Theatre, Fashion, Exhibit and Other Creative Designers (NOC 5243)
Description
Designers in this unit group 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 textiles 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.
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Example Titles
- clothing designer
- costume designer
- couturier - haute couture
- display designer
- fabric designer
- fashion designer
- fur designer
- jewellery designer
- lighting designer
- museum exhibit designer
- shoe designer
- trophy designer
- window display designer
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Classified Elsewhere
- Diorama makers - museum and galleries (in 5212 Technical Occupations Related to Museum and Galleries)
- Graphic Designers and Illustrators (5241)
- Industrial Designers (2252)
- Interior Designers (5242)
- Patternmakers - Textile, Leather and Fur Products (5245)
- Tailors, Dressmakers, Furriers and Milliners (7342)
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Duties
The following is a summary of main duties for some occupations in this unit group:
- Theatre designers design and create settings, scenic environments, properties, costumes and lighting for theatre, film and video productions, operas and ballets.
- 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 for other exhibitions.
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Skills
Fashion, theatre and exhibit designers need the following skills and abilities:
- an interest in visual presentation
- imagination and creative talent
- good eyesight with depth and colour perception
- manual dexterity
- good time management skills and ability to meet deadlines
- attention to detail
- ability to handle stress and frequent interruptions
- good communication skills for making presentations and marketing
- ability to handle criticism
- interpersonal skills to work with co-workers and clients
- basic mathematics
- ability to use computers for design
- an interest in research and staying current in the field.
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Employment Requirements
- Most designers in fashion, theatre, or exhibit design are required to have a diploma or degree in a related program, and artistic ability as demonstrated by a portfolio of work.
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Terms & Conditions
Working conditions and places of employment vary. Creative designers employed by manufacturing firms or larger corporations usually work regular business hours, but may work overtime or irregular hours to complete projects, or to meet with clients. Creative designers employed in film, television or theatre often work shifts or flexible hours. Others may work long irregular hours in small confined spaces or in their homes. Most designers work in an office or studio designing exhibits or displays, as well as on-site marketing design products and setting up displays. Exhibit designers may lift and move heavy materials and use a variety of tools. Travel is common for many theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers.
There is some part time work in this occupation (35%). Over one quarter are self-employed.
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Earnings
$23,000 per annum - starting
$39,100 per annum - average
$66,400 per annum - high
Earnings are reviewed annually or more frequently if new information becomes available.
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Education / Training
- The University of Manitoba, School of Art, offers degree programs in Fine Arts.
- The University of Manitoba, Faculty of Human Ecology, offers degree programs including a specialty in Textile Sciences
- Some high schools offer a program in Fashion Technology.
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Career Paths
Persons who are interested in these careers will spend some period of time in assistant positions, helping with very basic duties and progressing to more responsible jobs with a greater artistic element.
Specialties in fashion design include clothing for children, outerwear, footwear, or formal wear.
Theatre design artists generally must be knowledgeable in a wide variety of theatrical presentations from classical to modern, stage and screen, in order to take advantage of projects as they become available.
Designers may advance to supervisory or management positions, or become self-employed consultants.
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Outlook
Employment prospects for theatre, fashion, exhibit and creative designers overall are expected to be limited in the 2010 - 2014 period. The number of positions in 2010 in Manitoba is estimated at 210.
This is a small occupational group made up of many different types of designers. There is an abundant supply of creative individuals who are attracted by the appeal of the work so new entrants have difficulty finding positions. Visual display designer positions are the most frequently advertised in this group. The reduction of local clothing manufacture will limit the demand for clothing designers and as a result, some will seek work in the retail sector. The number of designers employed locally in performing arts and broadcasting is small.
Almost all of these jobs are based in Winnipeg (86%). Across industries these designers work in Manufacturing (36%), Arts, Entertainment and Recreation (21%), Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (19%), Retail Trade (10%) and Information and Cultural Industries (10%).
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Employment by Age Group
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Employment by Industry
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Employment by Region
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Employment by Gender
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Employment by Aboriginal Self-Identification
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Employment by Visible Minority
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Please Note - The source for above charts is the 2006 Census.
Professional Associations, Unions, and Regulatory Bodies...
- Manitoba Jewellers Association, 783 Main Street , Winnipeg, MB, R2W 3N5
- Professional Interior Designers Institute of Manitoba, http://www.pidim.ca/
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Other Related Information...
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