🎭

Set Designer

Also known as: Production Designer, Scenic Designer, Art Director (Film/TV), Theatre Set Designer

AI Impact Score

32/100

AI is transforming early concept visualisation and virtual production in set design. Designers who can use AI tools for rapid concept generation and work comfortably in virtual production environments (LED volume stages, Unreal Engine) will have a significant competitive edge.

$45k – $130k

Salary Range

growing

Growth Outlook

55,000

Total Jobs (US)

+8%

Growth Rate

Task Breakdown

Tasks at Risk (4)

Basic mood board compilationReference image researchStandard technical drawing annotationsSimple asset library management

AI-Enhanced Tasks (5)

Concept visualisation and style exploration3D spatial planning and virtual walkthroughPeriod accuracy and prop researchBudget estimation from design elementsVirtual production real-time environment building

Human-Safe Tasks (5)

Original world-building and narrative designDirector and DP creative collaborationOn-set supervision and problem solvingArt department leadership and crew managementPhysical build quality and craft decision making

Current Skills

AutoCAD / VectorWorksSketch and Technical DrawingPeriod and Style ResearchBudget ManagementArt Department Coordination

Future-Proof Skills

Unreal Engine (Virtual Production)Cinema 4D / Blender 3D ModellingAI Concept Visualisation Tools (Midjourney, Stable Diffusion)Pre-Visualisation (Previz)LED Volume and Extended Reality (XR) Stages