Set Designer Onboarding Checklist

Set Designer Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Set Designer starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Design onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Set Designer, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Set Designer onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Set Designer Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to the company: The task involves providing a comprehensive overview of the company, its history, values, and culture. This can be performed by the HR department or a designated company representative.

2. Orientation to the design department: This task entails introducing the new set designer to the design team, their roles, and responsibilities. The department head or a senior designer can perform this task.

3. Familiarization with design software and tools: As a set designer, it is crucial to be proficient in various design software and tools. This task involves providing access to necessary software, conducting training sessions, or assigning a mentor to guide the new designer.

4. Review of past projects: To understand the company’s design style and standards, the new set designer should review past projects. This task can be performed by the design department or a senior designer who can provide insights and feedback.

5. Introduction to project management processes: Set designers often work on multiple projects simultaneously. Therefore, understanding the company’s project management processes, including timelines, deliverables, and communication channels, is essential. The project manager or a designated team member can perform this task.

6. Collaboration with other departments: Set designers often collaborate with various departments, such as production, art, and construction. This task involves introducing the new designer to key stakeholders in these departments and explaining their roles and responsibilities.

7. Familiarization with safety protocols: Set designers work with materials, tools, and equipment that may pose safety risks. Therefore, it is crucial to provide a thorough understanding of safety protocols and procedures. This task can be performed by the safety officer or a designated team member.

8. Review of budgeting and cost management: Set designers need to work within budget constraints. This task involves reviewing the company’s budgeting and cost management processes, including tracking expenses and sourcing cost-effective materials. The finance department or a designated team member can perform this task.

9. Introduction to suppliers and vendors: Set designers often rely on suppliers and vendors for materials and props. This task involves introducing the new designer to trusted suppliers and vendors, explaining the procurement process, and establishing relationships. The procurement department or a designated team member can perform this task.

10. Shadowing experienced set designers: To gain practical knowledge and learn from experienced professionals, the new set designer should have the opportunity to shadow and assist senior designers on ongoing projects. This task can be coordinated by the design department or a designated mentor.

11. Review of company policies and procedures: It is essential for the new set designer to be familiar with company policies and procedures, including those related to ethics, confidentiality, and intellectual property. The HR department or a designated team member can perform this task.

12. Introduction to industry trends and resources: Set designers need to stay updated with the latest industry trends, techniques, and resources. This task involves providing access to relevant publications, websites, and industry events. The design department or a designated team member can perform this task.

13. Performance expectations and evaluation: To ensure clarity on performance expectations, the new set designer should have a discussion with their supervisor or department head regarding goals, evaluation criteria, and performance review processes.

14. Introduction to company benefits and perks: The new set designer should be provided with information about company benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, vacation policies, and any additional perks. The HR department or a designated team member can perform this task.

15. Ongoing professional development opportunities: Set designers should be encouraged to enhance their skills and knowledge through professional development opportunities. This task involves providing information about workshops, conferences, and training programs. The HR department or a designated team member can perform this task

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Set Designer checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Set Designer up to speed and working well in your Design team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.