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What is a production designer and how to become one
Production designers are in charge of monitoring all of the visual components of a media or theatre production. That said, they are usually individuals who have great eyes for detail and extensive amounts of creativity, as well as years--if not decades--of experience in the industry.
The duties of a production designer vary depending on the type of media that they produce. But in general, they create product designs that resonate with the audience and accomplish whatever goal that the event or show has in mind. A production designer is also responsible for coordinating with other production members, such as set designers, equipment operators, and, of course, the show producers.
The typical requirement for this role is a degree in a media-related field, such as graphic design, fine arts, and photography. Moreover, employers also prefer candidates with extensive experience in the industry, as well as an impressive portfolio of events or shows that they have worked on.
When it comes to salary, a production designer can earn anywhere from $41,000 to $81,000 a year, but the average pay is roughly $58,000 annually.
What general advice would you give to a production designer?
Dr. Sarah Satterfield Ph.D.
Department Chair Visual and Performing Arts, Professor of Music and Humanities, College of Central Florida
Avg. Salary $54,760
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 3%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.37%
Asian 10.42%
Black or African American 3.42%
Hispanic or Latino 10.63%
Unknown 4.99%
White 70.17%
Genderfemale 44.61%
male 55.39%
Age - 37American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 37Stress level is moderate
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
Production designer career paths
Key steps to become a production designer
Explore production designer education requirements
Start to develop specific production designer skills
Skills Percentages Sketch 11.08% Graphic Design 10.41% Adobe Creative Suite 8.82% Digital Marketing 4.21% HTML 4.05% Complete relevant production designer training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New production designers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a production designer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real production designer resumes.Gain additional production designer certifications
More About CertificationsProduction designer certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific production designer certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for production designers include Master Certified Web Professional - Designer (CWP) and Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ).
Research production designer duties and responsibilities
- Manage website redesign including copywriting and updating all website content.
- Migrate HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and XML content from outside sources into content management system.
- Edit existing PowerPoint slides to enhance the corporate message.
- Create 3D files and renderings for packaging using SolidWorks and KeyShot.
Prepare your production designer resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your production designer resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a production designer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable production designer resume templates
Build a professional production designer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your production designer resume.
Apply for production designer jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a production designer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first production designer job
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Average production designer salary
The average production designer salary in the United States is $54,760 per year or $26 per hour. Production designer salaries range between $36,000 and $82,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do production designers rate their job?
Production designer reviews
There is so much to like about working as Graphic Designer ... the seeing how all the elements of words, space, colors, visuals (photos, graphics, charts,...) come together on a page...sharing info with others to learn and use
When working with others who can not make up their minds as deadline approaches nor take responsibility and blames others for their own "misdoings".
Creativity, Innovation, Intact Brand Integrity through Brand Guidelines
Interference in mid of work.
Working in the production/preflight realm of work is great because I am able to execute the concept that the designer comes up with. I have a very technical role that requires a lot of attention to detail, which is something I enjoy. Also, the competition is stiffer considering most designers are not trained to do production work
A lot of companies and hiring directors don't understand the importance of the role and how much technical skill it requires, therefore a lot of employers tend to pay less, when they should be paying more. This role takes more training.
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Updated January 8, 2025
