♦My Dear Set Decorator♦

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!.◊