Profession 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.  

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Personality Type

• Artistic / Enterprising

Skills

• Use communication equipment

  Set up, test and operate different types of communication equipment such as transmission equipment, digital network equipment, or telecommunications equipment.

• Sew puppet clothing

  Sew clothing for puppets by hand or machine.

• Verify feasibility

  Interpret an artistic plan and verify whether the described design can be executed.

• Analyse the artistic concept based on stage actions

  Analyse the artistic concept, form and structure of a live performance based on observation during rehearsals or improvisation. Create a structured base for the design process of a specific production.

• Understand artistic concepts

  Interpret an artist's explanation or demonstration of their artistic concepts, inceptions and processes and strive to share their vision.

• Analyse a script

  Break down a script by analysing the dramaturgy, form, themes and structure of a script. Conduct relevant research if necessary.

• Meet deadlines

  Ensure operative processes are finished at a previously agreed-upon time.

• Monitor developments in technology used for design

  Identify and explore recent developments in technology and materials used in the live performance industry, in order to create an up-to-date technical background for one’s personal design work.

• Adapt existing designs to changed circumstances

  Adapt an existing design to changed circumstances and ensure that the artistic quality of the original design is reflected in the final result.

• Analyse the scenography

  Analyse the selection and distribution of material elements on a stage.

• Adapt to artists' creative demands

  Work with artists, striving to understand the creative vision and adapting to it. Make full use of your talents and skills to reach the best possible result.

• Create puppets

  Construct hand, string, rod and shadow puppets from materials such as wood, papier maché, Styrofoam, wires, metal and rubber, using hand and machine tools.

• Safeguard artistic quality of performance

  Observe the show, anticipate and react to possible technical problems, ensuring optimal artistic quality.

• Perform quality control of design during a run

  Control and ensure the quality of design results during a run.

• 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.

• Research new ideas

  Thorough research for information to develop new ideas and concepts for the design of a specific production based.

• Communicate during show

  Efficient communication during live performance, anticipate any possible malfunctioning.

• Propose improvements to artistic production

  Assess past artistic activities with a view to improving future projects.

• Coach staff for running the performance

  Give instructions to all team members about how they should run the performance.

• Study media sources

  Study various media sources such as broadcasts, print media, and online media in order to gather inspiration for the development of creative concepts.

• Update design results during rehearsals

  Updating the design results based on observation of the stage image during the rehearsals, especially where the different designs and the action are integrated.

• Design puppets

  Design and construct puppets and movement control mechanism, based on sketches and/or scripts, for artistic and entertainment purposes.

• Translate artistic concepts to technical designs

  Cooperate with the artistic team in order to facilitate the transition from the creative vision and its artistic concepts to a technical design.

• Develop design ideas cooperatively

  Share and develop design ideas with the artistic team. Conceptualise new ideas independently and with others. Present your idea, gain feedback and take it into account. Make sure the design fits with the work of other designers.

• Analyse score

  Analysing the score, form, themes and structure of a piece of music.

• Present detailed design proposals

  Prepare and present detailed design suggestions for a specific production to a mixed group of people, including technical, artistic and management staff.

• Gather reference materials for artwork

  Gather samples of the materials you expect to use in the creation process, especially if the desired piece of art necessitates the intervention of qualified workers or specific production processes.

• Monitor sociological trends

  Identify and investigate sociological trends and movements in society.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB