Theatre, Fashion, Exhibit and Other Creative Designers - What They Do

Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers conceptualize and produce designs for film, television, theatre and video productions, garments and textiles, displays and exhibits, and for other creative items such as jewellery and trophies. Theatre designers are employed by performing arts and broadcasting companies and by festivals; fashion designers are employed by clothing and textile companies or may be self-employed; and exhibit designers are employed by museums and retail establishments. Other creative designers in this unit group are employed by manufacturing establishments or may be self-employed.

Job duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

Theatre designers

Design and create settings, scenic environments, properties, costumes and lighting for theatre, film and video productions, operas and ballets.
Theatre designers may specialize in costume, lighting or set design; fashion designers may specialize in men's, women's or children's apparel or in different lines such as sportswear, footwear or formal wear.

Fashion designers

Design and create clothing and accessories for men, women and children.

Exhibit designers

Plan and develop permanent and temporary or moveable exhibits and displays for museum exhibitions, trade shows, conventions, retail spaces and other exhibitions.

Job titles

shoe designer
trophy designer
window display designer
clothing designer
costume designer
couturier - haute couture
display designer
fabric designer
fashion designer
fur designer
jewellery designer
lighting designer
museum exhibit designer

Employment Requirements

This is what you typically need for the job:

A university degree in fine arts or visual arts with specialization in theatre design, clothing design or exhibit design or Completion of a college or art school program in theatre design, clothing design or exhibit design is required.
Creative ability, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, is required.
Use of computer-aided design (CAD) software may be required.

Essential Skills

Working with Technological Equipment and Machinery