Letter from the mailbag: Graphic design for props in TV and film
Let's dig into the mailbag...
Hi Devon,
I came across your site while Googling careers in television, and its been really nice reading about your experiences in Hollywood. I can't find the particular entry, but at one point you mentioned designing props for tv or movies. I'm a graphic designer, and that sort of thing really interests me, so I was wondering if you might be able tell me more about your knowledge or experience with design props (if you have time, naturally), or if you could direct me to the particular blog entry on your site that discusses this topic?
Thanks, and good luck with your writing and design business!
Emilee
Hi Emilee,
The closest I came to describing that, I believe, was this entry:
http://www.devondelapp.com/weblog/?entry=250746
I couldn't find anything else either. Clearly I need to revamp my archive section.
As for doing graphics for props and the set dressing departments of a production, one's responsibilities are usually to design fake labels for products (i.e. a Jack Daniel's label that doesn't say "Jack Daniels"), fake signs and posters, bookcovers/magazines/newspapers/forms, and photoshopped photos (i.e., putting actors together on a fishing trip, or making someone look dead for CSI). Pay varies, $35-75/hour (or more, if you take the photos), or flat fees per item.
To get started, put together a portfolio that demonstrates your ability to do this kind of work. A web portfolio is ideal, as you can share it with more people quickly. Then, look for a prop/graphics house, contact them, and say you're looking for work. Here's a list:
http://www.productionhub.com/directory/listings.asp?section_id=9&cat_id=389
Keep in mind, this job frequently falls under Union jurisdiction (which union or unions, I don't recall, but a call to a prop house could clear that up). What this means is you may be able to work on certain, non-union projects, or work for someone who is in the union (as in, they're a prop designer in the prop designers union, and they hire you as a freelancer to do some of the work). However, you will probably be prevented from working directly for a TV or film, working on their props. If you would like to pursue this as a career, you will want to join the appropriate union, and contacting them directly is the best way to find out how.
Best of luck!
Hi Devon,
I came across your site while Googling careers in television, and its been really nice reading about your experiences in Hollywood. I can't find the particular entry, but at one point you mentioned designing props for tv or movies. I'm a graphic designer, and that sort of thing really interests me, so I was wondering if you might be able tell me more about your knowledge or experience with design props (if you have time, naturally), or if you could direct me to the particular blog entry on your site that discusses this topic?
Thanks, and good luck with your writing and design business!
Emilee
Hi Emilee,
The closest I came to describing that, I believe, was this entry:
http://www.devondelapp.com/weblog/?entry=250746
I couldn't find anything else either. Clearly I need to revamp my archive section.
As for doing graphics for props and the set dressing departments of a production, one's responsibilities are usually to design fake labels for products (i.e. a Jack Daniel's label that doesn't say "Jack Daniels"), fake signs and posters, bookcovers/magazines/newspapers/forms, and photoshopped photos (i.e., putting actors together on a fishing trip, or making someone look dead for CSI). Pay varies, $35-75/hour (or more, if you take the photos), or flat fees per item.
To get started, put together a portfolio that demonstrates your ability to do this kind of work. A web portfolio is ideal, as you can share it with more people quickly. Then, look for a prop/graphics house, contact them, and say you're looking for work. Here's a list:
http://www.productionhub.com/directory/listings.asp?section_id=9&cat_id=389
Keep in mind, this job frequently falls under Union jurisdiction (which union or unions, I don't recall, but a call to a prop house could clear that up). What this means is you may be able to work on certain, non-union projects, or work for someone who is in the union (as in, they're a prop designer in the prop designers union, and they hire you as a freelancer to do some of the work). However, you will probably be prevented from working directly for a TV or film, working on their props. If you would like to pursue this as a career, you will want to join the appropriate union, and contacting them directly is the best way to find out how.
Best of luck!