How to become a Screen or Live Performance Designer
Plans, organises and controls the artistic and visual design of film, television, video or live performance productions.
Main tasks
- Works closely with clients and creative teams to guide the visual direction of film, television, video or live performance productions
- Interprets scripts and creates visual guides to reflect character, setting, lighting and story
- Researches and gathers visual references including photographs, sketches and other visual materials to inform artistic direction
- Develops and presents artistic concepts and visual presentations
- Continually assesses the artistic progress of a project and provides direction as necessary
- Oversees the design and creation of sets, costumes, props, lighting, video and other visual elements
- May provide guidance and feedback to Actors and performers regarding their artistic interpretation and portrayal of characters
Ways in
- University: Creative Arts & Design degrees, Offered by 38 universities in Australia
- University: Communications & Media degrees, Offered by 34 universities in Australia
- TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Live Production and Management Services (CUA60220); Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (CUA60620); Certificate III in Live Production and Technical Services (CUA30420); Certificate III in Screen and Media (CUA31020); Certificate II in Creative Industries (CUA20220); Certificate IV in Live Production and Technical Services (CUA40420); Certificate IV in Screen and Media (CUA41220); Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services (CUA50420)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $102,700 a year
- About 15,500 people work in this job group now, and about 18,400 are projected by 2035. (+19.1%)
- AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.
Related jobs
- Film and Video Editor
- Artistic Director
- Audio or Live Performance Director
- Cinematographer
- Production Manager (Screen or Live Performance)
- Screen Director
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Screen or Live Performance Designer?
Ways in include: Creative Arts & Design degrees; Communications & Media degrees; Advanced Diploma of Live Production and Management Services; Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media.
How much does a Screen or Live Performance Designer earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $102,700 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Screen or Live Performance Designer a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 19% by 2035, from about 15,500 to about 18,400 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Screen or Live Performance Designer?
Not always. 57% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Creative Arts & Design degrees; Communications & Media degrees; Advanced Diploma of Live Production and Management Services; Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media.
Will AI change the work of a Screen or Live Performance Designer?
AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04