# Tasks & work activities — scenic painter

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 27-1027.00 (Set and Exhibit Designers) — manual nearest-occupation mapping via ISCO group 3432; the official ESCO crosswalk has no entry for this ESCO occupation.

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Examine objects to be included in exhibits to plan where and how to display them.
- **[Core]** Acquire, or arrange for acquisition of, specimens or graphics required to complete exhibits.
- **[Core]** Prepare rough drafts and scale working drawings of sets, including floor plans, scenery, and properties to be constructed.
- **[Core]** Confer with clients and staff to gather information about exhibit space, proposed themes and content, timelines, budgets, materials, or promotion requirements.
- **[Core]** Estimate set- or exhibit-related costs, including materials, construction, and rental of props or locations.
- **[Core]** Develop set designs, based on evaluation of scripts, budgets, research information, and available locations.
- **[Supplemental]** Direct and coordinate construction, erection, or decoration activities to ensure that sets or exhibits meet design, budget, and schedule requirements.
- **[Core]** Inspect installed exhibits for conformance to specifications and satisfactory operation of special-effects components.
- **[Core]** Plan for location-specific issues, such as space limitations, traffic flow patterns, and safety concerns.
- **[Core]** Submit plans for approval, and adapt plans to serve intended purposes, or to conform to budget or fabrication restrictions.
- **[Core]** Prepare preliminary renderings of proposed exhibits, including detailed construction, layout, and material specifications, and diagrams relating to aspects such as special effects or lighting.
- **[Supplemental]** Select and purchase lumber and hardware necessary for set construction.
- **[Core]** Collaborate with those in charge of lighting and sound so that those production aspects can be coordinated with set designs or exhibit layouts.
- **[Core]** Research architectural and stylistic elements appropriate to the time period to be depicted, consulting experts for information, as necessary.
- **[Core]** Design and produce displays and materials that can be used to decorate windows, interior displays, or event locations, such as streets and fairgrounds.
- **[Supplemental]** Coordinate the removal of sets, props, and exhibits after productions or events are complete.
- **[Core]** Select set props, such as furniture, pictures, lamps, and rugs.
- **[Supplemental]** Confer with conservators to determine how to handle an exhibit's environmental aspects, such as lighting, temperature, and humidity, so that objects will be protected and exhibits will be enhanced.
- **[Core]** Assign staff to complete design ideas and prepare sketches, illustrations, and detailed drawings of sets, or graphics and animation.
- **[Core]** Observe sets during rehearsals in order to ensure that set elements do not interfere with performance aspects such as cast movement and camera angles.
- **[Core]** Design and build scale models of set designs, or miniature sets used in filming backgrounds or special effects.
- **[Core]** Read scripts to determine location, set, and design requirements.
- **[Core]** Attend rehearsals and production meetings to obtain and share information related to sets.
- **[Supplemental]** Arrange for outside contractors to construct exhibit structures.
- **[Supplemental]** Provide supportive materials for exhibits and displays, such as press kits, advertising, publicity notices, posters, brochures, catalogues, and invitations.
- **[Supplemental]** Incorporate security systems into exhibit layouts.
- **[Supplemental]** Coordinate the transportation of sets that are built off-site, and coordinate their setup at the site of use.

## Detailed work activities

- Build models, patterns, or templates.
- Collaborate with others to determine technical details of productions.
- Conduct research to inform art, designs, or other work.
- Confer with clients to determine needs.
- Construct distinctive physical objects for artistic, functional, or commercial purposes.
- Construct exhibits or parts of exhibits.
- Coordinate construction or installation activities.
- Coordinate design activities.
- Coordinate logistics for productions or events.
- Design layout of art or product exhibits, displays, or promotional materials.
- Determine technical requirements of productions or projects.
- Develop artistic or design concepts for decoration, exhibition, or commercial purposes.
- Discuss production content and progress with others.
- Draw detailed or technical illustrations.
- Estimate costs for projects or productions.
- Inspect sets or exhibits.
- Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
- Maintain security.
- Present work to clients for approval.
- Promote products, activities, or organizations.
- Select materials or props.
- Study scripts to determine project requirements.