• Being able to hand-draw is a vital skill in the design process. Sketching informs all subsequent work in 2D and 3D modeling packages. 

• Learning the Adobe Creative Suite is recommended, but you don’t need to master every app within the suite at the start of your career! However, Photoshop is essential, used to create reference materials, concepts and 3D models.

• Adobe Acrobat, PowerPoint, Google Slides and Keynote are also useful tools for portfolio creation and presentations in the department.

• Excel or Google Sheets are important for breakdowns, scheduling and budgets. You can get away with a basic knowledge of these in junior roles, but as you progress, you will need a greater understanding of formulas etc.

• Learning to hand-draft can give you a great foundation in how to lay out a drawing, so it is recommended. However, unless you are on a period production, you may end up drafting on the computer for the majority of your work. It can be a bonus to be able to overlay hand-drafted elements over computer-generated drawings.

• Programs like Rhino, Vectorworks, Sketchup and Autocad are all useful for creating detailed working drawings and layouts. James favoured Rhino for its versatility and compatibility with other software used in the industry, as well as the ease with which Rhino files can be exported for VFX use.

• SketchUp is great for speed and ease of use in 3D modelling, particularly for smaller-scale projects. However, James considered Rhino to be more 'future-proof' for larger-scale productions. Blender is a powerful tool for 3D modelling and rendering, offering speed and versatility. James suggested learning both Rhino and Blender for a well-rounded skill set.

• There is a significant difference in the work carried out by Draftspersons in the Art Department and Concept Artists. Concept Artists are more likely to focus on creating models and illustrations that inform the look and feel of the production, while Draftspersons focus on designing the sets in greater detail and providing technical drawings for the Construction department. 

• Training resources mentioned include online tutorials, courses offered by organisations like the London Film School, Film Design International, and Luke Whitelock’s SketchUp course. Further details can be found on our Training and Courses pages in the Department hubs.

• Some of the apps can be extremely expensive, and some production companies will cover software costs for the crew. It is recommended that you ask about the provision of box rental for any software that you are providing when negotiating your deal. There are also often discounts to be found at Adobe and Autodesk.

• The main programs used in the Art Department (by Draftspersons and Art Directors) are: (in no particular order) VectorWorks, SketchUp & Layout, Autocad, Rhino, Blender, Photoshop, Excel and/or Google Sheets.

James is a Supervising Art Director and Senior Art Director who has recently worked on Poor Things, The Batman and Enola Holmes 2. James has also worked for many years as a Production Designer, having started his career in 1998 as an Art Department Assistant.