a production designer, layout artist, or technical graphic designer * Strong ...

Production Designer Location: Hybrid (Burbank/North Hollywood, CA) What You'll Be Doing: The Production Designer is a key contributor to the Golden Pet production team, responsible for executing the ...

Production Designer

Hermosa Beach, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

... high-quality products at a great value. From our diverse footwear collections to our expanding ... Position is responsible for designing, producing and delivering on time all the work assigned to ...

Production Designer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Juggle multiple projects and shifting priorities without letting quality slip Requirements * 5+ years of experience as a production designer, layout artist, or technical graphic designer * Strong ...

The Designer is responsible for supporting the team lead with the execution of Devices physical and digital product documentation across packaging and help center site; Creating global technical and ...

The Designer is responsible for supporting the team lead with the execution of Devices physical and digital product documentation across packaging and help center site; Creating global technical and ...

As a designer, you will craft fresh, delightful, people-centered experiences across web, mobile, email, social, and print. Working with a mix of nonprofits, brands, and causes, you will build ...

As a designer, you will craft fresh, delightful, people-centered experiences across web, mobile, email, social, and print. Working with a mix of nonprofits, brands, and causes, you will build ...

The Production Designer/Drafter will participate in the concept and creation of structural designs that meet the technical requirements and schedule required by the client. The position will lead ...

Packaging Production Designer - Global Creative 📍 Location: El Segundo, CA (Hybrid - 2 Days Remote / Week) 💰 Pay Rate: Up to $41.70/hr on W2 📅 Duration: 3+ Month Contract (Potential ...

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Production Designer information

See California salary details

$14

$34

$65

How much do production designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for production designer in California is $34.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.62 and $48.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a production designer?

A production designer works in a film, TV, or theater art department. As a production designer, you have a crucial role in set design and creating the visual tone of a production. Your job duties involve working closely with the head of the department, as well as directors and producers, to come up with the right visual style for the story. You are responsible for making or securing props, developing lighting, directing other people in your department, and discussing all aspects of the production’s visual elements with the costume designers and set designers.

What does a production designer do?

A Production Designer is responsible for the overall visual look and feel of a film, television show, theater production, or commercial. They work closely with the director and other key departments to design and create sets, locations, graphics, props, lighting, and costumes that bring the story to life. Their work ensures that every visual element supports the narrative and enhances the audience's experience. Production Designers also manage art department budgets, supervise set construction, and ensure that the design vision is carried out throughout the project.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a production designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Production Designer, you need expertise in visual storytelling, set design, and art direction, often supported by a degree in theatre, film, or design. Familiarity with design software like Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, and CAD programs, as well as experience managing budgets and production schedules, is typically required. Strong collaboration, creativity, and leadership skills help Production Designers work effectively with directors, producers, and crew. These competencies ensure the visual coherence and impact of a production, helping to bring creative visions to life within project constraints.

What are some common challenges production designers face when collaborating with directors and other creative teams?

Production designers often encounter challenges balancing their creative vision with the director’s concepts and the practical limitations of budgets and timelines. Effective communication is essential, as the role requires translating abstract ideas into tangible sets and visual elements that align with the overall story. Additionally, production designers must collaborate closely with costume, lighting, and props departments to ensure a cohesive visual style across all aspects of the production. Flexibility and problem-solving skills are crucial to adapt quickly to changes in script, location, or resources.

What is the difference between Production Designer vs Art Director?

AspectProduction DesignerArt Director
CredentialsRelevant degree in design, architecture, or related field; experience in film or TV productionSimilar credentials; often with experience in art and design roles in media
Work EnvironmentFilm, TV, theater, or commercial production setsFilm, TV, advertising, and media production environments
Industry UsagePrimarily in film, TV, and theaterCommonly in film, TV, advertising, and media industries

While both roles involve visual design and collaboration on media projects, the Production Designer is responsible for the overall visual concept and environment, whereas the Art Director manages the execution of that vision, overseeing the art department and design team.

How hard is it to become a production designer?

Becoming a production designer typically requires a combination of education in design or related fields, relevant work experience, and strong skills in visual storytelling, collaboration, and technical tools like Adobe Creative Suite. Entry often involves starting in assistant roles or related positions in film, television, or theater, and building a portfolio over time.

What qualifications do you need to be a production designer?

