Production designer, theatre/television/film : Training

Because designers tend to work to tight deadlines and often work on more than one project at once, opportunities for further training after completing a degree or postgraduate course may conflict with time spent doing paid work. As the vast majority of designers are freelance, any professional development is often self-funded.

Some designers will want to learn or update specific technical skills, e.g. in computer-aided design (CAD), and may enrol on local part-time or evening courses. Supply companies offering specialist lighting, materials or effects may run product demonstration days, which can help designers to expand their repertoire. Theatre designers can access links to training organisations through the Society of British Theatre Designers .

Skillset: The Sector Skills Council for Creative Media  is the industry body for the creative industries and has useful careers information about the role of production designer. This includes details of training courses and qualifications, links and relevant publications.