To work as a set and exhibit designer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have a bachelor's degree.

Education after high school

Set and exhibit designers usually have a bachelor's degree. Many four-year colleges and universities grant the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree. In this program, you take courses in art, art history, principles of design, designing, and sketching. In addition, you may take courses specific to individual design fields.

About 200 colleges and universities have approved programs in art and design. Most of these award a degree in art or fine art. Some award degrees specifically in set design.

Many schools do not allow formal entry into a bachelor's degree program until you have successfully completed a year of basic art and design courses. You may be required to submit sketches or other examples of your artistic ability.

Regardless of your major, you should take classes in computer-aided design (CAD).

Combining a bachelor's degree in design with further study in a museum specialty is a good way to prepare for exhibit design.

Work experience

Experience sculpting, woodworking, or sketching is good preparation for design work.

Seek opportunities to work or volunteer at museums or theaters. You can also gain experience by designing stage sets for the school drama club or local theater company.

On-the-job training

Beginning designers usually receive on-the-job training. As you gain experience, you work on more difficult tasks. Training may last up to a year.

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