Develop design concept

Research information to develop new ideas and concepts for the design of a specific production. Read scripts and consult directors and other production staff members, in order to develop design concepts and plan productions.

create design concept
produce design concept
generate design concept
developing design concept
develop design concepts

skill/competence

sector-specific

Develop design concept is an essential skill of the following occupations:

Lighting designer: Lighting designers develop a lighting design concept for a performance and supervise the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. During rehearsals and performance they coach the operators to obtain optimal timing and manipulation. Lighting designers develop lighting plots, cue lists and other documentation to support the operators and production crew. Lighting designers sometimes also work as autonomous artists, creating light art outside a performance context.
Puppet designer: Puppet designers design and create puppets and manipulable objects for performers. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. Puppet designers make puppets and manipulable objects out of a variety of materials, and may build robotic elements into them. Puppet designers sometimes also work as autonomous artists, creating outside a performance context.
 
Production designer: Production designers are responsible for the complete look (style, colouring and locations) of television programmes, series, motion pictures and commercials. They create the visual concept for the entire production such as set design, lighting, costumes and camera angles. Production designers work together with the director, designers and oversee the art department. They also create sketches, drawings, do colouring and location research and advise props and stage settings to the director.
Make-up and hair designer: Make-up and hair designers develop a design concept for make-up and hair of performers and supervise the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. Make-up and hair designers develop sketches, design drawings or other documentation to support the workshop and performance crew. Make-up designers sometimes also work as autonomous artists, creating make-up art outside a performance context.
 
Computer-aided design operator: Computer-aided design operators use computer hardware and software in order to add the technical dimensions to computer aided design drawings. Computer-aided design operators ensure all additional aspects of the created images of products are accurate and realistic. They also calculate the amount of materials needed to manufacture the products. Later the finalised digital design is processed by computer-aided manufacturing machines that produce the finished product.
Sound designer: Sound designers develop a sound design concept for a performance and supervise the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. Sound designers prepare audio fragments to be used in a performance, which can involve recording, composing, manipulating and editing. During rehearsals and performance they coach the operators to obtain optimal timing and manipulation. Sound  designers develop plans, cue lists and other documentation to support the operators and production crew. Sound designers sometimes also work as autonomous artists, creating sound art outside a performance context.
Set designer: Set designers develop a set concept for a performance and supervise the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. During rehearsals and performance they coach the operators to obtain optimal timing and manipulation. Set designers develop sketches, design drawings, models, plans or other documentation to support the workshop and performance crew. They may also design exhibition stands for fairs and other events. 
Pyrotechnic designer: Pyrotechnic designers develop a pyrotechnical design concept for a performance and supervise the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the pyrotechnic designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. During rehearsals and performance they coach the operators to obtain optimal timing and manipulation. Pyrotechnic designers develop plans, cue lists and other documentation to support the operators and production crew. Pyrotechnic designers sometimes also work as autonomous artists, creating pyrotechnical art outside a performance context.
Sign maker: Sign makers design and develop signs for a variety of uses such as flyers, traffic signs, billboards and business signs. They use different materials and techniques and if necessary they install the sign on site. Furthermore they also perform maintenance and repairs.
Glass artist: Glass artists create original artworks by assembling pieces of glass. They can be involved in restoration processes (such as those going on in cathedrals, churches, etc.) and can create accessoires, windows or decorations.
Furniture designer: Furniture designers work on items of furniture and related products. They design the product and are involved in its production as craftsmen and designers or makers. The conception of furniture combines innovative design, functional requirements and aesthetic appeal.
Video designer: Video designers develop a projected image design concept for a performance and supervise the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. Video designers prepare media fragments to be used in a performance, which can involve recording, composing, manipulating and editing. During rehearsals and performance they coach the operators to obtain optimal timing and manipulation. Video  designers develop plans, mapping, cue lists and other documentation to support the operators and production crew. Video designers sometimes also work as autonomous artists, creating video art outside a performance context.
Art director: Art directors shape the visual layout of a concept. They create innovative designs, develop artistic projects  and manage the cooperation between all aspects involved. Art directors may perform creative work in theatre, marketing, advertising, video and motion picture, fashion or online companies. They ensure that the work performed is visually appealing to audiences.
Costume designer: Costume designers develop a costume design concept for a performance, a movie or a television program. They supervise the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. Costume designers develop sketches, design drawings, patterns or other documentation to support the workshop and performance crew.
 
Digital artist: Digital artists create art which applies digital technology as an essential part of the creative process. Digital art is usually created using computers or more specialised digital equipment. It may be enjoyed using the same instruments, shared over the internet, or presented using more traditional media.

Develop design concept is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this skill may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Interior designer: Interior designers design or renovate of internal spaces, including structural alterations, fixtures and fittings, lighting and colour schemes, furnishings. They combine the efficient and functional use of space with an understanding of aesthetics.
Flying director: Flying directors design people flying effects for a performance and supervise or perform the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. They train the actors for the flying choreography and manipulate them during the performance. Therefore, the flying directors work closely with artistic directors, operators, performers and the artistic team. Flying directors prepare and supervise the setup, perform security checks and operate the person fly systems. They are trained to react appropriately to emergencies that may occur in connection to performance flying. Their work is based on plans, instructions and calculations. The manipulation of persons on height, close to or above performers and audience makes this a high risk occupation.

References

1. Develop design concept – ESCO