According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Develop set designs, based on evaluation of scripts, budgets, research information, and available locations. | 97% |
| Prepare rough drafts and scale working drawings of sets, including floor plans, scenery, and properties to be constructed. | 96% |
| Prepare preliminary renderings of proposed exhibits, including detailed construction, layout, and material specifications, and diagrams relating to aspects such as special effects or lighting. | 95% |
| Read scripts to determine location, set, and design requirements. | 95% |
| Submit plans for approval, and adapt plans to serve intended purposes, or to conform to budget or fabrication restrictions. | 92% |
| Attend rehearsals and production meetings to obtain and share information related to sets. | 91% |
| Confer with clients and staff to gather information about exhibit space, proposed themes and content, timelines, budgets, materials, or promotion requirements. | 90% |
| Research architectural and stylistic elements appropriate to the time period to be depicted, consulting experts for information, as necessary. | 88% |
| Observe sets during rehearsals in order to ensure that set elements do not interfere with performance aspects such as cast movement and camera angles. | 87% |
| Collaborate with those in charge of lighting and sound so that those production aspects can be coordinated with set designs or exhibit layouts. | 86% |
| Select set props, such as furniture, pictures, lamps, and rugs. | 83% |
| Design and build scale models of set designs, or miniature sets used in filming backgrounds or special effects. | 81% |
| Examine objects to be included in exhibits to plan where and how to display them. | 76% |
| Assign staff to complete design ideas and prepare sketches, illustrations, and detailed drawings of sets, or graphics and animation. | 75% |
| Direct and coordinate construction, erection, or decoration activities to ensure that sets or exhibits meet design, budget, and schedule requirements. | 75% |
| Inspect installed exhibits for conformance to specifications and satisfactory operation of special-effects components. | 75% |
| Coordinate the transportation of sets that are built off-site, and coordinate their setup at the site of use. | 73% |
| Estimate set- or exhibit-related costs, including materials, construction, and rental of props or locations. | 73% |
| Confer with conservators to determine how to handle an exhibit's environmental aspects, such as lighting, temperature, and humidity, so that objects will be protected and exhibits will be enhanced. | 71% |
| Plan for location-specific issues, such as space limitations, traffic flow patterns, and safety concerns. | 71% |
| Select and purchase lumber and hardware necessary for set construction. | 70% |
| Acquire, or arrange for acquisition of, specimens or graphics required to complete exhibits. | 68% |
| Arrange for outside contractors to construct exhibit structures. | 67% |
| Incorporate security systems into exhibit layouts. | 60% |
| Design and produce displays and materials that can be used to decorate windows, interior displays, or event locations, such as streets and fairgrounds. | 60% |
| Coordinate the removal of sets, props, and exhibits after productions or events are complete. | 56% |
| Provide supportive materials for exhibits and displays, such as press kits, advertising, publicity notices, posters, brochures, catalogues, and invitations. | 52% |