Production designers typically need a bachelor's degree in design, fine arts, or a related field, along with strong artistic skills and experience in set design, art direction, or related roles. Proficiency with design software such as CAD or Adobe Creative Suite and a good understanding of film or theater production processes are also important. Building a portfolio and gaining industry experience can enhance job prospects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Production Designer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Production Designer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Production Designer jobs in California?

For Production Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Production Designer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Production Designer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Production Designer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Production Designer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Production Designer jobs in CA?

For Production Designer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Production Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,726 per year, or $35 per hour.

Production Designer

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Driver’s License and reliable transportation REQUIRED

Prior Digital Media experience STRONGLY PREFERRED

Prior YouTube experience STRONGLY PREFERRED


ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for an enthusiastic, creative, and highly resourceful Production Designer to join the team behind an award-winning digital entertainment brand with more than 50 million subscribers across three channels.


Our content is a mix of family-friendly challenges, competitions, transformations, and narrative-driven videos. You will work closely with our creative and production teams to help create some of the highest-performing YouTube content in the world.


This is a very hands-on position. We’re looking for someone who can take an idea from a creative meeting and figure out how to actually make it happen — whether that means designing a set, sourcing props, dressing a location, making a Home Depot run, finding a fabricator, or solving a problem on set.

No two weeks look exactly the same.


DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Production Design

  • Turn creative concepts and scripts into sets, environments, props, and practical elements for our videos.
  • Design and set-dress locations for challenge and narrative-driven productions.
  • Work closely with the Creative Director, Producers, and production team to determine what is needed for each shoot.
  • Help determine the visual look and feel of sets while keeping YouTube pacing and camera framing in mind.
  • Make sure sets are fully dressed and camera-ready before filming begins.


Props & Costumes

  • Pull, source, purchase, rent, or build props needed for upcoming videos.
  • Source costumes and wardrobe pieces when required for specific concepts.
  • Manage returns following productions.
  • Maintain and organize existing props, costumes, furniture, and reusable production assets.
  • Look for opportunities to reuse or repurpose existing materials before purchasing new items.


Art Department Production

  • Handle art department production runs and last-minute sourcing when necessary.
  • Coordinate with vendors, prop houses, rental companies, fabricators, and other outside resources.
  • Help manage builds and installations for larger production concepts.
  • Troubleshoot problems quickly when creative concepts change or unexpected issues arise.


Crew & Shoot Support

  • Source and coordinate Production Assistants and additional art department support as needed for weekly productions.
  • Make sure the appropriate crew is scheduled based on the size and complexity of each shoot.
  • Oversee setup, set dressing, resets, and strike.
  • Keep the art department organized and running efficiently throughout production.


Budget & Organization

  • Work within approved art department budgets for each video.
  • Track purchases, rentals, returns, and production expenses.
  • Keep production spaces, props, materials, and inventory organized.
  • Maintain relationships with reliable vendors and production resources.
  • Help build systems that allow the department to prepare for multiple videos at the same time.


WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

We’re looking for someone who is:

  • Creative and visually driven
  • Extremely resourceful and a strong problem solver
  • Comfortable working under fast production timelines
  • Highly organized
  • Able to manage multiple upcoming shoots simultaneously
  • Comfortable sourcing, shopping, building, organizing, and being physically present on set
  • Able to communicate clearly with creative and production teams
  • Comfortable managing PAs, freelancers, vendors, and outside resources
  • Excited about YouTube and digital-first entertainment
  • Interested in growing with the company and taking on more responsibility over time


EXPERIENCE

  • Previous production design, art department, set dressing, or similar production experience preferred
  • Digital media experience strongly preferred
  • YouTube production experience strongly preferred
  • Experience with fast-paced unscripted, competition, challenge, or narrative content is a plus
  • Experience sourcing props, set pieces, costumes, materials, and vendors
  • Experience managing production assistants or small art department teams is a plus


REQUIREMENTS

  • Valid Driver’s License
  • Reliable transportation
  • Ability to work in-person in the Northridge/Los Angeles area
  • Ability to travel locally for production runs, sourcing, and shoots
  • Flexibility with production schedules and shoot days
  • Comfortable working in a fast-moving environment where priorities can change quickly


THE RIGHT PERSON

This isn't a position for someone who wants to sit behind a desk and only design.

We want someone who can hear:

“We need to turn this room into a secret underground bunker by Friday.”

…and immediately start figuring out how we're going to pull it off.

If you're creative, organized, resourceful, and excited by the challenge of making ambitious ideas happen quickly, we'd love to hear from you.