TIPS UTILES A LA HORA DE DISEÑAR UN SET Useful tips when designing a set
1 Es importante crear sets con intención, que cada elemento tenga sentido, tenga su historia real o inventada, tenga razón de estar en ese lugar y en esa forma.
1 It is important to create sets with intention, that each element makes sense, has its real or invented history, has reason to be in that place and in that way.
2 Relacionar los personajes del guión con alguien existente o con una idea de algo existente y las cualidades de éste y luego agregarle características según el guión, la visión tuya y del director es una buena forma para crear el mundo de cada personaje.
2 Relate the characters in the script to someone existing or with an idea of something existing and the qualities of it and then add characteristics according to the script, your vision and that of the director is a good way to create the world of each character.
3 Poner atención a los detalles, muchos de éstos no saldrán en cámara pero aportan mucho al ambiente y a la vibra del set, incluso le dan oportunidades a los actores/actrices de interactuar más con el espacio, a tener más opciones de planos, aporta ideas, es dar un paso más allá de lo que está establecido.
3 Pay attention to details, many of these will not appear on camera but add a lot to the atmosphere and the vibe of the set, they even give actors / actresses opportunities to interact more with the space, to have more options for shots, to provide ideas , is to take a step beyond what is established.
4 Usar los colores como herramienta de comunicación y estar conectado/a con el/la director/a de fotografía sobre éstos, pues la luz y el color van de la mano, la idea es crear mundos juntos que evoquen sentimientos.
4 Use colors as a communication tool and be connected with the cinematographer about them, since light and color go hand in hand, the idea is to create worlds together that evoke feelings.
5 Crear sin límites, primero deja tu imaginación desarrollarse, sin miedo! dale cabida a las ideas fuera de lugar que parezcan malas para que el cerebro se permita jugar y después que plasmes todo, puedes ir descartando y dándole forma adaptándolo a la idea final.
5 Create without limits, first let your imagination unfold, without fear! Make room for out-of-place ideas that seem bad so that the brain allows itself to play, and after you capture everything, you can discard and shape it, adapting it to the final idea.
6 Ponerte en el lugar del personaje, le gustara el café o té? Qué tipo de cafetera tuviera y por qué? La mochila que usara sería nueva o muy usada? Tuviera cuadros antigüos o posters modernos?…
6 Put yourself in the character’s place, would he like coffee or tea? What type of coffee maker do you have and why? Would the backpack you used be new or very used? Did you have old paintings or modern posters?…
Con todo lo que pongas estás comunicando algo, darle intención a la posición de cada elemento, diviértete y sigue tus instintos, son los mejores amigos de la creatividad!
With everything you put you are communicating something, give intention to the position of each element, have fun and follow your instincts, they are the best friends of creativity!
Just like a love couple finishing each other’s sentences, the relationship between the art director and set decorator should be highly tuned.
In my experience there are a few things you should always keep in mind when on the road to becoming a set decorator. This can help your work be more efficient. With every set decoration experience we get to learn a little more. Here are 10 tips I find useful
♦1♦ Communication is key: Don’t hold back because of the fear of getting rejected, sometimes the best sets come out of the most random or outrageous ideas.
♦2♦ When it comes to fabric or textures: I find it’s better to have 5 to 6 options that work and are well related to the design than having 15 options that aren’t quite adjustable or fit. This will save you time and won’t distract you or the art director from the main idea.
♦3♦ MacGyver: If something goes wrong, try to come up with a second option or a solution before you communicate it to your art director. Make sure to display them together, this way the department keeps rolling and you overcome the situation giving it less chance for it to happen again.
♦4♦ Time is usually of the essence: make sure you plan ahead and give space for the occasional complications. Trucks schedules are a perfect example; pick-ups, returns, etc. can be quite a headache. We can’t control what the provider will forget or mess up, that’s why you should cover your back!
♦5♦ Save the day: Always take good photos to the furniture being rented right BEFORE they deliver it. Send these photos to the provider so that everybody is well aware of the state they were handed to you.
♦6♦ Helper’s kit: Always carry a box with materials suitable for wrapping small things. Preferably newspaper. Mother earth will thank you for not using plastic.
♦7♦ Lethal weapons: tape measure, pantone, and something to draw on. Don’t go anywhere without them!
♦8♦ It’s not personal, it’s business: I’m not saying you have to be a robot but in this line of work it’s good to exercise objectivity in your mind. Sometimes the option you like the most is not the one that works. Try to adapt quickly to changes without getting frustrated or letting it affect the result #Keepcalmandcarryon
♦9♦ Stack your goodie drawer: Keep fabrics, wallpapers, vinyls or any texture samples you like. Sometimes even if they’re not in stock anymore they will be good for inspiration in future projects.
♦10♦ Document your work: Don’t forget to have a record of your steps, the process, the final look, etc. Even if it’s not your favorite set, you can learn from it or use it as resource for a future one.
◊Trust your instincts and your taste, you were picked to be there for a reason!.◊
Props on one hand, salty water on my face!. There are worse ways to go get a set ready!
Versatile shopping day! yah man!
On my way to the set! Who needs wheels, stop lights, traffic?… Hop on the little horses way more fun!
And well, sometimes we just get bored and make props up:
This is ONE way to get the little boat down to the cave!. After a lot of strenght and team work it made it down only to find out we couldn’t use it for the scene anyway…
ladearte.com 
