How to become a theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designer
Official title: Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers
Also called: Fur designer, Hat designer, Rug designer, Shoe designer, Tile designer, Crest designer, Glove designer, Scene designer, Sound designer, Fabric designer, Fashion stylist, Jacket designer
Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers conceptualize and produce designs for film, television, theatre and video productions, garments and textiles, displays and exhibits, and for other creative items such as jewellery and trophies. Theatre designers are employed by performing arts and broadcasting companies and by festivals; fashion designers are employed by clothing and textile companies or may be self-employed; and exhibit designers are employed by museums. Other creative designers in this unit group are employed by manufacturing establishments or may be self-employed.
Main tasks
- Theatre designers
- Design and create settings, scenic environments, properties, costumes and lighting for theatre, film and video productions, operas and ballets
- Fashion designers
- Design and create clothing and accessories for men, women and children
- Exhibit designers
- Plan and develop permanent and temporary or moveable exhibits and displays for museum exhibitions, trade shows, conventions and other exhibitions
- Theatre designers may specialize in costume, lighting or set design; fashion designers may specialize in men's, women's or children's apparel or in different lines such as sportswear, footwear or formal wear
How to become one
A university degree in fine arts or visual arts with specialization in theatre design, clothing design or exhibit design or completion of a college or art school program in theatre design, clothing design or exhibit design is required. Creative ability, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, is required. Use of computer-aided design (CAD) software may be required.
Ways in
- College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 37% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Design and applied arts; Fine arts and art studies; Drama/theatre arts and stagecraft.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $60,938 a year The middle half earn $42,900 to $77,708.
- About 9,600 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 10,600 are projected by 2033. (+10.4%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Dancers
- Actors, comedians and circus performers
- Painters, sculptors and other visual artists
- Artisans and craftspersons
- Patternmakers - textile, leather and fur products
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Questions people ask
How do I become a theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designer?
A university degree in fine arts or visual arts with specialization in theatre design, clothing design or exhibit design or completion of a college or art school program in theatre design, clothing design or exhibit design is required. Creative ability, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, is required. Use of computer-aided design (CAD) software may be required.
How much does a theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designer earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $60,938 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $42,900 to $77,708.
Is a theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designer a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 10% by 2033, from about 9,600 to about 10,600 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designer?
Not always. 39% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: College or CEGEP program.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03