Skip to the main content
Go to the search page
Job holders in this unit group plan, direct and undertake the creation of designs for new industrial and commercial products, stage sets, and other areas.

Main tasks

  • Define, design and implement a creative visual merchandising strategy.
  • Create many types of special effects make-up, which can include prosthetics.
  • Observes and manages intellectual property issues.
  • Specifies materials, production method and finish for aesthetic or functional effect, and oversees production of sample and/or finished product.
  • Undertakes research to determine market trends, production requirements, availability of resources and formulates design concepts.
  • Prepares sketches, designs, patterns, prototypes, mock-ups and storyboards for consideration by theatre/film director, management, sales department or a client.
  • Liaises with client to determine the purpose, cost, technical specification and potential uses/users of product.

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Salary and earnings

Potential earnings

£63,264.74

Average earnings

£33,829.99

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

What course level do I need to study?

The level of study required will vary with each job, sector and company. The table below shows the level of study achieved by those currently working in this career choice.

Educational requirements: Level 3 NVQ; A Levels

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Level of study Percentage achieved
Level 0 2%
Level 1 1%
Level 2 14%
Level 3 7%
Level 4-5 (Higher Education) 4%
Level 6 (Bachelors) 63%
Level 7 (Masters or equivalent) 7%
Level 8 (Doctorate) 1%

Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS) data.

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.