Lights, camera, action! The world of film is one of the most glamorous and exciting industries in the world, and for visual artists, it's an opportunity to showcase their creativity and talent on the big screen. From designing sets and costumes to creating special effects and makeup, visual artists play a crucial role in bringing a director's vision to life. In this article, we'll explore the various jobs available for visual artists in the film industry, from the biggest blockbusters to the smallest indie films.

Production Designer

Production designers are responsible for creating the overall look and feel of a film. Working closely with the director and the cinematographer, they develop a visual style that enhances the story and brings the world of the film to life. The production designer oversees the creation of sets, props, and costumes by a team of art directors, set decorators, and costume designers to ensure that every detail is perfect.

Art Director

The art director is responsible for managing the artistic aspects of a film's production. They work alongside the production designer in overseeing the creation of sets, props, and costumes, and they are responsible for ensuring that the overall visual style of the film is consistent and cohesive. Art directors also work with the cinematographer to ensure that the lighting and camera angles are appropriate for the scenes being filmed.

Set Decorator

The set decorator is responsible for selecting and placing the objects that appear in a film's sets. They work closely with the production designer and art director to make sure that the objects in a scene are appropriate for the era, the setting, and the characters. Set decorators are also responsible for sourcing and acquiring the objects that appear in a film, whether it's furniture, artwork, or everyday items.

Costume Designer

The costume designer is responsible for creating the clothing and accessories that the actors wear in the film. They ensure that the costumes are appropriate for the characters and the story. Costume designers must also consider the practical aspects of the costumes, such as how they will look under different lighting conditions, whether they fit within the budget and how they will hold up during filming.

Makeup Artist

Makeup artists are responsible for creating the look of the characters in a film. This can mean using makeup to ensure that the actors look natural under the set lighting or it can mean applying complex and imaginative prosthetics to completely transform the actor’s appearance (think of how Jim Carey looks in the Grinch for example!). Makeup artists must have a deep understanding of color theory, as well as a knowledge of different makeup techniques, to create the desired effects.

Visual Effects Artist

Visual effects artists use digital tools and techniques to create special effects for films. They are responsible for creating everything from explosions and computer-generated creatures to realistic-looking backgrounds and environments. Most action, scf-fi and fantasy films use extensive visual effects these days so they require a lot of artists to fill these roles.

Storyboard Artist

Storyboard artists create visual representations of the script for a film. They plan out the shots for each scene so that everyone can visualise the scenes that are being shot. Storyboard artists must be skilled at drawing and able to quickly translate the director's vision into a visual form.

Concept Artist

Concept artists create visual representations of the ideas and concepts that will appear in a film. They help to develop the visual style of the film and to create sketches and illustrations that will help communicate that style to the rest of the production team. Concept artists must be skilled at drawing and painting and have a deep understanding of art history and design principles.

Prop Maker

Prop makers are responsible for creating the bespoke objects that appear in a film, from the smallest trinket to the largest set piece. They must be skilled at working with a variety of materials, including wood, metal, foam, and plastic, and be able to create realistic-looking props that will hold up during filming. Prop makers must also be able to modify existing objects to fit the needs of the film - for example, they may need to alter a real-life car to make it look like a vintage vehicle, or they may need to add a specific feature to a piece of furniture to make it fit the story.

OCAD helps students find their pathways through art education. From the very beginnings, to these very specific degrees and career pathways; OCAD supports students every step of the way. With tutor alumni becoming fashion designers, illustrators, fashion bloggers and professional photographers to name a few, we just know we can help you navigate your way and map out your journey with us. The Film Industry is just one field that our students may be interested in. As you can see, so many aspects of this industry will stem from simple beginnings on a creative course, and open so many doors in the field. This is just one example. We have the specialists and the working professionals to guide you :)